Camp Star Angelina Therapeutic Program Director

Position Purpose/Summary

This is specialized recreation work with responsibility for exercising leadership in the Park Department's seasonal program involving day-camp operations in its therapeutic recreation program for youth/young adults with and without disabilities at Camp STAR Angelina. Work is performed with considerable independence of judgement in accordance with specialized recreational practices to facilitate the adaptation of recreational activities to meet the individual needs of program participants. Work is performed with considerable independence under the direction of the Assistant Director of Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation Senior Project Manager, and Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in accordance with standard policies and procedures. Supervision is exercised over Therapeutic Head Recreation leaders and Therapeutic Recreation leaders and other assigned personnel and volunteers.

Essential Functions

• Develops overall therapeutic recreation program; meets with Therapeutic Recreation Specialist on a regular basis.

• Delegates work responsibilities and follows up to ensure compliance.

• Conducts staff meetings; provides training and continuing education; handles staff grievances and conflicts.

• Directs and supervises staff and completes performance evaluations of staff involved in the seasonal therapeutic recreation program.

• Orients staff and volunteers to goals, objectives, and techniques pertinent to program.

• Responds to parents' needs/complaints and organizes parents' meetings; prepares parents' newsletter with Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.

• Reviews application forms for pertinent and necessary information.

• Coordinates health care program with nurse.

• Maintains payroll records and incident reports.

• Conducts continuing program evaluation and recommends program changes and assists in coordinating field trips.

• Assist participants with activities of daily living as needed, may include dressing, eating, and hygiene related activities.

• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding and working knowledge of recreational activities and needs related to therapeutic populations, including youth and young adults with disabilities

• Ability to demonstrate compassion, understanding, acceptance when working with participants, families, and staff.

• Ability to plan, develop, coordinate, and adapt a varied program of recreation activities suitable for youth and young adults with and without disabilities.

• Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of subordinates and to provide in-service training in specialized techniques.

• Ability to enforce departmental rules and regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, special needs children, parents, school personnel, community organizations, and general public.

• Ability to prepare and maintain reports.

• Ability to express oneself clearly through written and verbal communication.

• Ability to lead small and large group activities.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, or related field preferred

• One (1) year experience with therapeutic populations in a recreation, camp, residential, and/or home care program setting or related field preferred.

• Current or ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certification.