Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you enjoy helping others have fun while learning new skills? Prince William County Parks and Recreation is seeking a dynamic and well-rounded therapeutic recreation professional to lead innovative, impactful programs for children and adults with disabilities. In this vital role, youll have the opportunity to design and deliver meaningful inclusive programs that enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities throughout Prince William County and surrounding areas. Your work will play a key role in promoting wellness, fun, and personal growth through inclusive recreation in a supportive and dynamic environment.

The ideal candidate will bring advanced knowledge in therapeutic recreation, disability awareness, and inclusion combined with proven leadership experience in managing staff and guiding programs to success. Strong collaboration and communication skills are essential as you work alongside families, community organizations, and other stakeholders to deliver exceptional programs. Prior experience in program development and execution is key, as is the ability to provide outstanding customer service to ensure positive, enriching experiences for all participants. If you are ready to create opportunities for all residents to thrive, learn new skills, and enjoy quality recreation experiences, apply now!

About This Role:

In this role, you will apply your expertise as a recreation therapy professional to develop and lead meaningful, evidence-based therapeutic programs that serve individuals of all ages and abilities throughout Prince William County. The Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator is a leadership position that blends creativity, community engagement, and collaboration across departments. Success in this role requires a strong knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles, best practices, and evidence-based programming, along with the ability to design and implement programs tailored to diverse populations. Exceptional communication, organizational, and time management skills are essential, as is the ability to multitask, manage multiple programs, meet deadlines, and work independently. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends is required. This role also involves leading, training, and supporting part-time and seasonal staff, delivering outstanding customer service, and performing a range of administrative responsibilities. If you're passionate about making a positive impact through inclusive therapeutic recreation, this is an exciting opportunity to lead and grow.

Key Responsibilities for this role include:

• Development, implementation, and evaluation of therapeutic and adapted recreation program plans and activities for a wide range of ages and abilities.

• Creation of seasonal and year-round programming that aligns with department goals and incorporates evidence-based practices.

• Maintaining documentation including intake assessments, discharge notes, and observations of program participants.

• Recruiting, hiring, supervising, mentoring, and supporting a diverse team of instructors and seasonal staff, to foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

• Collaborating with all departments within Parks and Recreation to integrate departmental goals and support cross-program synergy.

• Providing outstanding customer service to program participants, parents, community members, and partner organizations.

• Acting as a liaison with partner schools, nonprofits, and agencies to enhance program reach and relevance.
• Monitoring program attendance, engagement, and feedback to make data-informed adjustments for continuous improvement.

• Maintaining supply inventory, determining program needs, placing orders, verifying receipts

• Organizing, preparing, and maintaining files, invoices, supply requests and patron correspondence
• Ensuring all programs meet safety standards and adhere to Parks and Recreation Department policies.
• Representing the Department at community events, open houses, and outreach programs to promote therapeutic and adapted program offerings.

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED accompanied with four (4) years of experience with therapeutic or adapted recreation programming.

Preferences:

• Bachelors degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field.
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or satisfaction of the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certifications (NCTRC) requirements to sit for the exam.
• 2+ years of supervising children in a recreational setting
• Prior involvement with community engagement or volunteer coordination
• Experience with the APIED process for recreation therapy programming
• Certifications in related fields or specializations recognized by NCTRC (e.g., Inclusion, Developmental Disabilities, MANDT, TOVA, CPR/First Aid, Crisis Management, BCS, BCBA, etc.)
• Advanced Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, database management, and program planning software (e.g., RecTrac, When to Work, CivicRec)
• Prior experience working with government agencies, schools, and nonprofits

Special Requirements:

The Department of Parks and Recreation conducts DMV record checks on all licensed employees and criminal background checks on all hires 18 years and older. Fingerprinting and Central Registry required.

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time, 37.5 hours per week exempt position. Typical schedule varies based on operational needs but is usually between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm Monday-Friday, with some weekend, early morning, and evening work required based on operational needs. This position is classified as 'exempt' and can adjust hours to meet operational needs. Minimal opportunity for telework available in off-season. The position is based at the Birchdale Community Center, but much of the positions daily work is conducted off-site at various park locations throughout Prince William County. Physical requirements include walking on trails and uneven terrain, lifting supplies (up to 30 lbs.) working in various weather conditions.

Starting Salary Range: $68,707.57 - $80,832.43 Annual

Prince William County also offers great benefits to full-time employees including:

Virginia Retirement System (VRS)

Annual leave and sick leave

Paid personal days

Paid holidays

Group Medical and Dental Health Plans

Group Life Insurance

401a and 457 Retirement Savings Plans

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Career Development

Prince William County Government full-time positions qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Click here for additional information.

NOTE: The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. To view the class description in its entirety, click here .

Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

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