Special Recreation Coordinator

THIS IS A BID POSITION.
 
This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between the Chicago Park District and SEIU Local 73. Pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement, the District will exhaust internal eligible applicants prior to considering external applicants. The District is assembling a list of qualified candidates for this position that will be considered should the position not be filled with internal eligible applicants.

Title: Special Recreation Coordinator
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under general supervision, responsible for providing specialized recreation and leisure programs and activities for people with disabilities. Responsible for managing a special recreation program at a park facility. Performs related special recreation duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Initiates and implements special recreation programs for adults and children with disabilities (primarily those with intellectual disabilities but may include those who are blind, partially sighted, physically disabled, etc). Conducts special recreation classes and programs. Trains and supervises part time instructors assigned to special recreation. Promotes the special recreation program throughout the community. Works with schools, hospitals and other agencies to arrange for children and adults with specialized needs to attend park programs.
Develops recreation and athletic goals for patrons with disabilities. Develops and organizes special events for sports camps and recreation opportunities. Customizes programs in response to specialized needs. Conducts workshops and training seminars. Participates in fund raising, marketing, budgeting and recruiting volunteers for the special recreation program. Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies. Sets up recreation apparatus and equipment. Performs other duties such as registration, fee collection, maintenance of health records, parental release forms and preparing reports. Attends overnight trips related to Special Olympics state competitions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field plus 3 years of experience conducting therapeutic recreation programs, or an equivalent combination of training and experience is required. CERTIFICATION: Professional certification preferred; eligibility for professional certification required for appointment. 

Preferred: CPR Certification from American Red Cross or other nationally recognized organization.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of athletic, leisure and recreational principles and theories as they apply to therapeutic recreation. Knowledge of teaching methods and techniques used to instruct people with disabilities. Ability to work constructively with community institutions. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Skill in teaching a full range of special recreation sports, cultural and social activities. Organization skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

General work area is indoors/outside, in a smoke-free environment, with controlled temperature and fluorescent lighting. Performs tasks that involve use of hands to finger, handle or feel, reaching, walking, bending, stooping, standing, kneeling, climbing, reaching and sitting. May perform lifting tasks up to 25 pounds. 

Disclaimer: 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job duties are to be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

RATE OF PAY: $74,849.37/Annually 

Career Service:         SEIU-LOCAL 73        EEO: Paraprofessional                    FLSA:  Non-Exempt