HISRA Camp Specialist

The Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (HISRA) is a cooperative effort of the Peoria, Morton, Chillicothe, and Washington Park Districts. Its mission is to provide quality recreation programs and services to individuals with disabilities and special needs. HISRA has several openings that center around hands-on experiences working with these individuals.

Duties: Under the supervision of the HISRA Program Coordinator, the HISRA Camp Specialist is responsible for:

• Develop a session-to-session program agenda utilizing proper lesson plan format as assigned, in consultation with the Program Supervisor.
• Supervise, direct and evaluate program aides, leaders and volunteers as necessary. Review all lesson plans that are submitted. Evaluate employees or assist in evaluation as assigned by the Program Supervisor.
• Establish and maintain excellent relationships with campers, parents, and fellow staff members, creating a sense of community and trust within the camp group.
• Possess the physical capability to safely perform lifts and transfers of children and young adults with disabilities as needed.
• Assess each camper's current developmental status, identifying areas for potential growth, and implementing strategies to support individual needs.
• Work closely with the Program Supervisor and camp staff to coordinate and integrate activities into the overall camp program, contributing to a cohesive and enriching experience.
• Keep records of participants' progress, achievements, as well as incident report forms, sharing insights with camp coordinators and relevant team members. Keep financial records and maintain the program budget.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of campers at all times, implementing appropriate safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Provide ongoing feedback to campers parents/ guardians regarding participants involvement in the program.
• Attend all scheduled staff meetings and seasonal orientation sessions. Conduct staff training, orientation, drive checks, and other training duties as assigned.
• Follow all Peoria Park District and HISRA rules, policies, and procedures.
• Follow all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed. Support all aspects of the Peoria Park District and HISRA safety programs.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions: The following work environment characteristics as described in this job description are representative of those of an indoor/ outdoor work environment the employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the functions of this role, the employee may be exposed to all types of lighting, weather and temperature conditions, such as sun, heat and humidity. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud to very loud. This position also involves work in close quarters to buses during field trips with campers, and at various indoor locations.

Education: A Bachelors degree or higher in Education, Social Work, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field. Although a degree is preferred, extensive experience in a similar position with similar duties and responsibilities may be substituted for all or part of the educational requirement.

Experience: Experience working with children and young adults with disabilities, demonstrating a genuine understanding and appreciation for their unique needs. Minimum age of 21 years.

Knowledge and Ability:

• Classroom management experience, with the ability to create a positive and inclusive environment.
• Physical ability to safely perform lifts and transfers of children and young adults with disabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with participants, parents, and co-workers.
• Enthusiastic, patient, and flexible approach to working in a camp setting.
• Supervisory experience in a camp or classroom setting.
• Proven experience in behavior management, preferably in a similar role.
• Strong organizational skills, with current or previous experience working in Google Workspace.
• Ability to provide the best possible image if HISRA and its member districts so that the public respects and appreciates HISRA, its facility and the quality of its services.
• Requires a valid Illinois State Drivers License.
• Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.

Perks:

• Part-time employees enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.