Special Recreation Instructor (H) Piotrowski Park

Chicago Park District • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

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 conducts classes, coaches teams, manages therapeutic recreation equipment, recruits and trains volunteers, and serves as a liaison with local advisory councils and park staff. The position is based at Piotrowski Park and is budgeted for up to 25 hours per week.

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 experience in Therapeutic Recreation, 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 full range of therapeutic recreation sports and cultural and social activities.
• Ability to observe and evaluate individual participant progress.

Nice To Haves

• Associate of Arts degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Physical Education, Recreation, or a closely related field is recommended.
• Bachelor of Arts degree is preferred.
• Therapeutic Recreation Assistant or Specialist certification from the National Council for Therapeutic 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 a community recreation curriculum, teaching physical, leisure, adapted aquatics, and recreation activities to people with disabilities and other special populations.
• Instruct and supervise Park District 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’ individual skill levels and leisure capacity.
• Develop and identify realistic recreation and athletic goals for patrons with disabilities and other special populations.
• Enforce and promote safety guidelines for specialized recreation and athletic activities.
• Help develop and promote the Park District therapeutic recreation program.
• Contribute to program management, including planning, monitoring, and training program volunteers.
• Provide technical supervision for personnel assigned to work with participants.
• Issue and maintain an inventory of recreation equipment and supplies.
• Set up recreation apparatus and equipment.
• Perform administrative duties, including registration, fee collection, maintenance of 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.

Benefits

• $1.00 per hour increase on January 1, 2026.
• $1.00 per hour increase on January 1, 2027.
• One day of personal leave at the beginning of each quarter, accrued on a prorated basis.
• Two days of sick leave at the beginning of each quarter, accrued on a prorated basis.
• After one year of employment, employees who worked 1,040 hours or more in the previous year are typically eligible for 7–10 workdays of paid vacation annually, with additional time after five 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.
• Free admission to most Chicago museums.

What This Job Offers

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