Variable Therapeutic Recreation Leader - Specialist

The City of Lakewood is dedicated to upholding City values to include: Performance Excellence, Leadership, Respect and Collaboration. Best fit candidates will demonstrate innovation, customer service, dedication, passion and engagement. All people, citizens and employees, will be treated with respect, relevance, and importance.

Apply by: Continuous

PAY RATE: $17.50/hr

Under general supervision from the Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator and Therapeutic Recreation Program Specialist(s), the Variable Therapeutic Recreation leader assists in the implementation and facilitation of comprehensive therapeutic recreation-based programs with people of all ages and varying abilities.

ABOUT COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Community Resources is committed to providing high quality park, recreation, family and cultural services and facilities that inspire enjoyment, learning and wellness in the lives of those who live, work and play in Lakewood. We value leadership, integrity, communication and connection, diversity and adaptability.

MAJOR TASKS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES (This job description does not intend to list every function of the position).

Essential Job Functions:

• Support implementation and evaluation of various recreation programs including: recreation classes, community outings, dances, after school programs, special events, Special Olympics, Unified Sports and overnight outings.
• Perform job in a professional manner, i.e. dress appropriately, arrive on time, stay until the end of your shift, attend all appropriate staff meetings, and staff orientation to ensure quality standards are upheld.
• Work as a part of a team by supporting others and taking initiative.
• Maintain an enthusiastic attitude and serve as a role model for positive and appropriate behavior through speech and action on a daily basis.
• Supervise and support participants and volunteers at all times in program participation.
• Abide by and enforce the R.I.S.E. Program’s “No Isolated Moments” policy where, when as well as adhere to City of Lakewood and R.I.S.E.-specific policies and procedure
• Be constantly aware of risk and how to manage those risks; make safety a top priority in all aspects of the R.I.S.E. program.
• Facilitate the appropriate participation of program participants and participate in programs with participants.
• Redirect negative/undesired behaviors from participants as needed.
• Submit hours and an accurate time card on time and in compliance with City policies.
• Make reasonable and prudent decisions conducive to the beliefs of the R.I.S.E. program, Recreation Division and the City of Lakewood.
• Other duties as assigned.
   

Hours of Work

Day, nights, weekends as requested

Organizational Relationships

Supervision Received:

• Receives general supervision from Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator and Therapeutic Recreation Program Specialists.

Supervision Given:     

• Assistant Recreation Leaders

• Volunteers

Essential Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, participants, parents and caregivers.
• Ability to solve practical problems in a variety of situations.
• Ability to communicate, interpret and understand instructions, both written and oral.
• Ability to interact with participants in an appropriate manner.
• Ability to give clear verbal direction to groups of various sizes.
• Ability to deal effectively with emergency situations.
• Experience motivating and working with people with disabilities or a variety of demographics (preferred).
• Background check is required.

Education

• High school diploma or Equivalent

• Some College (College degree preferred)
• Education in working with people with disabilities preferred

Required Certifications

• Current CPR and First Aid Certifications

Physical and Mental Requirements                       

• Must be able to safely lift/pull/push (with assistance) weight of up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to perform or assist in participant transfers in varying situations.
• Ability to push/pull participants using various assistive devices.

• Ability to stand, walk, run, sit, bend, stoop, squat, twist, and reach for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to perform and assist with activities of daily living with participants.

• Must be able to communicate with staff and participants via phone and in person.
• Must be able to instruct, observe, and demonstrate all program aspects.
• Must be able to recognize and prevent/redirect potentially-risky behaviors.

• Must be able to demonstrate sound decision making skills and be reactive to the needs of the participants in providing intervention to injury.

Work Environment

• The work environment varies by location of event, class or outing.  Times of events, classes or outings vary as well.  Programs can run during the day, evenings, weekends, and overnight.

Equipment Used

R.I.S.E. program supplies

Various board games

Phones

Computers/iPads

Copier/Printer/Fax

Pay Range

Background and reference checks will be conducted for all regular and some variable/seasonal positions.