Recreation Inclusion Companion (part time)

Recreation Inclusion Companion

Salary- Starts at $15/hour

Hours- Varies, hours are flexible and adjust by the season. Work schedules may range from a minimum of 1 hour per week to 28 hours per week September – May. Up to 40 hours/week June – August. 

Locations- Various Recreation Facilities – neighborhood parks, Community Center, Art Center, or Outdoor Center

Applicable Careers- Special Education Teacher, Social Worker, Healthcare, Therapist OT/Speech/PT, School Counselor, Psychologist, Therapeutic Recreation

Benefits of working with Eden Prairie Parks & Recreation 

• Valuable work experience enhancing skills such as communication, leadership, initiative, and organization.
• Rewarding position working with youth and young adults with disabilities.
• Limited evenings or weekend hours!

Position Details

We are looking for individuals with creativity, patience, ability to problem solve and provide support to people with disabilities while participating in recreation programs and activities.  The Recreation Inclusion Companion provides the necessary adaptations, accommodations, and supports to individuals who have a disability in general recreation programs and activities. The balance of support and freedom within the context of the program is a sensitive area that the position must use good judgment.

Some people with disabilities choose to participate in Parks and Recreation programs alongside people without disabilities.  This position would allow and support that choice.

This position is primarily responsible for the following areas of impact:

• Promotes skill development of participants with disabilities in the activity they are participating.
• Assists participants in using age-appropriate self-management skills including communication, self-regulation, self-help skills, motor skills, play and relationship skills.
• Provides the opportunity for success for all participants by adapting activities, managing behaviors, providing personal cares, and providing additional assistance as needed.
• Encourages participants to be as independent as possible and respects each participant’s unique learning style.
• Ensure safety of participants.
• Provides high quality customer service by consistently exhibiting an enthusiastic attitude; greeting participants with a smile, eye contact, and personalized message; responding to questions with accurate information or referring them to an appropriate contact.
• Supports program instructor with set up/take down, planning and implementation of activities for all participants.
• Communicates with parents/guardians, program staff, and supervisor about the program and participant progress.

While these areas are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as a part of their role with the City.

Position Requirements

• 15 years of age or older
• Previous experience working/volunteering in a recreation, education, or related field
• Must be current or able to become certified in First Aid/CPR prior to first day with campers.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid, behavior, or emergency related situations. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency.
• Must possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers such as prolonged standing, bending, walking long distances, running, climbing and ability to lift to 50 lbs.
• Ability to communicate and work with all age and skills levels and provide necessary instruction to campers. Observe behaviors assess its appropriateness, enforce safety and emergency procedures as needed.
• Part-time/Temporary/Seasonal (PTS) position, non-exempt
• Previous experience working with or being around individuals with disabilities preferred; must be able to demonstrate patience, flexibility, communication, organization, resourceful, and maintain confidentiality.

City Expectations

All employees are expected to contribute to the success of our organization by demonstrating the shared values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, Performance, Relationships.

Position Specific Expectations:

Communication: Able to convey a message to get a point across; communicates in a clear and concise manner; able to write clearly and succinctly; tailors message to a variety of communication settings and styles.

Composure: Exhibits self-confidence and asserts self appropriately in several different situations; maintains professionalism while under pressure; can handle stress; is energized by tough challenges.

Creativity: Effective at generating ideas relative to the organization’s goals; able to build off the ideas of others in new and different ways; uses innovative ways to complete tasks and responsibilities.

Attention to Detail: Able to find errors in work and solve problems; anticipates issues and performs at a high level of accuracy; sets up systems to ensure errors are not repeated.

Accountability: Follows through on commitments; focuses on appropriate tasks throughout the shift; takes responsibilities for actions both as an individual and on behalf of the organization; actions and words are in sync; follows all policies and procedures; maintains confidentiality; is prepared and punctual to all scheduled shifts.

Sound Judgment: Able to decide based on the right mixture of facts; determines a course of action after weighing and analyzing different options.

Pre-employment Process

The City of Eden Prairie conducts professional reference and criminal history checks for all employees joining the organization. In addition, the following is required for this specific position: drivers check (must have valid Driver’s License and excellent driving record).  All final candidates must successfully complete and pass the pre-employment process before their first day of employment.

Application Process

Please complete an application at www.edenprairie.org/jobs 

Salary : $15