Therapeutic Recreation Intern
About The Position
The City and County of Denver’s Parks and Recreation is seeking a Therapeutic Recreation Intern to assist with planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating community-based therapeutic recreation programs for citizens with disabilities. The programs support development of physical, mental, emotional, social, and leisure skills that enable participants to take part in activities that enhance their well-being. The internship provides hands-on experience applying educational knowledge and developing, curating, and implementing programs alongside experienced professionals. Interns learn about adaptive programming, the Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and Documentation (APIED) process, inclusion in community recreation, and therapeutic recreation for participants of all ages and abilities. The position is on site at multiple recreation centers and other locations around the City and County of Denver. It runs for one semester—Fall, Spring, or Summer—and consists of 15 weeks and 600 hours. The internship is anticipated to begin in Summer 2027. The position is designated Oncall. The hourly salary range is $19.29–$21.80, with target pay of $19.42–$21.26 per hour based on education.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in an accredited college program leading to a certificate, licensure, associate, bachelor’s, or higher degree, or a recent graduate who completed the specified program within one year of completion.
- Enrolled in a Therapeutic Recreation or Adaptive Recreation program at an accredited institution.
- Previously completed and passed a collegiate-level Anatomy or Physiology course, with a posted grade shown on transcripts, and able to articulate the course subject’s functionality.
- Able to intern on site for the full semester.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong critical skills.
- Passion for therapeutic recreation activities and programs.
- No experience is required.
- No substitution of experience for education is permitted.
- Must submit a 1–2 page resume with current information, a cover letter detailing interest in the position, and official or unofficial transcripts dated within the current academic term that include a posted grade for an Anatomy or Physiology course.
- Must have valid U.S. work authorization that does not require visa sponsorship.
Responsibilities
- Assist in planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating recreation programs.
- Participate in adaptive programs, including 1:1 application of the APIED process, Special Olympics, and volunteer management.
- Learn and apply the Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and Documentation (APIED) process when creating individual treatment plans.
- Apply and facilitate inclusion in community recreation programs.
- Organize and implement therapeutic recreation programming for participants of all ages and abilities.
- Coordinate special events.
- Lead therapeutic recreation activities and programs.
- Work on ad hoc tasks, projects, and assignments aligned with team goals and initiatives.
Benefits
- Competitive hourly rate commensurate with education.
- Support from a trained hiring manager.
- Encouraged to attend up to four professional development sessions each season.
- Onboarding with a cohort of peers to help develop a network across the City and participate in similar programming.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
