Children's Recreation Therapist

IMPORTANT: During the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic we will remain open and continue hiring since we are an essential service provider as a Human Service Organization.

HOW TO APPLY:

Option 1: Complete this Online Application

Option 2: Quick Review > Email: recruiter@littlecity.org

• Subject Line: Open Position: Children's Recreation Therapist
• Attach: Resume / Cover Letter (if available) 

NOTE: If job link does not work please visit our website for this & other positions >>> www.littlecity.org/careers/

PURPOSE:

Provides individual and group recreation and fitness programming for the individuals served by Little City. Each Little City Recreation Therapist will have the responsibility of leading the coordination of program activities on-campus and the community to provide youth the necessary fitness, recreational, and leisure skills necessary to be independent and prepare them for adulthood.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The list of essential duties and responsibilities, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the task to be performed. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein is such duties are a logical assignment to the position.
1. Develops and facilitates programming utilizing a wide range of interventions and therapeutic techniques to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and leisure needs of the youth served in the children’s residential and school.
2. Works with the youth, their family members, and trains staff to improve the overall health condition of the individual and assist the individual in development of skills, knowledge and behaviors for daily living and community involvement.
3. Develops, plans, and implements youth summer camp activities, afterschool, and weekend recreational and leisure programming in coordination with the residential management team.
4. Assesses the specific needs, abilities and interests of all assigned clients using standard measures to develop a person-centered recreation and fitness plan. Utilize assessments to track positive health, psychosocial, cognitive and leisure skills growth for the individual.
5. During recreational activities, the Recreation Therapist is responsible for providing direction and guidance to individuals participating in the activity, as well as the staff members who support the individuals in such activity.
6. Provide fitness-techniques and recreational training to agency residential staff for activities to be implemented outside the recreation schedule.
7. Provide supervision of all areas of the Center for Recreation and gymnasium while youth are present.
8. Assist youth involved with the agency’s Special Olympics programming by developing athletes to participate in a variety of sports.
9. Timely and ongoing preparation of individual and summary reports that document ongoing participation and progress of individuals engaged in the fitness programs. Prepare documentation that includes, but is not limited to, specific fitness activity, time and duration of activity, location of activity, and degree of engagement of individuals. Track and data entry fitness and recreational activity hours in the agency’s case management system.
10. In conjunction with home staff, develop and demonstrate strategies that serve to motivate residents to participate as fully as possible in the recreational and fitness program.
11. Complete all necessary documentation, including Unusual Incident Reports and Non-Violent Physical Crisis Intervention Reports in a timely manner.
12. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of fitness innovations, research, equipment, and recreational interventions etc., particularly those specific to individuals with intellectual and development disabilities to assure the best possible recreational and fitness program for Little City residents.
13. At all times, promote overall concept of Health and Wellness in all environments and with all stakeholders.
14. Protect the confidentiality of all people served by the agency.
15. Represent the agency in a positive manner in the community and interact cooperatively and constructively with agency staff and residents.
16. Responsible for all safety activities in your workplace and immediately report all accidents and safety hazards to supervisor.
17. Maintains American Heart Association certification in First Aid and CPR.
18. Successfully completes Little City Foundation required training, re-training, and any additional training as required by Little City Foundation policies and practices, or as assigned by his or her immediate supervisor.
19. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Bachelors in Recreation Therapy and be a CTRS (Certified Recreation Therapy Specialist) certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, required. One year of experience working with children with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, preferred. Must be able to meet the requirements of DCFS and DHS background and drivers’ clearances. Professional Rescuer/Lifeguard certification or ability to obtain certification in first year of employment is required. Candidate possess a valid driver’s license and auto insurance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to sitting, walking, and standing for prolonged periods; frequently grasps, lifts, holds, or feels objects; occasionally stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls. The employee frequently is required to use manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination when working with persons served and handling office, fitness or sporting equipment. The employee is subject to assist and lift up to 50 pounds with varying amounts of assistance on a reoccurring basis. The employee is required to have corrected vision and hearing within normal range and the ability to operate a motor vehicle. Must have the ability to perform CPR and CPI. Generally, no occupational exposure to blood, body fluids, communicable diseases or other infectious substances, but may require preforming unplanned Category III tasks (Category II). Occasional exposure to cleaning agents and disinfectants. Recreational work environment has a noise level of normal to loud. Travel to off-site locations and exposure to outdoor conditions will be required. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform successfully the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer: The intent of this job description is to provide a representative level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.