Recreation Specialist

Recreation Specialist
Department: Special Recreation Services Status: Full-time / Part-Time

Who We Are
At Sertoma Star Services, we're on a mission to empower individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and those living with mental illness to reach their goals and lead fulfilling lives. With a strategic presence in South Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, we proudly serve over 2,000 consumers through a diverse range of vocational, educational, therapeutic, and residential programs.
Sertoma Star Services roots trace back to the merger of two dynamic social services organizations, New Star and Sertoma Centre combining over 125 years of expertise in providing cutting-edge, person-first services. Our united commitment is straightforward: to transform lives through delivering comprehensive services, choices, and opportunities to those we support in an environment that promotes self-advocacy and personal success.
By joining the Sertoma Star Team you will have a unique opportunity to challenge limits and change lives. Together, we can shape a brighter future for those we serve.

Your Role
The primary responsibility of the Special Recreation Services Recreation Specialist is to recruit participants, coordinate and effectively implement recreation and leisure programs for participants with disabilities of varying ages and abilities .

Responsibilities

• Treats consumers with dignity and respect, while providing them with the support needed to become as independent as possible.
• Supervise seasonal staff, part-time staff program assistants and intern programs with various TR departments.
• Maintain registration and account information.
• Keep Sertoma Star Services Special Recreation Services social media accounts updated
• Maintain Leisure education database and contacts in the district schools.
• Recruit participants and partners from current districts for Sertoma Star Services Recreation Services.
• Assist in the development of cooperative grant opportunities through community and school partnerships.
• Assess, Plan, Implement and Evaluate programs for individuals with special needs.
• Maintain current First/Aid/CPR/DSP certifications.
• Plan and lead trips, special events, Friday night programs, Curbside, virtual and other programs and events as assigned.
• Participate in outside and in-house training programs including involvement in ILRTA, ATRA, ITRS, SSPRA, IPRA, etc. and Special Mandatory PACE vehicle operation, paper work, physicals and training.
• Transport participants and equipment to and from programs. Conduct vehicle inspections before use.
• Assist Recreation Supervisor with program development and operations of Sertoma Star Services Special Recreation programs, day camp, leisure education and homebound programs.
• Report any and all accidents, incidents or issues immediately to the Director and follow reporting guidelines as outlined in the agency policy manual.
• Perform other duties/tasks as needed and/or assigned.

Qualifications

• Four Year Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Leisure Studies. Adapted Physical Education or related field or experience. Preferred C.T.R.S. certification and in good standing or ability to obtain CTRS certification within 18 months of hire. Ability to attain PACE, First Aid/CPR, and DSP certification.
• Spanish Speaking preferred
• Valid Class D drivers license (CDL preferred) and documentation of current auto insurance, with good driving record.
• Must have knowledge and experience in therapeutic recreation services for individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to complete Direct Service Provider training requirements during 6-month probationary period.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off
• 13 Paid holidays
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
• Employer Paid Insurance: Basic Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) with company match
• Tuition assistance
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

Health, Safety, and Culture
Sertoma Star is an equal opportunity employer that embraces the uniqueness of every person. Sertoma understands that in order for you to work effectively and be an advocate of inclusivity, we must foster an environment that is respectful and sensitive to persons of all gender identities and from every cultural, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial background. Our open-door, team-building concept supports both agency goals and employee success.