Recreation Specialist - School Collabs/Sensory Room

WSSRA•Franklin Park, IL

About The Position

The Recreation Specialist develops, manages, and implements seasonal recreation programs and events for individuals with disabilities of all ages and ability levels. The position oversees WSSRA’s School Collaborative Programing and Imaginarium Sensory Room and reports directly to the Program Manager. The role includes planning and supervising recreation programs, special events, and overnight trips; managing school collaborative programs; overseeing the sensory room; and completing program documentation. The Recreation Specialist also supports recruitment and community outreach, monitors budgets, assists participants with activities of daily living as needed, and supervises seasonal staff and volunteers. The position supports the agency’s risk management program and helps create new programs and brochure plans for assigned areas.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a related field.
Experience planning and implementing recreation programs for individuals with disabilities.
Valid Illinois driver’s license.
Ability to work some evening and weekend hours.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to adapt to changing environments and manage multiple responsibilities.
Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check.

Nice To Haves

NCTRC (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification) is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop, organize, and supervise recreation programs, special events, and overnight trips for individuals with disabilities of all ages.
Complete program-related paperwork, including lesson plans, program evaluations, staff evaluations, and participant assessments.
Manage WSSRA’s school collaborative programs and help ensure a positive participant experience.
Oversee WSSRA’s Imaginarium Sensory Room.
Assist with program recruitment and represent WSSRA at community and partner events.
Prepare and monitor program budgets.
Supervise participants during programs and assist with activities of daily living as needed.
Develop behavior plans and visual aids to support participant needs.
Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate seasonal part-time staff and volunteers.
Enforce safety policies and report incidents and accidents to the agency risk management representative.
Assist in creating new programs and developing brochure plans for assigned areas.
Establish relationships within school districts and with outside organizations.
Drive agency vehicles to transport participants to and from programs, and transport program equipment.
Attend agency meetings and meetings for state and local organizations.
Perform other duties as assigned.