Recreation Leader

Position Title

Part-Time Recreation Leader

Supervisor

Support Staff Manager

Position Description

Are you looking for a part-time job with purpose? SSSRA provides recreational opportunities to individuals with disabilities or special needs. Our association is an extension of seven park districts and three recreation and parks departments. We are seeking compassionate and responsible Recreation Leaders to assist with weekly programs and special events. You will play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for participants and creating a more inclusive and enriching community.

Why Work at SSSRA?

• Job experience working with wonderful individuals of all ability levels
• Flexible schedule
• Learn new skills
• Share your talents

Qualifications

• Experience or willingness to work effectively with children and/or adults with disabilities or special needs.
• Enthusiasm and commitment in providing recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities or special needs.
• Must demonstrate dependability, promptness and punctuality.
• Maintain a professional attitude when working with staff, parents and/or community contacts.
• No previous experience is required but is helpful. Experience in recreation or education field preferred.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist the Program Supervisor in executing plans for a particular activity, such as cooking, prepping food, making crafts or various sports and recreation activities.
• Assist with obtaining equipment and supplies, program set up and clean up.
• Willingness to interact with participants, share/teach new skills and encourage socialization among peers.
• Provide assistance and care of individuals, including instruction, proper behavior management and assist with daily living skills, or refer to Program Supervisor.
• Complete any necessary documentation and paperwork as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain constant communication and quality customer service towards parents, staff, participants, general public and agency contacts as a representative of SSSRA.
• Attend required staff meetings, orientations and training sessions.
• Read, understand and abide by all SSSRA staff policies and procedures.
• Seek to provide programs that reflect the agency mission statement.
• Other duties as assigned by the Support Staff Manager.

Safety Duties      

• Be aware of and use proper safety precautions for staff, volunteers and participants.
• Actively support the SSSRA risk management/safety program.

Essential Job Functions:

Part-Time Recreation Leaders must, with or without reasonable accommodations, be able to perform the following functions:

• Predictable and reliable attendance.
• Work collaboratively with supervisor and co-workers.
• Understand and follow through on simple oral and written instructions related to the assignment.
• Get to and from designated points at a program site quickly and without hesitation.
• Communicate clearly with small or large groups of people, emergency personnel, agency staff, affiliated agencies and participant families.
• Receive, review and respond to written material whether by mail or email.
• Provide assistance when complex problems arise or interactions with agency employees/volunteers or clients.
• Lift and carry items up to 50 lbs. for 300 ft.
• Be able to independently operate wheelchairs and vehicle tie downs for wheelchairs.
• Be able to lift/transfer individuals with physical challenges, or physically restrain participants up to 300 lbs., with assistance.

Competencies

• Collaboration - Promote and support work team and groups.
• Reliability - Perform responsibilities dependably and accurately, fulfill promised actions. Follow safe practices in accomplishing work and adhere to agency policies and procedures.
• Responsiveness - Focus on the participant, willingly help others and provide prompt service.
• Assurance - Convey trust and inspire confidence.
• Empathy - Work with individuals, appreciate their differences, handle emotions and show compassion for others.
• Self-Confidence - Recognize the contribution of others and be conscious of own strengths and weaknesses.
• Communication - Share information, listen to what others are saying, and have interpersonal skills necessary to deal effectively with a wide variety of internal and external conflicts.
• Adaptability - Manage change, projects, time and resources, and work well under stress

Benefits

• Competitive wages.
• Paid Leave for All Workers - earn up to 5 paid days off per year.