Therapeutic Recreation Program Aide

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Performs responsible recreation work in accordance with the program standards assisting direct participant contact employees by providing one to one or small group support and assistance to participants with disabilities registered in Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) programs and activities and youth participants of ACE Summer Camp. Assists instructors or leaders in carrying out planned activities, under the supervision of the Recreation Programmers. Performs responsible childcare and recreation work in accordance with the program standards for children at an assigned location. Assists with planning and participating in organized childcare and recreational activities with children ages five (5) through twenty-one (21) who have developmental disabilities. Staff follows pre-determined program guidelines and report on client progress and goals to empower clients to participate as independently as possible. Performs other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Actively supervises and supports participants while in the program. Motivates participants to participate and complete activities. Serve as an appropriate role model for all participants. Engages clients in appropriate conversation. Brings participants into the conversations and involve all in the group. Support staff do not complete class/activity projects, but assist the clients based on their individuals needs.

• Assists with planning and actively participates with staff and children in activities including games, music, arts, crafts, and playground activities, as well as other appropriate activities in a summer camp setting

• Helps instructor set up and/or clean up class/activity materials.

• Completes documentation for the program and submits to full-time TRS Staff within program time guidelines.

• Reports and works on the objectives for individual participants, as assigned.

• Completes all required training and attends all mandatory meetings as set by TRS.

• Observes all activities to ensure the protection and safety of all participants.

• Serves as a van monitor in supervising program participants while using County or City supplied transportation vehicles. Ensures all participants wear seat belts and maintain appropriate behavior during transportation.

• Provides appropriate behavioral supports for participants while in the program to include (but is not limited, to) prompting, re-direction, and positive reinforcement.

• Ensures each child has individualized support in each activity while at ACE Camp

• Follows the FISH philosophy while working in the TR program. (Be Present, Choose Your Attitude, Make Their Day, and Play Appropriately)

• Provide correct sighted guide mobility techniques as needed by clients.

• Assists participants who use wheelchairs, as needed. Assists drivers in securing clients who use wheelchairs in the van, using supplied tie-downs.

REQUIREMENTS/PREFERENCES

• Actively supervises and supports participants while in the program. Motivates participants to participate and complete activities. Serve as an appropriate role model for all participants. Engages clients in appropriate conversation. Brings participants into the conversations and involve all in the group. Support staff do not complete class/activity projects, but assist the clients based on their individuals needs.

• Assists with planning and actively participates with staff and children in activities including games, music, arts, crafts, and playground activities, as well as other appropriate activities in a summer camp setting

• Helps instructor set up and/or clean up class/activity materials.

• Completes documentation for the program and submits to full-time TRS Staff within program time guidelines.

• Reports and works on the objectives for individual participants, as assigned.

• Completes all required training and attends all mandatory meetings as set by TRS.

• Observes all activities to ensure the protection and safety of all participants.

• Serves as a van monitor in supervising program participants while using County or City supplied transportation vehicles. Ensures all participants wear seat belts and maintain appropriate behavior during transportation.

• Provides appropriate behavioral supports for participants while in the program to include (but is not limited, to) prompting, re-direction, and positive reinforcement.

• Ensures each child has individualized support in each activity while at ACE Camp

• Follows the FISH philosophy while working in the TR program. (Be Present, Choose Your Attitude, Make Their Day, and Play Appropriately)

• Provide correct sighted guide mobility techniques as needed by clients.

• Assists participants who use wheelchairs, as needed. Assists drivers in securing clients who use wheelchairs in the van, using supplied tie-downs.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/PREFERENCESEducation

Required:Graduation from high school or equivalent. Must be age 18 or over. Must have current certification in CPR and First Aid.

Preferred:Two (2) years college course work in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation, Psychology, Special Education or other human service area.

Experience

Required:Some experience in working with individuals(children or adults)with developmental disabilities, visual impairments, head injury related disabilities, and/or psychiatric disabilities.

Certifications/ Licenses

Required: Must have and maintain a Red Cross First Aid and CPR certificate or obtain same after employment.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• General knowledge and interest in activities suitable for participant population assigned.

• If assigned to work ACE Camp must have general knowledge, skill and interest in recreational activities suitable for children ages five (5) through twenty-one (21) with developmental disabilities in a group setting.

• Ability to deal effectively with participants; encourage participation in the various activities; and develop and maintain effective relationships with co-workers, participants and the general public.

• Ability to supervise a group of activity participants,

• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with program participants and co-workers, the

• Ability and desire to work with participants of all age and ability levels.

Additional RequirementsMust be age sixteen (18) or older. Must complete pre-employment training. Subject to a complete criminal history and Child Protective Services background search with acceptable results.Following a conditional offer of employment, mustsubmit to a Tuberculosis test.Must also be able to perform the job as described in the Physical and Environmental Demands section of this job description.Must supply references.Supervisory

Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.Education

Required:Graduation from high school or equivalent. Must be age 18 or over. Must have current certification in CPR and First Aid.

Preferred:Two (2) years college course work in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation, Psychology, Special Education or other human service area.

OTHER INFORMATION

OVERALL PHYSICAL STRENGTH DEMAND