Special Recreation Instructor - Special Olympics (H)

Chicago Park District • Chicago, IL

15h • $27 - $27 • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, this role involves planning, promoting, organizing, instructing, and conducting recreation and leisure activities tailored to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and other special populations in Chicago. The instructor will conduct classes, coach teams, manage therapeutic recreation equipment, and recruit and train volunteers. Additionally, the position serves as a liaison with local advisory councils and local park staff, performing other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Completion of at least 20 credit hours in an accredited college or university in Therapeutic Recreation, Physical Education, Recreation or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year experience in Therapeutic Recreation.
• Must possess a valid State of Illinois Driver’s License.
• Knowledge of therapeutic recreation theories and principles.
• Familiarity with commonly accepted methods and techniques for teaching children and adults with disabilities and other special populations.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Skill in teaching a full range of therapeutic recreation sports and cultural and social activities.

Nice To Haves

• An Associate of Arts degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Physical Education, Recreation or a closely related field.
• A Bachelor of Arts degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Physical Education, Recreation or a closely related field.
• Therapeutic Recreation Assistant or Specialist (National Council for Therapeutic Certification).
• Adapted Aquatics Instructor.
• Water Safety Instructor.
• Special Olympics Sport Coach (various).

Responsibilities

• Plans and implements a community recreation curriculum and teaches a variety of physical, leisure, adapted aquatics and recreation activities to citizens with disabilities and to other special populations.
• Instructs and supervises Park District patrons involved in sports, games and recreation and athletics.
• Demonstrates proper techniques and skills for recreation and athletic activities.
• Accompanies, supervises and coaches athletes at local, regional, national and international special Olympics, Paralympics and other scheduled events.
• Evaluates individual skill levels and assesses the leisure capacity of program participants.
• Develops and identifies realistic recreation and athletic goals for patrons with disabilities and other special populations.
• Enforces and promotes safety guidelines for specialized recreation and athletic activities.
• Helps develop and promote the Park District therapeutic recreation program.
• Contributes to program management in the areas of planning, monitoring and training program volunteers.
• Provides technical supervision for personnel assigned to work with participants.
• Issues and maintains an inventory of recreation equipment and supplies.
• Sets up recreation apparatus and equipment.
• Performs general administrative duties including but not limited to registration, fee collection, maintenance of health records and parental release forms, and other record keeping duties.
• Supervises unorganized play and enforces Park District rules and regulations.
• Conducts and attends workshops and in-service training seminars.

Benefits

• +$1.00/hour increase on 1/1/2026.
• +$1.00/hour increase on 1/1/2027.
• 1 day of personal leave at the commencement of each quarter, accrued on a pro rata basis.
• 2 days of sick leave at the commencement of each quarter, accrued on a pro rata basis.
• After one year of employment, employees who work 1,040 hours or more in the previous year are typically eligible for between 7-10 workdays of paid vacation time annually, and additional time after first 5 years of employment.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave (upon meeting FMLA eligibility requirements).
• Pension plan through the Park Employees' and Retirement Board Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund, a system covered by the State of Illinois' Reciprocal Act.
• Free Admission to most Chicago Museums.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees