Recreation Specialist-Day Camp

NORTHWEST SPECIAL RECREATION ASSN•Rolling Meadows, IL

7d•$44,888 - $48,888•Onsite

About The Position

The Recreation Specialist – Day Camp uses recreation, day camp, leisure, and activity-based interventions to enhance the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of individuals with disabilities. This role assesses participant needs, develops and implements individualized and program plans, facilitates therapeutic recreation programs, and evaluates outcomes to support functional improvement, independence, and overall quality of life in recreational settings.

Requirements

Graduated from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Parks and Recreation or related field of study.
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Certification (CTRS) through National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) or Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), or the ability to obtain certification within a timeframe determined by Association policy and/or the Executive Director.
First Aid/CPR/AED certification required or ability to obtain.
Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification required or ability to obtain.
Ability to drive Association vehicles and obtain an Illinois Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Maintain all required certifications.
Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the theory and philosophy of therapeutic and community recreation, with a strong commitment to individuals with disabilities.
Possess the knowledge and ability to work effectively with individuals with disabilities.
Ability to assess, plan, develop, implement, and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs.
Highly motivated, outgoing, and confident self-starter with strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
Demonstrates leadership qualities, including maturity, flexibility, and professionalism.
Experience in supervising, training, and evaluating part-time employees, with openness to developing individual organizational and supervisory styles
Demonstrates the ability to work independently and collaboratively, brings strong problem-solving skills, and consistently shows reliability, punctuality, and a positive, team-oriented attitude.
Represent the Association in a positive, respectful way when working with NWSRA Board Members, SLSF Trustees, interns, volunteers, part-time staff, families, participants, partner districts, and the public.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop and implement a variety of programs, including general, clubs, special events, Leisure Education, Winter, Spring and Summer camps, trips/overnights, Lightning Athletics, inclusive placements and cooperative programs, with creativity and enthusiasm.
Implement behavior management strategies as needed while supporting individual and social skill development, encouraging independence, promoting full participation by adapting activities, and ensuring participants’ physical/emotional well-being.
Serve as a team leader for recreational programs, supervising and evaluating part-time employees and volunteers to promote group cohesiveness.
Coach and develop part-time employees and volunteers to ensure effective, consistent, and high-quality recreation support.
Solve complex problems, work efficiently under pressure, and meet deadlines for projects, assignments, and events.
Select and recommend supplies and equipment while overseeing inventory, cleaning, inspection, restocking, and ongoing maintenance within assigned areas of responsibility.
Assist in developing clear and concise communication to all program staff, part-time employees, parents/guardians, and community or district partners.
Participate in interviews for part-time employees, including Site Directors, Assistant Site Directors, Rovers, and Camp Counselors.
Coordinate all aspects of day camp operations to ensure high-quality programming and safe environments, including activity planning, facility and site expectations, field trips, transportation logistics, and communications with staff and participants.
Supervise, support, and evaluate part-time employees throughout the camp season.
Assist in developing, monitoring, and managing the day camp budget, including staffing, supplies, equipment, field trips, and program materials.
Assist in leading new hire orientation and onboarding for part-time employees and volunteers; organize and deliver training for returning staff, including compliance, safety, programming, and participant support refreshers.
Provide on-call support for programs, addressing urgent participant needs and assisting with coverage, emergencies, or operational needs as required.
Effectively use phones, computers, tablets, software, and online tools to complete job duties, while preparing, receiving, understanding, and responding promptly to written communications via mail, text, or email.
Drive Association or personal vehicles for recreation programs, meetings, or Association business.
Assist with recruitment and outreach efforts by attending job fairs, school career programs, community events, and staff interviews.
Perform other duties as needed to support the Association’s Vision, fulfill the Mission, and uphold NWSRA’s Core Values.