What are the responsibilities and job description for the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist position at Mecklenburg County?
Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career
Please Apply By: Sunday, February 16, 2025
Hiring Range: $46,464.86/yr - $60,985.13/yr
This is an exempt level position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant’s qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.
At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.
Did you know that Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation proudly hosts many community events each year? Hummingbird Festival, The Senior Games and Festival in the Park are just a few that our employees and residents look forward to every year! Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department (MCPRD) strives to enrich the lives of our residents. We do this by providing exciting and safe recreational amenities and programs, change to improve our resident’s fitness levels and decrease health care costs. This contributes to a sense of community through events and spaces for the public to socialize, thereby increasing property values and providing tourism venues. We protect open space, natural areas, and our treasured tree canopy through stewardship. We play a critical role in ensuring Mecklenburg County achieves its vision that the county “will be a community of pride and choice for people to LIVE, WORK and RECREATE.” The department serves a population exceeding one million residents and serves the City of Charlotte, six towns, and the unincorporated areas of the county covering 523 square miles. In addition, the department manages over 21,000 acres and 230 parks, nature preserves, greenways and facilities. The Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department is continually recognized for its cutting-edge programs, state-of the-art facilities and unique partnerships. Our success is rooted in our staff. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team, dedicated to building a better community, and being recognized as leaders both in our community and across the country, then Mecklenburg County has great opportunities for you.
Position Summary
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation Services is excited add a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist to the team! This position will be responsible for providing community-based, goal oriented, and objective-driven recreation and leisure programs for individuals with disabilities. The incumbent will also perform individual client assessments and evaluate and assess community programming needs. In addition, this position will educate, advocate and support inclusion services across Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. The selected candidate must currently have credentials that include Licensed Recreational Therapist (North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure) and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation) certification. This full-time position will be based at Ivory/Baker Recreation Center and will work a varying schedule including weekdays, evenings and weekends based on business needs.
By applying to this position, you are eligible to be considered for a similar role, in which you meet the minimum qualifications for, at other Park and Recreation locations should they become available. If you are looking to grow in your career, or transition laterally into a new role, don't miss this opportunity to apply!
Preferred Qualifications
Experience: No experience required
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, or related field
Combination of relevant experience and relevant education accepted?: Yes
Licenses/Certifications: Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License and County Driving Privileges; Requires current certification as a CTRS through NCTRC and current licensure as a LRT through NCBRTL. If not a current resident of NC, must have the ability to obtain licensure as an LRT within 45 calendar days of hire; First Aid/CPR
Computer Skills: Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite
Knowledge
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases your total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge and pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation and sick days; near site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more; an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling; access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Moderate noise is typical for this work environment
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.
Please Apply By: Sunday, February 16, 2025
Hiring Range: $46,464.86/yr - $60,985.13/yr
This is an exempt level position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant’s qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.
At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.
Did you know that Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation proudly hosts many community events each year? Hummingbird Festival, The Senior Games and Festival in the Park are just a few that our employees and residents look forward to every year! Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department (MCPRD) strives to enrich the lives of our residents. We do this by providing exciting and safe recreational amenities and programs, change to improve our resident’s fitness levels and decrease health care costs. This contributes to a sense of community through events and spaces for the public to socialize, thereby increasing property values and providing tourism venues. We protect open space, natural areas, and our treasured tree canopy through stewardship. We play a critical role in ensuring Mecklenburg County achieves its vision that the county “will be a community of pride and choice for people to LIVE, WORK and RECREATE.” The department serves a population exceeding one million residents and serves the City of Charlotte, six towns, and the unincorporated areas of the county covering 523 square miles. In addition, the department manages over 21,000 acres and 230 parks, nature preserves, greenways and facilities. The Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department is continually recognized for its cutting-edge programs, state-of the-art facilities and unique partnerships. Our success is rooted in our staff. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team, dedicated to building a better community, and being recognized as leaders both in our community and across the country, then Mecklenburg County has great opportunities for you.
Position Summary
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation Services is excited add a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist to the team! This position will be responsible for providing community-based, goal oriented, and objective-driven recreation and leisure programs for individuals with disabilities. The incumbent will also perform individual client assessments and evaluate and assess community programming needs. In addition, this position will educate, advocate and support inclusion services across Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. The selected candidate must currently have credentials that include Licensed Recreational Therapist (North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure) and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation) certification. This full-time position will be based at Ivory/Baker Recreation Center and will work a varying schedule including weekdays, evenings and weekends based on business needs.
By applying to this position, you are eligible to be considered for a similar role, in which you meet the minimum qualifications for, at other Park and Recreation locations should they become available. If you are looking to grow in your career, or transition laterally into a new role, don't miss this opportunity to apply!
Preferred Qualifications
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in Therapeutic Recreation/Recreation Therapy
- Experience performing Therapeutic Recreation assessments
- Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs
- Develop, monitor, and evaluate participant progress in therapeutic recreation programs
- Plan and conduct workshops regarding therapeutic recreation programs for organizations, agencies, and support groups
- Coordinate inventory and requisitions supplies, and maintenance of equipment as needed
- Plan, implement, evaluate, and participate in leisure activities
- Market programs and inclusive services to disability specific organizations, agencies, and support groups within the community
- Provide inclusion evaluations and support for members of the community who are seeking involvement in a traditional recreation setting
- Supervise volunteers, interns, and temporary staff
- Respond to emergency situations as needed
- Develop and implement revenue streams for programs
- Train, supervise, and evaluate Therapeutic Recreation intern students in accordance with regulations and guidelines established by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
Experience: No experience required
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, or related field
Combination of relevant experience and relevant education accepted?: Yes
Licenses/Certifications: Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License and County Driving Privileges; Requires current certification as a CTRS through NCTRC and current licensure as a LRT through NCBRTL. If not a current resident of NC, must have the ability to obtain licensure as an LRT within 45 calendar days of hire; First Aid/CPR
Computer Skills: Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite
Knowledge
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Diagnostic-specific criteria related to disabilities served and implications for recreation and leisure involvement and participation
- Physical, cognitive, developmental, psychiatric, and emotional / behavioral disabilities
- Stages of human development and appropriateness related to chronological or developmental age
- Therapeutic Recreation (TR) modalities including but not limited to: experiential education, social skills training, communication skills training, independent living skills training, community integration and inclusion, leisure education, and motor skills development
- Local, state, and national professional organizations and human service agencies related to the TR practice
- Communication techniques to be used with individuals with various disabilities
- Behavior management, positive behavioral support, and de-escalation techniques
- Therapeutic Recreation (TR) philosophy and TR APIE process (assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation).
- TR program design, leadership, implementation, and documentation
- Health and wellness information
- Managing multiple tasks concurrently
- Organizing and presenting demonstrations in area of specialization.
- Performing research to obtain pertinent information essential to job performance
- The use of North Carolina Intervention (State approved standardized curriculum that teaches prevention, de-escalation, and management of aggressive behaviors through the use of preventive measure and approved physical techniques)
- Wheelchair transfers and tie downs
- Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures
- Applied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job-related information in a timely manner
- Building Trust: Interacting with others in a way that instills confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization
- Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
- Customer Focus: Ensuring that the customer perspective is a driving forces behind business decisions and activities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers’ and own organization’s needs
- Initiating Action: Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive
- Safety Awareness: Identifying and correcting conditions that affect employee safety; upholding safety standards
In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases your total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge and pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation and sick days; near site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more; an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling; access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Moderate noise is typical for this work environment
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.
Salary : $46,465 - $60,985
