City of Chesapeake
Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of individuals with special needs? Do you have experience in therapeutic recreation and enjoy leading fun, inclusive activities? If so, this full-time opportunity with the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism may be just what you're looking for!
We're seeking an enthusiastic and caring individual to join our team as a Therapeutic Recreation Leader , primarily supporting our specialized camps, events and programs for participants with special needs. Therapeutic Recreation activities are held at various parks and recreational facilities across the city.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with planning, scheduling, developing, and leading therapeutic recreation (TR) programs designed for children, teens, and adults with special needs.
- Engage in and facilitate recreational activities such as arts and crafts, sports, music, dance, games, and community outings.
- Adapt activities to ensure inclusive participation, helping each individual engage at their own level.
- Create a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment for all participants.
- Provide exceptional customer service aligned with the City's Customer Service Initiative.
- Support multiple camps, classes, and activities across different locations as needed.
- Assist with setup, cleanup, and organization of program areas; inspect facilities and equipment for safety concerns and report as necessary.
- Respond to accidents or incidents with care and professionalism, including administering basic first aid if required.
- Address behavioral concerns calmly and respectfully; communicate effectively with supervisors and parents when needed.
- Adheres to the City's CARES standards
- Register participants and process payments using ActiveNet software.
- Handle financial transactions related to program fees, facility rentals, and merchandise.
- Issue permits and receipts while maintaining accurate records.
- Complete end-of-day financial reconciliation following city policies and procedures.
- A genuine passion for working with individuals with special needs.
- Experience or education in therapeutic recreation, special education, human services, or a related field is a plus.
- Creativity and flexibility to adapt activities for a wide range of abilities.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- A positive, energetic, and hands-on approach to recreation leadership.
Required Qualifications
VOCATIONAL / EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT : Requires instruction that is sufficient for satisfactory job performance.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT : In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this position requires a minimum of one month of full-time equivalent experience.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES : Requires CPR and First Aid certification within the first year of employment. May require a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City Driving Standards . .
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS :
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
Preferred Qualifications
Possess positive customer service skills and abilities to meet the City's CARES standards.
Previous work experience with individuals with special needs as a camp counselor, childcare provider, physical therapist, independent contractor, or teacher