Job Title: Recreation Coordinator – Camps, Outreach, Special Events
Department: Recreation
Reports To: Recreation Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt Employee

Salary: $56,500 - $60,000
Closing Date: Until Filled
 

Summary

The Recreation Coordinator is directly responsible for the administrative planning, organization and supervision of a broad continuum of programs and services for youth and adults with various abilities residing within NEDSRA communities. The Recreation Coordinator coordinates and oversees programming areas cited above. This position is full-time and salaried, and hours may exceed 40 hours/week including evenings/weekends.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Administrative duties for camps for youth with disabilities and special events including program development, evaluation, seasonal brochure development, and seasonal and annual fiscal year budgeting.
• Responsible for hiring and supervision of part-time camp staff.
• Recruitment and retention of youth participants for camp programming, including participant assessments, ongoing communication with parents, guardians, and related support services, and assessing behavioral needs in conjunction with the agency's Code of Conduct to provide a safe program environment.
• Primary assist for large agency events, including annual awards, fundraisers, and community offerings.
• Recruitment and oversight of volunteers for agency programs and events.
• Primary contact for Member Partner event assistance and liaison to pre-determined special education classrooms and teachers.
• Assist Superintendent of Recreation with Veterans Services (V.E.T.S).
• Direct leadership of various NEDSRA programs involving a wide variety of ability groups.
• Detailed written work, including lesson plans, program/staff evaluations, and Board reports.
• Develop documentation for program planning, program evaluations, safety inspections and incident reports.
• Drive agency vehicles for the purpose of transporting participants or other agency business.
• Assist with marketing efforts to enhance program offerings and community awareness.
• Liaison to pre-determined special education classrooms and teachers.
• Effectively work with member partner staff, consumers and all other stakeholders.
• Public presentations for promotion of services, increasing participation and expanding community awareness.
• Assist with agency fundraising efforts including events, grants, and community support.
• Actively support and promote a safe work environment and safe programs through adherence to all safety policies including, but not limited to, those pertaining to program leadership, driver policies, emergency procedure guidelines, crisis management procedures, accident/incident reporting procedures, drug-free workplace policy, and communicable disease policy.
• Serve on various internal Agency committees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Coaching, mentoring, and supervision of support staff.
• Supervise patrons participating in agency programs and activities.
• Provide guidance, direction and feedback to support staff.
• Develop, promote and supervise a wide range of recreation programs.

Safety and Risk Management

• Maintain working knowledge of all general agency and department-specific safety rules.
• Report any work-related injuries to supervisor promptly.
• Attend required safety program and in-service education meetings.
• Correct unsafe conditions and/or report them to supervisor.
• Use material handling equipment or staff assistance when lifting and/or moving objects 50 pounds or heavier.
• Use gait belts, lifts or staff assistance whenever possible to reduce injury exposures when transferring, moving or lifting patrons.
• Address unsafe employee and patron behaviors by approaching, correcting and coaching.
• Enforce safety policies and procedures.
• Use protective gloves, masks and other personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to pathogens.
• Complete incident/accident report forms and promptly forward them to the agency.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Attendance/Punctuality – Demonstrate consistent attendance and on-time arrival.
• Dependability – Follow instructions and respond to management direction, take responsibility for own actions, keep commitments, and complete tasks on time or notify appropriate person.
• Planning/Organizing – Prioritize and plan work activities and use time efficiently. Excellent organizational/time management skills and attention to detail.
• Judgment – Exhibit sound and appropriate judgment, support and explain reasoning for decisions, include appropriate people in decision-making process, and make timely decisions. Ability to analyze database processes, systems and reports, and recommend new methods for improved effectiveness and efficiency.
• Professionalism – Approach others in a tactful manner, react well under pressure, treat others with respect and consideration, accept responsibility for own actions, and follow through on commitments.
• Problem Solving – Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner, gather and analyze information skillfully, develop alternative solutions, work well in group problem-solving situations, and use reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Customer Service – Manage difficult or emotional customer situations, respond promptly to customer needs, respond to requests for service and assistance, and meet commitments.
• Interpersonal Skills – Focus on solving conflict. Listen to others without interrupting, keep emotions under control, and remain open to others' ideas. Must have ability to deal with people and patrons under stressful situations.
• Teamwork – Promote and support work teams, put success of team above own interests.
• Oral Communication – Listen and get clarification; and respond well to questions.
• Organizational Support – Follow policies and procedures.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in therapeutic recreation, recreation administration/management, education, or a related field, and preferred two years of experience coordinating recreation programs for individuals with disabilities. Candidate should have strong leadership and organizational skills, and the ability to plan, budget and implement recreation programs for individuals with special needs. Strong oral and written communication skills are required, as well as interpersonal skills to create good working relationships with participants, family members, teachers, allied professionals and community contacts.

Language Skills

Exceptional proofreading, punctuation and grammar skills, as well as good recall. Proficiency in composing clear, professional business correspondence/reports for a variety of audiences. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondences and to speak effectively.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to solve problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite applications, Google applications and the Internet.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Obtain and maintain a valid Illinois state driver’s license and ability to pass the defensive driving course as required.
• Obtain and maintain CPR and first-aid certification is required.
• Obtain and maintain CPI certification is required.
• Obtain and maintain CTRS certification or applicable work experience is preferred.
• Obtain and maintain CPRP certification or applicable work experience is preferred.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee will assist patrons in moving, transferring and vehicle loading. The employee may occasionally need to perform physical patron-restraint techniques.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to various outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage (PPO or HMO)
• Prescription Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Reimbursement Program
• Life Insurance (Basic & Voluntary)
• Short- and Long-Term Disability (IMRF)
• Pension / Defined Benefit Plan (IMRF)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick Time, and Discretionary Days