Job Description

Complete an online application at www.nssra.org/jobs to schedule an interview.

RECREATION PROGRAM LEADER

At NSSRA, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to play. Formed in 1970 with that goal in mind, we were the first Special Recreation Association in the country, offering programs and services for children, teens and adults with disabilities. We are similar to a park district; however we only serve residents in our partner communities with special needs.

NSSRA has over 500 recreation, sport, cultural and social offerings available throughout the year, creating new experiences, opportunities for skill development, leisure time, and perhaps most importantly, friendship. Programs are offered at park district facilities, schools, and other community locations around the northern suburbs. We serve approximately 1,800 individuals throughout the year in the northern suburbs of Chicago. We’re all about creating an environment of belonging through play, and we want you to be a part of our team!

ABOUT THE JOB

Are you a professional or aspiring professional in the fields of special education, social work, therapeutic settings, or disability services seeking additional leadership opportunities? Gaining experience in therapeutic recreation can enhance your qualifications and provide transferrable skills to your career, all while making a difference!

NSSRA is looking for enthusiastic, motivated, and passionate candidates to make an impact in the lives of individuals disabilities through leading quality programming on evenings and weekends. Programming can include fitness, specialty instruction, social outings, and themed events. Program leaders are responsible for the implementation of programming, general oversight of staff and participants, behavior management and handling safety concerns. This position has flexible scheduling, NSSRA will work with Program Leaders to determine a schedule that meets their needs.

In this role, you are responsible for the following tasks:

· Communicate with other staff throughout the program including transition between activities, maintaining safety at all times.

· Assist with activities of daily living such as feeding, changing, toileting and transferring.

· Provide activity adaptations as necessary.

· Provide behavior management and if CPI certified, physical restraint as an absolute last resort.

· Attend to specific dietary restrictions of participants, following through with plans provided by families.

· Complete required paperwork including, but not limited to, program planning, evaluations, attendance forms, accident/incident reports, applicable safety forms and timesheets.

· Follow participant plans for assigned individuals at all times.

· Assign staff to participants prior to start of program and adjust assignments as needed.

· Provide guidance and supervision for assisting staff and volunteers.

· Supervise and evaluate job performance of staff and volunteers, as assigned.

· Dispense medication following proper dispensing procedures.

· Communicate weekly with Recreation Specialists and/or Manager on status of your programs.

· Coordinate necessary program supplies for each program.

· Complete agency driver training program and maintain status as an NSSRA driver.

ABOUT YOU

· Must be 21 years of age or older.

· Possess a valid Driver’s License.

· Personal transportation to and from NSSRA programs and partner agencies.

· Must be certified in CPR, First Aid and CPI or obtain certification within 3 months of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.

· Prefer to have or be working toward a degree from an accredited university in Therapeutic Recreation or related field or equivalent experience in recreation setting, working with individuals with disabilities.

JOIN THE TEAM

Complete an online application at www.nssra.org/jobs to schedule an interview.

THE FINE PRINT

All positions are part-time. Scheduling is assigned by program season, and hours are flexible and can be adjusted per season. Reliable transportation is required to ensure attendance at all scheduled programs.

Pay: Starting at $20 per hour

NSSRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Company Description

NSSRA has nearly 600 recreation, sport, cultural, social, and leisure offerings available throughout the year, creating new experiences, opportunities for skill development, leisure time, and perhaps most importantly, friendship. Programs are offered at park district facilities, schools and other community locations throughout the northern suburbs.