Inclusion Services and Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (Recreation Specialist, Grade 21)

WHO WE ARE
Montgomery County Department of Recreation is a nationally recognized and award-winning agency with a mission to provide high quality, diverse, and accessible community-based programs, activities, and services that serve the recreation and leisure needs of the Montgomery County community. The department manages 39 facilities including recreation centers, senior centers, and indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities and provides thousands of programs such as out-of-school activities, aquatics, classes, youth and adult sports programs and leagues, senior programs, and therapeutic recreation.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Montgomery County Recreation seeks an energetic, highly motivated and passionate dedicated full-time Recreation Specialist to support inclusion services for individuals with disabilities and to develop innovative programming for youth with disabilities. We are seeking an enthusiastic team player who is committed to building inclusive, engaging, and supportive recreational environments. The ideal candidate will have experience fostering accessibility, removing participation barriers, and creating culturally responsive programs that meet the diverse needs of our community.

As a Recreation Specialist with Montgomery County Recreation, you will play a vital role in advancing inclusive recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities, with a strong focus on youth programming. In this position, you'll assess participant needs, ensure compliance with ADA regulations, and implement modifications that foster full and meaningful participation. You will lead the development of innovative, culturally responsive programs and collaborate with internal teams and community partners to promote equity, inclusion, and access.

Were looking for someone who thrives on meaningful work, values collaboration, and is committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of others. If that sounds like you, we encourage you to apply and join our award-winning team.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond to inclusion, accommodation, and program modification requests from individuals, caregivers, service providers, and community partners.
• Assign and prioritize appropriate support and modifications to staff or service providers.
• Build strong community connections and lead the creation of culturally relevant, forward-thinking programs, with an emphasis on youth.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate programs using data-driven strategies, including goal setting, budgeting, and performance assessments.
• Recruit, train, and schedule staff; coordinate volunteer and contractor support for services such as interpretation and behavior support.
• Develop and implement inclusive and specialized programming that reflects the diverse needs of the community.
• Ensure access to facilities and adaptive equipment for safe, engaging participation in programs and events.
• Interpret and apply regulations and policies to uphold ADA compliance and equitable access.
• Oversee and support a diverse seasonal workforce, including program leaders and behavior support staff.
• Encourage community and volunteer participation in programming.
• Maintain a safe environment for all participants and staff; develop and uphold emergency procedures.
• Keep accurate medical and emergency information for all program participants; maintain active CPR/First Aid certification.
• Evaluate employee performance and program effectiveness.
• Address and resolve participant or caregiver concerns or complaints.
• Collaborate on complex or sensitive cases involving ADA accommodations or facility support.
• Coordinate efforts with other County departments, state agencies, and local organizations.
• Prepare detailed reports and analyze data to inform programming decisions.
• Manage inventory, supplies, and ensure proper use of materials and equipment.
• Monitor program budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Provide education and outreach to community groups and stakeholders.
• Represent the department in meetings, conferences, and public forums.

Work Conditions and Expectations

• This position requires availability during non-traditional hours , including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• You may work outdoors in varying weather conditions and be expected to attend off-site meetings or events.
• The role may involve facility management responsibilities and other related duties as assigned.
• Candidates must demonstrate professionalism and courtesy in all interactions with the public and staff.
• The ideal candidate will have cross-cultural experience and a commitment to cultural competence, including a willingness to learn and grow in this area.

Leadership and Labor Relations
As a supervisor of unionized seasonal staff, youll be expected to promote a positive labor relations environment built on trust and respect. You will model professionalism and work ethic, advocate for team needs, and provide clear direction and support to your staff.

To maintain compliance with County, State, and Federal regulations, you must complete required trainings within the first 36 months of employment or within assigned timeframes.

• Experience: Two (2) years of progressively responsible recreational specialist work involving planning, organizing, supervising and implementing an area-wide, countywide or special interest recreation program
• PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years of Experience in Therapeutic Recreation or related field. Familiarity with Americans with Disabilities Act and experience with accommodations, modifications, and monitoring for compliance.
• Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors Degree.
• Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education, experience and training may be substituted.
• LICENSE: Valid Class C (or equivalent) drivers license from the applicants state of residence when required for job-related duties.
• PREFERRED: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

1. Current certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
2. Familiarity with Americans with Disabilities Act and experience with accommodations, modifications, and monitoring for compliance.
3. Planning, organizing, promoting, and directing a variety of recreation and leisure programs for persons with disabilities.
4. Developing and maintaining budgets and expenditures, particularly managing enterprise funds and budgets, and/or complex financial arrangements.
5. Identifying, soliciting, evaluating, and performing financial management support for contractor-based services.
6. Identifying, leading, and coordinating the work of volunteers.
7. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with individuals, groups, organizations and/or government agencies to arrange, implement and/or promote recreation activities, programs, and events for persons with disabilities.
8. Recruiting, recommending, planning, assigning, supervising, and monitoring the work of seasonal staff and volunteers.
9. Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, Active Net or other recreational and/or Oracle-based registration system.
10. Theories, principles, and practices related to recreational programming, operations, and services