Opportunity at a Glance
The Special Recreation Division offers positive and healthy recreation programming focused on leisure, social, educational, and vocational opportunities within the community for individuals with special needs with a team of talented, dedicated, knowledgable, and experienced staff. Programming also includes the largest south suburban community of Special Olympics in the state of Illinois with over 300 participants. Our special recreation staff are committed to meeting the unique individual leisure time needs and positively impacting the lives of individuals with special needs every day by focusing on community outreach and reinitigration. We are currently seeking a Recreation Instructor I to make a difference in the programming experience for children, young adults, and older adults with special needs enrolled in our programs.
Must specify hours of availability when applying.
Key Responsibilities
As a recreational instructor, you will supervise, coach, and assist participants enrolled in a variety of special recreation programs and provide assistance tailored to the individual needs of participants throughout the program to ensure a successful program experience. Programming includes general weekly programs, inclusion programming, Special Olympic sports, special events, and overnight trips.
In-service training on the village’s standards and expectations of working with participants with special needs (i.e. parallel activities, behavior management skills, redirection techniques, etc) will be provided. Preferential consideration will be given to male applicants as a bona fide job requirement to meet one on one activities of daily living (ADL) staffing needs.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Ideal candidate will have a minimum of 1 year experience in either the education or recreation field including prior therapeutic recreation or special education experience in working with individuals with special needs (physical, cognitive, emotional, psychological, etc) and the ability to deal appropriately with behavior management issues is required.
Additional qualifications include a minimum of 12 (twelve) college credit hours in Therapeutic Recreation or other closely related field and/or prior life or work experiences with special needs individuals. A genuine interest in enhancing the recreation experience for each program participant is required. Experience with behavioral management and adaptive equipment is preferred.
This position is generally scheduled up to 19 hours per week, based on programming needs. Evening and Saturday availability is required. Opportunity for additional weekday hours is available. Work days and hours depend on programming and enrollment.
Must specify hours of availability when applying.
Compensation & Benefits
Hourly rate of pay: $13.00 – $15.30 per hour, DOQ/for those with extensive related experience or prior experience in role.
This job post will close on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at end of day.