Special Recreation Instructor (H) Piotrowski Park

Chicago Park District • Chicago, IL

1d

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Special Recreation Instructor plans, promotes, organizes, instructs, and conducts recreation and leisure activities for people with disabilities and other special populations in Chicago. The role includes teaching classes, coaching teams, managing therapeutic recreation equipment, recruiting and training volunteers, and serving as a liaison with local advisory councils and park staff. The position is available at Piotrowski Park and is budgeted for up to 25 hours per week.

The instructor plans and implements community recreation programming, teaches physical, leisure, adapted aquatics, and other recreation activities, and supervises participants in sports, games, athletics, and recreation. The role also includes evaluating participant abilities and progress, setting appropriate goals, promoting safety, supporting program management and volunteer training, providing technical supervision to assigned personnel, maintaining equipment and records, and attending workshops and training seminars.

Minimum qualifications include at least 20 college credit hours in Therapeutic Recreation, Physical Education, Recreation, or a closely related field, plus one year of Therapeutic Recreation experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid CPR certification from the American Red Cross or another nationally recognized organization is required. An associate degree is recommended, and a bachelor’s degree is preferred. The position pays $26.63 per hour and is covered by the District’s agreement with SEIU Local 73.

Requirements

• At least 20 credit hours from an accredited college or university in Therapeutic Recreation, Physical Education, Recreation, or a closely related field, plus one year of Therapeutic Recreation experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid CPR certification from the American Red Cross or another nationally recognized organization.
• 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 range of therapeutic recreation sports and cultural and social activities.
• Ability to observe and evaluate individual participant progress.

Nice To Haves

• An Associate of Arts degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field is recommended.
• A Bachelor of Arts degree in one of these fields is preferred.
• Therapeutic Recreation Assistant or Specialist certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification is recommended.
• Adapted Aquatics Instructor certification is recommended.
• Water Safety Instructor certification is recommended.
• Special Olympics Sport Coach certification is recommended.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement community recreation curricula and teach physical, leisure, adapted aquatics, and other recreation activities to people with disabilities and other special populations.
• Instruct and supervise patrons participating in sports, games, recreation, and athletics.
• Demonstrate proper techniques and skills for recreation and athletic activities.
• Accompany, supervise, and coach athletes at local, regional, national, and international Special Olympics, Paralympics, and other scheduled events.
• Evaluate participants’ skill levels and leisure capacity, and develop realistic recreation and athletic goals.
• Enforce and promote safety guidelines for specialized recreation and athletic activities.
• Help develop and promote the Park District therapeutic recreation program.
• Contribute to program planning, monitoring, and volunteer training.
• Provide technical supervision for personnel assigned to work with participants.
• Issue and maintain an inventory of recreation equipment and supplies, and set up recreation apparatus and equipment.
• Perform administrative duties, including registration, fee collection, maintaining health records and parental release forms, and other record keeping.
• Supervise unorganized play and enforce Park District rules and regulations.
• Conduct and attend workshops and in-service training seminars.
• Serve as a liaison with local advisory councils and local park staff.
• Recruit and train volunteers.

Benefits

• $1.00 per hour increase effective January 1, 2026.
• $1.00 per hour increase effective January 1, 2027.
• One day of personal leave at the commencement of each quarter, accrued pro rata.
• Two days of sick leave at the commencement of each quarter, accrued pro rata.
• Eligible employees who meet the stated service and hours criteria are typically eligible for 7–10 workdays of paid vacation annually, with additional time after five years of employment.
• Twelve weeks of paid parental leave upon meeting FMLA eligibility requirements.
• Pension plan through the Park Employees’ and Retirement Board Employees’ Annuity and Benefit Fund.
• Free admission to most Chicago museums.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree