Therapeutic Recreation Assistant (Part-Time/Multiple Vacancies)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Office within the Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) is currently seeking multiple part-time temporary Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Assistants (from entry to leader level) to support our mission of creating accessible, engaging, and meaningful recreational experiences for individuals with disabilities ages 3 to adults in both adapted and general recreation programs.

The TR Office provides inclusive and adapted recreation programs for individuals with disabilities. Programs include teen and adult social clubs, adapted classes in art, fitness, gymnastics, aquatics, and monthly family events. We also provide inclusion support services for individuals participating in general recreation programs, ensuring everyone has access to recreational opportunities.

Specific duties include:

Not all responsibilities apply to each role. Duties may vary depending on the level and assignment.

• Assist with leading recreation activities and supporting program operations;

• Assess participant needs and provide individualized support strategies in inclusive settings;

• Provide individualized or small group support to participants with disabilities in skill development, expected behaviors, personal care, and fostering independence;

• Collaborate with staff to facilitate inclusive recreation activities in adapted and general recreation programs;

• Assist in planning and implementing adapted programs such as social clubs, aquatics, gymnastics, outdoor recreation, art, fitness, and sports classes;

• Direct or assist in directing adapted programs, by designing and leading inclusive recreation programs, developing individualized support plans, and supervising their implementation; 

• Assistant directors may independently lead activities or program components as assigned;

• Provide coaching, consultation, and advocacy to staff on inclusion best practices and demonstrate advanced expertise in therapeutic recreation; and

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

The successful candidate will possess integrity, excellent communication skills, and a positive, adaptable approach to supporting a wide range of recreational activities. They will demonstrate initiative, strong organizational skills, and the ability to complete assignments efficiently while contributing to a team-oriented environment.

TR ASSISTANT II (Activity Lead/Inclusion Support): $18.00 -$29.18 Hourly 

• Some experience with individuals with disabilities or supporting recreational programming.

TR ASSISTANT III (Assistant Director/Inclusion Lead): $20.08 - $32.60 Hourly 

• High school Diploma/equivalent; and 
• Some experience administering recreational programs.

TR ASSISTANT IV (Director/Inclusion Lead): $24.17- $39.28 Hourly

• High school Diploma/equivalent; and 

• Considerable experience administering recreational programs, including experience leading or supervising recreational programs.  

Substitution: Successful completion of some college coursework from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the experience requirement. 
 
Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following: 

• Working with individuals with disabilities, including supporting social inclusion in peer-peer or group settings; 

• Adapting recreational activities to meet individual needs;

• Assisting participants in and around pools, and providing aquatic instruction or support; 

• Work with a variety of recreational activities; and/or

• Bilingual in English/Spanish. 

Special Requirements

A complete application will include an attached resume. 

If selected, staff will be required to: 

• Must possess or obtain the Adult and Child First Aid, CPR, and AED Certifications within 60 days of employment. 

• Provide negative TB results or submit to a TB screening.

• Provide two references from related work/school experience prior to an offer of employment. Letters of reference may be attached to this application. 

• Successfully complete a criminal background and driver's license check (if the position selected requires a driver's license).

• Have access to reliable transportation as staff must be able to work and travel to County locations independently.

• Provide personal care for participants (training provided).

Working Conditions: The worker performs activities inside and outside with exposure to weather. 

Please note: Recruitment and interviews for this position will begin in July; however, the projected start date is mid-September. Candidates should be aware that employment is contingent upon successful completion of required pre-employment steps, including fingerprinting/background checks and all HR onboarding documentation. The start timeline is designed to ensure staff are fully onboard and prepared to support the upcoming school year programming cycle.

Additional Information

Work Hours: The position varies in days and hours of work, from 2 hours to 40 hours per week. Programs operate 7 days a week at various times and locations. 

The official job titles are Recreation Assistant II, III and IV. 

Please note: This recruitment is open continuous, but applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible. Qualified applicants will be considered and interviewed consistently throughout the recruitment until the job is filled or we receive enough applicants. 
Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

Your responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire are considered part of the selection process. Please do not enter "see resume" as a response to the questions. Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. In accordance with § 19.2-392.15, applicants are not required to provide information regarding sealed arrests, charges, or convictions in response to any questions or inquiries during the hiring process.

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