If you are creative, a collaborative team player, possess a great deal of initiative, and thrive on challenge, consider applying to lead WDSRA’s Support Staff team, a group of individuals committed to recruiting, hiring, training and retaining a highly qualified pool of seasonal staff and volunteers. The Support Staff Manager will lead the agency’s recruitment task force to attract new seasonal staff members and position WDSRA as a great place to work.

To apply, go to https://www.wdsra.com/employment-volunteers/. Excellent benefits package available.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS • Interview, hire, orient and discipline Support Services team staff. • Supervise Support Services team staff by: managing workloads; monitoring staff’s performance with continual feedback and regular performance reviews; promoting staff growth and development; and providing training and support as needed. • Direct full cycle employment process for seasonal staff and 2nd level supervision of seasonal staff including approving all disciplinary action. • Manage seasonal staff compensation, create seasonal staff related budgets and monitor financial activity. • Collaboratively develop and lead seasonal staff meetings. • Lead Recruitment Task Force to create a holistic approach for recruiting staff and volunteers. • Understand applicable laws and study best practices to create operating manuals pertaining to seasonal staff, volunteers. • Fill the role of Head Instructor, Assistant, Driver, or Inclusion staff as needed in programs by executing established lesson plans, encouraging participant engagement and ensuring participant safety. Monitor after-hours/weekend phone and respond to on-call situations as needed. • Perform other duties as assigned. • Fulfill your job duties in line with agency policies, mission, vision, core values and cultural expectations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES • Possess outstanding skills in administration of support staff and volunteer program including development of applicable policies and procedures and creation of training manuals • Demonstrate knowledge of all aspects of the hiring cycle as it pertains to seasonal staff and ensure that best practices are followed • Demonstrate creativity, initiative and strong leadership skills, especially in the development of a recruitment and retention plan for seasonal staff and volunteers • Demonstrate fiscal ability through creation of area budget and monitoring fiscal activity as well as managing seasonal staff compensation • Extensive knowledge and experience of various disabilities and best practices in supporting individuals who have special needs • Demonstrate knowledge and expertise in behavior and classroom management skills and possess ability to train and mentor others in these areas • Possess excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrate an ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with stakeholders • Create thorough training sessions as well as materials to accompany those trainings and demonstrate strong public speaking skills during their presentation • Ability to direct and supervise full-time and seasonal staff • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Excellent time management and organizational skills to enable working in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment managing multiple priorities, tasks and/or interruptions and meet established deadlines • Possess creative problem-solving and independent judgement skills • Ability to adapt to changes in all aspects of the job • Ability to accommodate evening and weekend programs, presentations or meetings and to serve in a weekend on call position 4-6 times per year • Knowledgeable and comfortable working in databases and proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software • Prolonged use of office equipment, computer and phone on a daily basis • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle confidential information discreetly • Ability to safely lift up to 40 pounds- over 40 pounds requires two people or mechanical assistance • Possession of a valid Illinois Class “D” driver’s license to drive personal and agency vehicles to/from programs, between program sites and for general transportation of participants, supplies and equipment • Supervise program participants including behavior management, transferring, personal care and other skills necessary for overall independence and participation

QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university based on a major in Therapeutic Recreation or related field. • A minimum of five (5) years of experience in safety and HR staffing administration within a TR setting • A minimum of three (3) years supervisory experience • A certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and/or Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or the ability to obtain.