Recreation Specialist

Seaspar•Downers Grove, IL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

SEASPAR is a special recreation association serving thirteen communities in eastern DuPage and southern Cook counties, with a home base in Downers Grove. SEASPAR offers year-round programming for individuals with disabilities, including weekly social, artistic, cultural, and fitness programs, special events and trips, Special Olympics training, adapted sports, and multi-sensory rooms. The organization is currently seeking an energetic, dependable, and flexible candidate for the Recreation Specialist position. This is a non-exempt, permanent part-time position responsible for leading and supporting SEASPAR programs and services, with a primary focus on direct program leadership, driving participants and staff during program outings, and participant support. The Recreation Specialist will be assigned seasonal programs alongside EAGLES and Inclusion shifts, and will also support SEASPAR's Aktion Club.

Requirements

High School Diploma required
Valid Driver's License
CPR/First Aid certification
CPI/Conflict Resolution certification (or ability to obtain within six months)
21 years of age or older
Able to perform the job functions independently of others
Availability to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends
Ability and willingness to lead programs
Ability and willingness to drive SEASPAR vehicles when assigned
Ability and willingness to provide dependable coverage across a variety of program areas

Nice To Haves

College degree preferred
Two years direct experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred

Responsibilities

Spend at least 50% of scheduled time in direct program leadership or assistance across SEASPAR programs, special events, inclusion, EAGLES, Aktion Club and other assigned programs.
Lead and assist assigned programs independently and serve as a leader/driver when assigned, including weekday, evening, weekend, trips, Special Olympics, and special events.
Sub for program staff when needed and provide dependable coverage for call-offs, vacancies, or other staffing needs within the scope of the position.
Use office time primarily for preparation and follow-up directly connected to assigned programs, including gathering supplies, preparing activities, creating participant supports, organizing equipment, and completing required program documentation.
Develop and maintain lesson plans for assigned programs.
Support Aktion Club as assigned, including preparation and implementation of activities, outings, community support projects, fundraising efforts, special events, and transportation.
Attend required trainings, in-services, and program-specific meetings when directly related to assigned responsibilities.
Successfully work with full-time staff, part-time staff, volunteers, parents/guardians, community partners, member entity staff, and individuals with disabilities.
Provide direction and delegate responsibilities to program staff and volunteers during assigned programs.
Understand the individual needs, abilities, medical considerations, and support strategies of participants and provide appropriate support in all situations.
Ensure safety factors relative to program and participant needs.
Know and use proper disciplinary techniques; provide behavior management when necessary.
Be available to listen to parental concerns and answer questions on behalf of SEASPAR or refer questions to administrative staff.
Ensure that the facility/program site as well as any equipment is properly maintained.
Read, understand, and abide by all SEASPAR policies and procedures.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.