Special Recreation Instructor - Day Camp - (Deaf & Hard of Hearing) - Seasonal

Job Description

Title: Special Recreation Instructor - Deaf & Hard of Hearing (Seasonal)

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under general supervisions, plans, promotes, organizes, instructs and conducts recreation and leisure activities designed to meet the need of individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Chicago. Conducts classes, coaches, teams, maintains therapeutic recreation equipment, and recruits and trains volunteers. Serves as a liaison with local advisory councils and local park staff. Performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plans and implements a community recreation curriculum and teaches a variety of physical leisure, aquatics and recreational activities for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Instructs and supervisors Park District patrons who are deaf and hard of hearing involved in sports, games and recreation and athletics. Demonstrate proper techniques and skills for recreation and athletic activities.
• Promote fair play and sports-person-like conduct amongst program participants.
• Encourages creativity and positive social interactions amongst program participants.
• Enforces and promotes safety guidelines for specialized recreation and athletic activities.
• Helps develop and promotes the Park District Special Recreation program.
• Contributes to the program management in the areas planning, monitoring and training program volunteers.
• Maintains inventory of recreation equipment and supplies.
• 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.
• Communicates with participants, parents/caregivers, volunteers and community members.
• Conducts and attends workshops and in-service training seminars.
• May work with other special populations, including but not limited to senior citizens, individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, blind or visual impairment, and military veterans.

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 1-year experience in Therapeutic Recreation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Valid CPR certification from the American Red Cross or another nationally recognized organization.

Preferred: An Associates or Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Physical Education, Recreation or a closely related field. Certification in Therapeutic Recreation Assistant or Specialist, Adapted Aquatics Instructor, Water Safety Instructor and/or Special Olympics Sport Coach (various). Fluent in American Sign Language. Previous experience working with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Knowledge and understanding of deaf person and culture.

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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

General work area is indoors/outside, in a smoke-free environment, with controlled temperature and fluorescent lighting. Performs tasks that involve use of hands to finger, handle or feel, reaching, walking, bending, stooping, standing, kneeling, climbing, reaching and sitting. May perform lifting tasks up to 25 pounds.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job duties are to be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

RATE OF PAY: $26.63/per hour

SEIU-Local 73 EEO: Para-professional FLSA: Non-Exempt