Inclusion Services Staff HISRA

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 Program Supervisor, the Inclusion Services Staff will be responsible for the following:

• Ensure the safe and adequate supervision of campers/participants with disabilities through the accommodation and consideration of physical, social, emotional, and individual needs.
• Be available, at all times, to assist camp/program staff in addressing needs and issues specific to campers/participants with disabilities
• Facilitate the inclusion of campers/participants with disabilities in activities, to the greatest extent and in the least restrictive manner possible.
• Act as the contact person for parents and significant others regarding campers/participants with disabilities.
• Provide input and recommendations regarding the grouping and staffing of campers/participants with disabilities or special needs.
• Assist the Camp Director/Program Supervisor in the training, supervision, and evaluation of program staff assigned to campers/participants with disabilities.
• Assume responsibility for knowledge of and following/enforcing all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed and will support aspects of the HISRA safety program.
• Perform other duties as required.

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. Staff must be able to lift and support up to 50 lbs, assist with mobility, and provide hands-on support or transfers when needed.

Experience: Previous experience working with children and young adults with disabilities, demonstrating a genuine understanding and appreciation for their unique needs.

Knowledge and Ability:

• Minimum age of 16 years.
• Passion for working with individuals with disabilities and creating inclusive environments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adapt to quickly changing situations and behaviors.
• Patience, empathy, and a positive attitude.
• Some experience working or volunteering with individuals with disabilities is greatly desired.
• Must be able to participate in pre-camp trainings and certifications
• Inclusion Aides are expected to work from June to mid-August. Camp Aides are expected to commit to the entire duration, including attending an all-staff pre-camp training week the week prior.
• 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.