FOCUS Program Facilitator

The Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (HISRA) is a cooperative effort of the Peoria, Morton, Chillicothe, and Washington Park Districts. Its mission is to provide quality recreation programs and services to individuals with disabilities and special needs. HISRA has several openings that center around hands-on experiences working with these individuals.  HISRA’s FOCUS group is an adult day program for individuals 18+.  They spend their days cooking, volunteering, socializing with friends, and exploring the community.

Duties: Under the general guidance of the FOCUS Program Specialist, the FOCUS Program Facilitator is responsible for:

• Assist FOCUS Program Specialist with implementation and supervision of planned activities.
• Create, implement, and evaluate meaningful recreation activities for adults with various abilities.
• Modify and adapt programs and equipment to meet the needs of all participants.
• Assist verbally or physically to provide inclusion for participants.
• Possess the physical ability to safely perform lifts and transfers for adults with disabilities.
• Perform any personal care and documentation to participants who may need assistance (diet, mobility, bathroom).
• Enforce safety guidelines and procedures before, during, and after activities; document as needed.
• Establish excellent rapport with participants, parents/guardians, and co-workers; communicate effectively with those groups and the public.
• Follow all safety procedures that pertain to all the duties performed. Support all aspects of the Park District’s safety program.
• Perform other duties as required.

Essential Functions: Must be able to lift 50 pounds unassisted as well as stand and sit for long periods of time. Employees must possess fine and gross motor skills to assist participants with scheduled activities and self-care needs.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience: Must be at least 21 years or older.

Knowledge and Ability:

• Interest/experience working with individuals with disabilities
• Desire to learn and work in a small group setting.
• Enthusiasm, patience, and initiative through past work and or volunteer experience.
• Flexibility with change of plans that could occur during the program.
• Requires a valid Illinois State Driver’s License.
• Adhere to all HISRA and Peoria Park District policies and procedures.
• Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.

Perks:

• Part-time employees enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.  

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.  

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.