Recreation Specialist

Alton, IL
Full Time
Residential Options
Mid Level

Description:

We’re seeking a Recreation Specialist  at Challenge Unlimited, Inc/Residential Options in Alton, IL. 

Reporting to the VP of Residential Options, the Recreation Specialist is responsible for developing and facilitating recreational programs and activities that promote participation, social interaction and physical activity. The Specialist creates inclusive and adaptive recreational opportunities that promote independence, skill development and social engagement in a safe and supportive environment. . 

Position Summary:

  • Shift: Full Time
  • Hours: Flexible to jobs demands. 
  • Salary: $22 dollars per hour + BENEFITS!
  • Location:  Alton, IL

Responsibilities:

  • Promote a culture of person-centered services to provide quality care and services in a community-based setting to individuals with disabilites.
  • Plan, organize, and implement athletic and recreational programs. 
  • Facilitate programming for Special Olympic and intramural sports, creative expression, games, fitness programs, special clubs and community events. Represent Residential Options as the head coach of Special Olympics and develop participation for each sport offered. 
  • Ensures the safety and well-being of all residents by enforcing facility rules and guidelines while monitoring activities. Ensure compliance with company safety and OSHA regulations. Record all accidents, injuries, and illnesses. 
  • Assess the needs, abilities and preferences of the residents to design appropriate and engaging activities that promote skill development, creativity and social interaction. Adapt activities that allow all residents to participate regardless of ability and can engage in a meaningful way. 
  • Ability to work in a team and independently. 
  • Initiate, develop and maintain relationships with community resources that relate to recreational services. 
  • Collaborate with other organizations (schools, local government, etc) to develop partnerships that support recreational initiatives. 
  • Promote recreational programs by participating in marketing and advertising through flyers, social media, fund raising, outreach events and attending community meetings. 
  • Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers and staff involved in recreational programs. Provide in-service training to staff and residents concerning the role and benefits of recreation. 
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of programs through feedback and participation rates and make adjustments to improve outcomes. 
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure activities align with residents care plans and goals. 
  •  Document services provided and changes in behavior or abilities. Complete recreation assessments for each resident. Develop long and short term goals with objectives for assigned area, prepare monthly and annual statistical reports.
  • Coordinate the use of recreational facilities that includes scheduling events. Manage budget for recreational programs: includes supplies, tracking expenditures, and preparing reports. Monitor and manage the use of supplies, equipment and facilities, ensuring resources are well-maintained and used appropriately.  

Requirements:

  • Education: Required: High school diploma or equivalent. Prefer Bachelors degree in Recreation, Special education or related field. 
  • Experience:1+ years of experience working with people that live with disabilities. 
  • Electronic document systems and service experience highly preferred. 
  • Background checks: Must pass a criminal background check, various state/federal registry checks,  child abuse & neglect background check.
  • Training: CPR/1st Aid, Crisis prevention Institute, and DSP training that is provided by the company and must be successfully completed within the first 4 months and annually thereafter to maintain position. 
  • Driving :Must have a valid drivers license, pass driving history check. and be at least 21 years or older to drive company van. 
  • Travel: 50% between IL sites for meetings, trainings and agencies. 
Benefits: 
  • 401K 
  • Health insurance 
  • Dental 
  • Vision 
  • Sick Time Off
  • Vacation Time

Physical Demands

Sitting Frequently sitting in the normal course of office-sedentary type work.

Standing Occasionally standing, walking, bending, squatting, reaching, and twisting to assist Residents with activities and outings and to clean and cook.

Hearing, Speaking Frequently listening to and speaking with managers, customers, and employees to collect and offer information to solve problems and requests, training needs and other concerns.

Seeing Visually active to read and audit information on screen or in print, occasionally in small font size.

Handling Frequently using hands in typing, calculating, filing, phone and other office equipment use.

Movement Occasionally bending, reaching, and twisting; occasionally climbing stairs and/or ladders squatting, and kneeling.

Lifting Occasionally lifting, carrying, and pushing or pulling up to 50 lbs. in the normal course of office-sedentary type work.

EOE Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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