Recreation Coordinator – Therapeutics

Job Description

Recreation Coordinator – Therapeutics (693A)

Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in therapeutic recreation, adapted physical education, occupational therapy, or closely related field; and
Two (2) years of full-time paid experience coordinating a recreation program, including the supervision of leadership personnel in a therapeutic setting. These two (2) years may be a combination of full-time, part-time, or internship experience. (2,000 hours of part-time and/or internship experience are equivalent to one (1) year of full-time work experience)

Possible Substitutions:

Graduation from high school or possession of a G.E.D. and five (5) years of additional paid full-time experience in the supervision of recreation personnel in a public recreation setting may be substituted for the college graduation requirement.

License & Certification

Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license is required
Current RTC (Recreation Therapist Certified) and/or CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) certification or eligibility is preferred

Distinguishing Characteristics

This classified position is an advanced journey level position in the Parks and Recreation Department.
Incumbents perform complex and specialized therapeutics functions and assume responsibility for coordinating programs for individuals with learning/developmental disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, hearing/visual impairments, autism, cerebral palsy, and other emotional and/or physical challenges.
This classification is distinguished from the Recreation Coordinator in that the former coordinates programs for individuals with emotional and/or physical challenges that differ from those of the mainstream population, while the latter performs general recreation work in areas such as the Teen Center, the Youth Activity Center, and cultural arts.

Typical Duties

Each position in this classification may not include all of the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.

Under direction:

Organizes and directs therapeutic programs, classes, and special events
Plans and promotes therapeutic activities and events for various age and interest groups
Interviews, hires, trains, evaluates, and supervises as-needed recreation personnel
Interprets and explains departmental policies to the general public
Schedules and supervises the use of specific program facilities
Collects and accounts for program fees and charges
Evaluates therapeutic programs, develops new activities, and makes recommendations to the Recreation Supervisor or Recreation Superintendent for program improvements
Prepares news releases, correspondence, and special event promotional materials
Performs other related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Modern principles and practices of therapeutic recreation programs
Methods and techniques of therapeutic recreation
Current personnel practices, including supervision, training, and evaluation of employees
Personal computer software programs necessary for correspondence, advertising, planning programs, and daily communication
Environmental and safety practices, procedures and standards

Ability to:

Work effectively with program participants with emotional, behavioral, and physical challenges and/or disabilities
Organize and direct the activities of recreation workers and related personnel
Effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet strict deadlines
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees, the general public and others contacted in the course of work
Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
Communicate effectively to groups and individuals, both orally and in writin
Provide excellent customer service
Assist participants in and out of wheelchairs
Restrain and/or lift program participants
Walk or stand for extended periods of time
Bend, stoop, reach, carry, crawl, climb, run, and lift as necessary to perform assigned duties

Supervision Received

Works under the direction of the Recreation Supervisor, Assistant Recreation Supervisor, Recreation Superintendent, or Parks and Recreation Director.

Supervision Exercised

Supervises as-needed recreation personnel and full-time clerical staff. May supervise clerical personnel.

Other Requirements

May be required to work evening shifts, weekends, and unusual hours to meet program and event requirements
Must be able to perform all essential functions of the job assignment
Candidates hired into this classification will be required to be fingerprinted in accordance with California State Law

Approved, January 2007