Therapeutic Recreation Programmer

JOB TITLE Therapeutic Recreation Programmer FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

General Statement of Duties: Under the general direction of the Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator, the primary responsibility of this position is to lead and assist in conducting, promoting, coordinating and supervising various Therapeutic Recreation programs which includes, but is not limited to, land and aquatic based programs as well as individual and group services.

Supervision Received: Works under the supervision of the Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator and takes direction from other Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists on staff as well.

Supervision Exercised: May provide direction to assigned part-time staff, contractors, volunteers and interns.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Examples of Duties: The following examples of duties are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive.

• Provides exceptional customer service to promote and support Therapeutic Recreation programs. Role-models appropriate attire, and professionalism in direct customer service. Presents a cheerful outlook approach in working with participants, parents, caregivers and other staff members.
• Assists in the promotion and advertisement of the program through the development and distribution of program flyers, registrations, brochures, newsletters, calendars, and other promotional materials.
• Maintains all necessary forms, paperwork, and attendance records of participants.
• Plans, organizes, initiates, and promotes the program.
• Responds to voice mail and email in a timely manner.
• Assists in the development and enforcement of rules, emphasizing safety and sportsmanship.
• Follows goal-directed programming established by the Therapeutic Recreation Specialists when working with clients. Documents participant progress toward established goals as requested.
• Assists in the coordination and maintenance of schedules.
• Assists in the recruitment, training and supervision of paid and volunteer instructors/coaches as needed.
• Assists with conducting volunteer orientation and training.
• Assists instructors/coaches in teaching skills, strategies, and rules to participants.
• Schedule will include implementation of direct service.
• Maintains cleanliness and order of the program area.
• Inventories and maintains all program equipment.
• Reviews, revises (as needed) and distributes goals to families that are served.
• Informs instructors/coaches, participants, staff, and Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator of any changes in the program and/or schedule.
• Acts as an on-site liaison to assist volunteers, parents, and participants as needed.
• Problem-solves, communicates, and mediates (as needed) issues between parents, participants, staff, facility and the public.
• Reports any questions, concerns, programmatic information, emergencies, etc. immediately to the supervisor.
• Attends to accidents and emergencies crises; completes necessary reports for all incidents.
• Maintains on-going communication with supervisor regarding program status.
• Distributes and collects program evaluations.
• Performs related duties as assigned and required.
• Assists other Therapeutic Recreation staff members in the direct provision of 1:1 service, group activities, classes, special events and Special Olympics sports for participants of all ages and ability levels.
• Helps with set up and take down of equipment, including adaptive and specialized equipment required for clients to participate.
• Provides services in a wide variety of environments, including swimming pools.
• Works in conjunction with other Therapeutic Recreation staff members, volunteers and interns to promote programs and provide quality customer service.
• Supports the Therapeutic Recreation program by providing information to participants, parents or caregivers.

Physical and Environmental Standards: Most work is performed indoors in a busy recreation center where noise and interruptions prevail. Work may also be performed outdoors in different types of conditions including, but not limited to, heat, sun, humidity, wind, cold, rain and snow. Must be able to frequently move and occasionally sit, walk, stand, climb, bend, kneel, stoop, reach and lift, push or pull. Manual dexterity is needed to type, write, and use computer and phone. The ability to talk and hear via the telephone and through face-to-face communication is needed. Vision requirements include near and far acuity. Upper body strength is a requisite to lift/ move a maximum of 40 pounds unassisted and 60 pounds with assistance.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Advanced knowledge of serving persons with disabilities in a variety of recreation capacities including water, indoor and outdoor recreation settings. Ability to work with youth and adults in specialized and inclusive settings. Ability to demonstrate techniques of adaptations and modifications when necessary. Ability to supervise and provide effective support for staff members and contractors, as well as volunteers and interns. Ability to organize, manage and direct multiple programs and perform multiple tasks. Computer literate. Ability to effectively communicate, both verbal and written, with internal and external customers. Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification, and Concussion training within 3 months of hire date.

Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

Benefits: Benefits for part time employees include Paid Sick Leave, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Discounts (30%) for Programs and Events, Referral Program, Recreation Center usage, 401k plus company match and Health Insurance, Telehealth and Flex Plans after one year if the minimum hours requirement is determined.

Education: Preferred bachelors degree in Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation Administration or related field from a four-year institute. Course work in health promotion, recreation, exercise science, rehabilitation or therapeutic intervention is preferred.

Experience: Two years experience in a related field. Must be 21 years of age. Experience in implementing services for populations with disabilities in a recreation setting. Aquatic therapy and experience teaching swim lessons to a variety of ability levels highly preferred.

Application submittal deadline: 4/30/2025

EOE