Program Specialist- Access

Town of Cary • Cary, NC

5d

About The Position

Cary’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources department is seeking a caring, compassionate, and motivated individual to support ACCESS, its specialized recreation and inclusion programming. ACCESS promotes an inclusive approach to recreation, encouraging people with and without disabilities to participate together. The Program Specialist assists with planning, coordinating, and implementing specialized recreation programs and inclusion services for individuals with disabilities, and provides assistance and guidance to temporary, seasonal, and volunteer staff as assigned. The position requires strong knowledge of community resources and the ability to support participants and families, build relationships, and advocate for people of all abilities. Work is performed under the direction of the Operations and Program Supervisor – ACCESS. The schedule is dynamic and requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed, as well as an on-call capacity to meet operational needs.

Requirements

• Education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Recreation Management, Special Education, Social Work, Human Services, Disability Studies, or a related field, and some experience working with individuals with disabilities or supporting recreation, educational, or community-based programs.
• Current basic first aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain certification upon hire.
• General knowledge of recreation programming and practices that support individuals with disabilities.
• Basic understanding of inclusion, accessibility, and accommodations.
• Ability to learn and apply inclusive recreation strategies and activity modifications.
• Ability to communicate effectively and establish positive working relationships with participants, families, staff, and community members.
• Ability to organize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Willingness and ability to learn new systems, procedures, and program practices.
• Ability to work nights and weekends to implement programs, trainings, special events, or facility operations, and to serve in an on-call capacity to meet operational needs.
• Possession of a current valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
• Satisfactory completion of required drug testing, background check, and reference checks prior to employment.
• Ability to perform light work involving periods of standing, walking, sitting, and moving between program locations; communicate effectively; review and prepare written and electronic materials; and set up, move, or transport program equipment and supplies. Some programs may require additional physical activity, coordination, or dexterity to demonstrate activities and provide support.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, organizing, and implementing recreation programs for children, teens, and adults with disabilities, including classes, sports, social programs, and special events.
• Coordinate with instructors, assist with scheduling program locations, and support program registration and fee setup.
• Assist with marketing and promoting ACCESS Cary programs and services, including entering and updating information in RecTrac, preparing program guide information, submitting materials and photos to marketing staff, and maintaining program communication and subscriber lists.
• Coordinate program materials, equipment, staffing needs, and facility setups; assist with setup, cleanup, equipment inventory, and identifying supply and equipment needs.
• Assist with hiring, training, and scheduling part-time staff and volunteers; provide guidance and feedback to support their assigned responsibilities.
• Support Inclusion Services by assisting with the development and implementation of individualized accommodation plans in collaboration with participants, parents or caregivers, and staff, as appropriate.
• Observe participants in programs, classes, camps, and athletic leagues to identify support needs and monitor the effectiveness of accommodations.
• Collaborate with staff, instructors, and families to identify adjustments that support meaningful participation.
• Assist with identifying and providing adaptive materials, equipment, and other supports.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with participants, families, community members, and organizations serving individuals with disabilities.
• Develop familiarity with local resources and services to support community connections and partnerships.
• Assist with staff training related to disability awareness, inclusive recreation practices, accessibility, and accommodations.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to build knowledge and skills.
• Assist with participant registration, maintain records and program data, respond to customer inquiries, and complete other administrative responsibilities.
• Support assigned projects and other program-related responsibilities; perform other job-related duties as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time