Therapeutic Recreation Specialist #2026-014

City of Pompano Beach, FL•Pompano Beach, FL

31d

About The Position

This is a supervisory, department-wide leadership position responsible for the strategic direction, coordination, and evaluation of therapeutic recreation and inclusion services across the entire Parks and Recreation Department. The Therapeutic Recreation Specialist ensures that all recreation programs and services are accessible, inclusive, and aligned with therapeutic recreation standards for individuals with disabilities, older adults, and others requiring accommodations. The position provides direct supervision to two (2) full-time Therapeutic Recreation Leaders who plan and implement therapeutic recreation programs and inclusive services. This role sets program priorities, ensures consistent quality and safety across all sites, evaluates staff performance, and coordinates resources to meet community needs. Responsibilities include participant assessment, individualized participation planning, staff training, and problem-solving for complex inclusion needs across program areas such as sports, aquatics, camps, special events, classes, and leisure services. The Specialist serves as the department's subject-matter lead for ADA compliance, inclusion best practices, adaptive programming, behavior support, and accommodation processes. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Recreation Manager.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a closely related field.
Three (3) years of professional recreation experience, including one (1) year of lead or supervisory experience.
Experience working or volunteering with individuals with disabilities in a recreation or similar setting.
A comparable amount of training or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
Possess a valid FL driver's license.
First Aid and CPR certification (required to obtain within 1 year of hire).
Advanced knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles, inclusion supports, adaptive programming, and ADA accessibility requirements.
Demonstrated ability to supervise staff, guide program development, and ensure consistent service delivery across multiple program areas.
Skill in evaluating programs, analyzing participant needs, and implementing improvements based on outcomes and community demand.
Strong leadership presence; fair, consistent, and supportive supervisory approach.
Excellent oral and written communication for documentation, training, public engagement, and partnership management.
High-level planning, organization, and project coordination skills
Ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls.
Work includes standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, handling, pushing, and pulling

Nice To Haves

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide department-wide leadership for therapeutic recreation and inclusion services across all Parks and Recreation facilities, sites, and program areas.
Directly supervise two (2) full-time Therapeutic Recreation Leaders; provide coaching, performance feedback, scheduling guidance, and operational oversight.
Review, approve, and monitor program plans developed by Therapeutic Recreation Leaders to ensure quality, safety, and alignment with departmental objectives.
Assess participants (individuals with disabilities) to identify needs, strengths, and barriers to participation.
Provide direct inclusion support for participants with disabilities in recreation programs; modify activities and environments as needed.
Consult with program staff on adaptive strategies, behavior supports, risk management, and participant success plans.
Design and deliver recurring staff trainings on inclusion, disability awareness, mental health considerations, and adaptive programming.
Oversee vendor and instructor contracts related to therapeutic and inclusive programming; ensure compliance with scope, safety, and service quality.
Develop outreach strategies and partnerships to expand therapeutic recreation services and awareness across the community.
Prepare and maintain accurate participant records, program documentation, outcome reports, and performance metrics.
Assist with budget development and monitoring for therapeutic recreation services; review expenditures, invoices, and purchasing needs.
Manage inventory and lifecycle planning for adaptive equipment and therapeutic recreation resources.
Lead grant preparation and alternative funding efforts that enhance inclusion and therapeutic recreation services.
Perform other related duties as assigned