DPR Summer 2024- Therapeutic Recreation

General Job Information

Job Summary

DPR’s Therapeutic Recreation division provides recreation and wellness programs for residents of all ages, including adaptive programs and facilities for people with disabilities, by addressing the needs of individuals living with disabilities to promote overall wellbeing through active participation in recreation programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

• Supervise 5-30 youth with special needs, ensuring their safety at all times
• Assist in managing 3-5 summer camp employees
• Assist in developing and implementing an engaging daily curriculum
• Provide verbal and physical intervention as needed to manage disruptive or aggressive participant behavior
• Model appropriate social behaviors and encourage the campers to interact positively with each other
• Assist participants with personal care tasks such as personal hygiene, dressing, eating and assisting with toileting / changing clothes in the event of an accident
• Create a structured schedule for each day
• Develop positive working relationships with the site staff and campers’ parents / guardians
• Enter the pool(water) and monitor pool safety with campers during all swim sessions
• Complete administrative duties daily ( scheduling, attendance, planning for next day, and emailing parents, etc.)
• Comply with seasonal staff / camp policies at all times
• Attend field trips and actively engage campers during the activity

Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator

• Assist TR Specialist with all camp functions on a daily basis
• Provide continuous supervision of campers and keep them safe throughout the camp day
• Organize and implement engaging summer camp activities daily
• Assist participants with personal care tasks such as personal hygiene, dressing, eating and assisting with toileting / changing clothes in the event of an accident
• Develop positive working relationships with the site staff and campers’ parents / guardians
• Provide verbal and physical intervention and redirection as needed to manage disruptive or aggressive participant behavior
• Model appropriate social behaviors and encourage the campers to interact positively with each other
• Enter the pool(water) and monitor pool safety with campers during all swim sessions
• Comply with seasonal staff / camp policies at all times
• Attend field trips and actively engage campers during the activity

Minimum Qualifications / Education / Experience

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

• At least 21 years of age
• High level of energy and enthusiasm
• Available to attend training and work every day of Summer Camp from June 17 - August 23, 2024
• At least 3 years of experience working with children with a wide range of special needs
• At least 2 years of experience in a leadership role
• The ability to plan, organize and implement individual and group activities, contribute ideas during planning sessions, monitor supplies and materials, etc.
• Good judgment and the ability to recognize hazardous situations and prevent accidents
• Must be alert and able to physically control campers if necessary
• Ability to implement behavior management strategies and plans
• Must have knowledge of developmental and intellectual disabilities and behavior management techniques such as positive reinforcement, redirection, setting limits, etc.

Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator

• At least 18 years of age
• High level of energy and enthusiasm
• Available to attend training and work every day of Summer Camp from June 17 - August 23, 2024
• At least 1 year of experience working with children with a wide range of special needs
• Good judgment and the ability to recognize hazardous situations and prevent accidents
• Must be alert and able to physically control participants if necessary
• Must have knowledge of developmental and intellectual disabilities and behavior management techniques such as positive reinforcement, redirection, setting limits, etc.
• Take direction and feedback with ease and implement tasks with a positive attitude
• Exhibit the following attributes : creative, hardworking, energetic, organized, professional, flexible, and team oriented

Other Significant Facts

Area of Consideration : This position is part of the Pathway to Government Employment Partnership Program. District residents who received a high school diploma from the District of Columbia Public Schools or a District public charter school or received a GED or its equivalent from the District of Columbia will receive priority consideration for this entry-level position.

Applicants must provide a high school transcript, GED certificate, high school diploma, or other applicable documentation along with verification of District residency before the District government may extend a final offer of employment.

Tour of Duty : Varies

Salary Range

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist : $

Therapeutic Recreation Facilitator : $

Position Designation : This position is designated as a Protection Sensitive position and is subject to mandatory pre-employment and periodic Criminal Background Checks and Traffic Records Checks (as applicable).

This position is also subject to mandatory pre-employment and random Drug and Alcohol Testing. In this position, you may be disqualified from employment based on the presence of marijuana in test results, even if you possess a medical card authorizing the use of medical marijuana.

EEO Statement : The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.