Seasonal – Activity Programs Instructor (Therapeutic Recreation/Austin Parks and Recreation)

City of Austin•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Activity Programs Instructor develops and implements specialized recreational programs and activities under general supervision. This seasonal position works in a recreation program setting specializing in adaptive programming for participants with special needs. Instructors adapt workshops and classes to students’ ages, physical abilities, and interests, provide classroom management, monitor breaks, assist with student check-in and check-out, offer feedback and encouragement, and ensure the safe and proper use of equipment, materials, and facilities. The role may involve leading or instructing recreational games, sports, science and nature activities, outdoor recreation, arts and crafts, team building, therapeutic recreation, inclusion and special education, or STEAM programming. Assignments may be at various City of Austin recreation facilities, with location and work assignments determined by the hiring manager. The schedule is variable, 20 to 40 hours per week, and may include special events, evenings, weekends, holidays, or city emergencies. Travel to multiple work locations may be required.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or GED.
No experience required.
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
Knowledge of recreational programs and activities; City practices and policies; local laws and procedures; federal, state, and local laws and ordinances; fiscal planning and budget preparation; supervisory and managerial techniques; and safety practices and procedures.
Oral and written communication skills; computer and related software skills; data analysis and problem-solving skills; and ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize.
Ability to plan, market, and promote programs; work through frequent interruptions and changing priorities; and establish and maintain good working relationships with the City and the public.
Appropriate certifications as specified for the assignment; CPR, First Aid, Water Safety Instruction, or other certifications may be required depending on the assigned class.
Texas Class C driver license or ability to acquire one by the hire date; a commercial driver license may be required for some assignments.
Ability to travel to more than one work location.
Physical ability to perform tasks involving bending, lifting, walking, carrying, and using a force equal to lifting up to 20 pounds; work activities may include walking, hiking, climbing, standing, balancing, kneeling, stooping, running, bending, crawling, swimming, stretching, and reaching.

Nice To Haves

Experience implementing adapted recreational activities for individuals and groups with disabilities, from age six through adulthood.
Experience working with youth and teens in recreational programming and implementing or teaching recreational classes and activities.
Ability to communicate fluently in English and Spanish, or English and another language.
Experience leading or instructing recreational games and activities, sports or athletics, science, nature or environmental education, outdoor recreation, arts and crafts, team building, therapeutic recreation, inclusion and special education, or STEAM programming.

Responsibilities

Develop, market, schedule, implement, conduct, and coordinate Citywide activities, programs, and special events.
Coach and officiate sporting activities.
Ensure events and activities conform to appropriate safety rules.
Modify classes and workshops to accommodate individuals with a variety of disabilities and adapt instruction to participants’ ages, physical abilities, and interests.
Prepare and review payments, cash receipts, billing, and other accounting transactions by verifying documentation and completing transactions accurately.
Coordinate with other organizations and solicit donations.
Transport and/or accompany program and event participants.
Provide participants and the general public with information.
Complete and maintain forms, records, and reports.
Ensure proper facility and equipment setup and maintenance, and maintain inventories of supplies, tools, equipment, trophies, prizes, and mementos.
Provide classroom management, monitor indoor and outdoor breaks, assist with student check-in and check-out, and provide feedback and encouragement.
Ensure safe and proper use of equipment, materials, and facilities.
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.