The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George's County, is seeking a Senior Therapeutic/Inclusion Specialist, with the working title of Senior Inclusion Specialist.
Under direction of the Principal Inclusion Specialist, oversees and promotes programmatic accessibility to include disability modifications/adaptations and temporary event access in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in support the Special Programs Division, Disability Services team, and service areas.
The Senior Inclusion Specialist conducts assessments of registered participants needs and abilities, provides or arranges for the provision of support services to facilitate the participation in an inclusive program setting (i.e., recreation classes, before/after-school childcare, camps, and/or special events). Plans and implements disability related modification(s), evaluates effectiveness for an individual's participation in an inclusive program setting.
Coordinates the recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of the Therapeutic/Inclusion Specialist and qualified program access/ inclusion support staff. Effectively plans, implements, and evaluates training programs for intermittent and career employees regarding disabilities, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related topics.
The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience.
This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus (external candidates only).
Examples of Important Duties:
Core Functions (±80%) – assigned functions vary by position and area of assignment
Coordinates, implements and evaluates assigned programs and services for individuals with disabilities to meet community needs. Defines goals and objectives and sets standards including analyzing situations, applying appropriate standards or laws and taking or recommending actions. Develops, monitors and evaluates programs, behavior management plans and progress of participants; uses specific tools (e.g., Modification Intake Forms, Needs Assessment, Consultation Requests). Arranges modifications to include approved companion support, completes appropriate paperwork, secures interpreters for events and classes and provides non-personalized adaptive equipment. Drives Commission vehicles to provide on-going support to program participants, families and staff through regular program visits, personal contacts and correspondence.
Assists in conducting panel interviews, onboarding, and employee training for staff (e.g., intermittent, volunteers, contractors). Identifies, develops, implements and evaluates customized and appropriate training for staff as related to therapeutic recreation and the ADA.
Assists in the preparation of annual budget requests for assigned programs; monitors revenues and controls expenditures in accordance with approved budget. Collects fees and deposits revenue; and obtains bids and price quotes. Initiates purchase requisitions and check requests; assists in the preparation of pre-bid Statements of Work, and recommends vendors (e.g., entertainers, instructors, bus companies).
Develops program goals, objectives, and best practices; acts as a liaison or resource to other personnel within the department. Reviews Commission policies and procedures and serves on committees to ensure Commission facilities and programs provide consistent service delivery, equal access and enjoyment for individuals with disabilities.
Coordinates and communicates with cooperating agencies and facilities; Meets with citizens, community groups, schools, professional organizations and other governmental agencies to identify needs, plan programs, solve problems and answer questions; handles inquiries and investigates complaints.
Manages service or program area assigned records and maintains records of revenue and expenditures, inventory of supplies and equipment, personnel forms and timecards, registrations and program participant information (e.g., confidential health assessment and disability documentation).
Updates annually or as needed, disability modification forms; contributes input for periodic administrative and technical reports and conducts statistical analysis. Reviews, prepares and submits cash management records consistent with Commission policy in an accurate and timely manner.
Other Duties (±20%)
Creates and monitors programs in a database; processes registrations, waitlist confirmations and withdrawals.
Assists with input into Commission articles, newsletters, flyers, press releases and web content to publicize programs and services; oversees mailing lists of individuals and groups interested in special recreation programs.
Conducts research, attends specialized trainings and professional conferences to identify and report on new programs, methods and equipment.
Conducts presentations at local, state and national conferences and workshops.
Performs special project work as assigned.
Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy or any related field.
Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in therapeutic recreation or closely related experience.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years.
A valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's licenses must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of the position.
Obtain and maintain all applicable certifications.
Experience in planning, coordination, implementation and evaluation of adapted aquatics and fitness programs for individuals with disabilities.
Expertise in therapeutic recreation, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and familiarity with the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design related to program modifications.
Important Worker Characteristics A. Considerable knowledge of: (1) Therapeutic Recreation; (2) disabilities; (3) legislation and regulations affecting individuals with disabilities i.e., American with Disabilities Act (ADA); (4) aquatics, recreation, and leisure programming (5) behavior management; (6) assessment tools; (7) conflict resolution; (8) disability advocacy organizations.
B. Ability to: (1) Read and write technical and complex reports and correspondence; (2) make effective presentations to large groups; (3) communicate effectively and have strong analytical skills; (4) possess an attitude of enthusiasm and commitment in providing recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities; (5) respond to crisis intervention situations; (6) establish and maintain good working relationships with the public, other agencies, and coworkers.
Working Conditions Works in an office and in the community. Maintains a flexible schedule with occasional long hours; evening and weekend hours, promotes programmatic access and disability modifications in accordance with the ADA, provides or arranges for the provisions of support to facilitate and support participation, staff trainings, and assist with planning temporary access for events/festivals. On call during program hours and special events to respond to emergency situations. Programs are located throughout Prince George’s County and position is responsible for regular program site visits. Works with individuals with various disabilities (i.e., cognitive, social/emotional, physical, and/or sensory).
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact 301-454-1700 to request accommodation.
This position may be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.
Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)
M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.
