Title: Special Recreation Instructor (H)

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:
Under general supervision, plans, promotes, organizes, instructs and conducts recreation and leisure activities designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities and other special populations in Chicago. Conducts classes, coaches teams, controls therapeutic recreation equipment, and recruits and trains volunteers. Serves as liaison with local advisory councils and local park staff. Performs related duties as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Plans and implements a community recreation curriculum and teaches a variety of physical, leisure, adapted aquatics and recreation activities to citizens with disabilities and to other special populations. Instructs and supervises Park District patrons involved in sports, games and recreation and athletics. Demonstrates proper techniques and skills for recreation and athletic activities. Accompanies, supervises and coaches athletes at local, regional, national and international special Olympics, para olympics and other scheduled events.

Evaluates individual skill levels and assesses the leisure capacity of program participants. Develops and identifies realistic recreation and athletic goals for patrons with disabilities and other special populations. Enforces and promotes safety guidelines for specialized recreation and athletic activities. Helps develop and promote the Park District therapeutic recreation program. Contributes to program management in the areas of planning, monitoring and training program volunteers. Provides technical supervision for personnel assigned to work with participants. Issues and maintains an inventory of recreation equipment and supplies. Sets up recreation apparatus and equipment. Performs general administrative duties including but not limited to registration, fee collection, maintenance of health records and parental release forms, and other record keeping duties. Supervises unorganized play and enforces Park District rules and regulations. Conducts and attends workshops and in-service training seminars.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Training and Experience:
Completion of at least 20 credit hours in an accredited college or university in Therapeutic Recreation, Physical Education, Recreation or a closely related field, plus one year experience in Therapeutic Recreation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. An Associate of Arts degree in one of these fields is recommended. A Bachelor of Arts degree is preferred. Certification Requirement: Valid CPR certification from the American Red Cross or other nationally recognized organization. Certification Recommended: Therapeutic Recreation Assistant or Specialist (National Council for Therapeutic Certification), Adapted Aquatics Instructor, Water Safety Instructor, Special Olympics Sport Coach (various).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of therapeutic recreation theories and principles. Familiarity with commonly accepted methods and techniques for teaching children and adults with disabilities and other special populations. Effective oral and written communication skills. Skill in teaching a full range of therapeutic recreation sports and cultural and social activities. Ability to observe and evaluate individual participant progress.