1. A Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, special education or a related field with three years’ progressive full-time experience.
2. Current certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (or attained after one year) or Certified Parks & Recreation Professional (or attained one year after eligibility).
3. Must have an extensive knowledge of recreation activities and program planning and possess leadership abilities in a variety of recreation areas with special populations.
4. Must demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills.
5. Must be able to work independently and demonstrate the ability to solve complex issues.
6. Class “D” driver’s license, and certification as Handle With Care Instructor and First Aid/CPR/AED or obtainable within six months upon hire.

Essential Functions:

1. Coordination and overall management of the Association’s inclusion services in all member districts:
   • Complete assessment and observations on all participants included into member district programs.
   • Make recommendations for appropriate inclusion support to member district full-time staff for participants included into programs.
   • Provide consultation to member districts on interviewing, hiring and placement of inclusion staff and also on-site supervision and mentoring of member district inclusion staff.
   • Clearly present information to both individuals and large groups.
   • Provide on-going support, training and communication with member districts, families and inclusion staff during inclusion program.
   • Together with the Superintendent of Recreation, offer an inclusion in-service for full-time member district staff on an as needed basis.
   • Complete the registration of all inclusion participants on a seasonal basis in NISRA’s registration system.
   • Compile participation statistics on inclusion and develop seasonal participation reports.
   • Be actively involved in local, state and national committees related to inclusion.
   • Maintain a knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II guidelines as they relate to recreation programming.            
2. Provide direct leadership of programs an average of 6-8 hours per week during the Fall and Winter seasons. Reduced direct program leadership hours in the Spring and Summer seasons.
3. Provide direct leadership for assigned overnight trips
4. Be an active participant in the agencies strategic planning process and implementation.
5. Promote the field of Therapeutic Recreation and related benefits to community organizations, park districts, school districts, businesses and community at large.
6. Actively display NISRA’s values of Fun, Professional, Compassionate, Trustworthy and Innovative.
7. Actively participate in the NISRA Foundation events and other community events as needed.
8. Ability to perform strenuous activity to include but not limited to physical transfer of participants with physical limitations, participant protection measures, loading and unloading equipment, and vigorous recreation activities.
9. Provide physical assistance and personal care to participants as needed (i.e., transferring individuals, pushing participants who use wheelchairs, securing/tying down wheelchairs in agency vehicles, assisting with activities of daily living).
10. Develop and implement annual performance goals for the assigned project areas.
11. Attend meetings, in-services, conferences and related workshops for continuing self-development through needed education.
12. Assist in maintaining the agency safety program. Be part of the safety committee.
13. Transport participants and staff in agency vehicles.
14. Gathering, loading, transporting and setting up equipment.
15. Perform related duties as required.