Therapeutic Recreation Leader

Temporary Position (Multiple)

The City of Alexandria is located in Northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter square miles in the city have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Temporary Therapeutic Recreation Leader position.

Overview

In pursuit of service excellence, the temporary Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Leader helps individuals with disabilities to be included in general recreational programs. The TR Leader works with participants to develop skills, manage challenging behaviors, and foster independent participation. Center staff work together to create a positive, inclusive environment. An employee in this class plans, coordinates, and leads recreation activities, actively participates in all program activities, assists with the adaptation of activities for participants, provides direct care to physically and cognitively impaired participants including assistance with toileting, ambulation, and medication, and helps to facilitate social interaction; and, plans and evaluates activities including scheduling appropriate group activities at designated dates and times; ensures all materials needed for activities are safe, clean and available; and assists with the overall program and facility operation. An employee in this class performs professional recreation work under general guidelines and receives supervision from a Therapeutic Recreation Manager of a higher grade and a

Recreation Center Manager.

Incumbents in this class have latitude in implementing programs within their assigned area of responsibility. This position requires individuals to work Monday through Friday, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and some evening and weekend hours. Enthusiasm, flexibility, excellent communication skills and phenomenal customer service are needed to be successful in this position.

What You Should Bring

Each member of our team is accountable for exceptional delivery of services to the community. You will work to meet the recreation needs of our community. You will ensure that all activities are fun, safe and orderly. To best serve in this position, you should have good knowledge of the social and recreational sciences, including the theory, principles, and practices of therapeutic recreation. You must also demonstrate an ability to plan and implement activities and work effectively in a group setting. You should be able to execute programming that meets the highest standards of excellence.

The Opportunity

• Plans, develops and implements quarterly strategic Program Plans for the Therapeutic Recreation Program operation.
  • Plans and develops structured enrichment and group activities.
  • Develops measures for each program/activity to evaluate success and adjusts as necessary;
• Leads activities that are inclusive, non-competitive and foster positive engagement;
• Is Responsive, Professional, Courteous and Accountable in all interactions;
• Safeguards program participants always;
• Ensures all safety precautions and guidelines are followed;
• Participates in staff meetings, in-service trainings and workshops;
• Uses computer skills to report and plan with registration software, Microsoft office
• Performs related work as required.

About the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities

The mission of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities is to enrich the City of Alexandria by creating meaningful experiences through public space, cultural activities, and programming. The City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities received national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). National accreditation requires park and recreation agencies to meet 155 standards representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

High School Diploma and year three (3) years of related experience or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. First Aid training, valid driver's license issued by state of residence. Small Pool Manager: possession of a valid Red Cross or comparable Senior Life Saving and Swimming Pool Operator's Certificate. Assistant Pool Manager: (Large Pool) same as for a Small Pool Manager, plus two years swimming pool experience, and the ability to perform routine maintenance/repair work on pool equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in therapeutic recreation, preferably in a community recreation setting or directly related field working with individuals of all abilities; Enthusiasm, creative, flexibility, excellent communication skills and phenomenal customer service; Have flexibility to accommodate a varied work schedule which may include working on short notice, evenings, weekends and around holidays. Have a deep desire and interest in working with a diverse population daily.

Notes

This position requires successful completion of a criminal records background check and drug screening prior to employment. Must have a desire and interest in working with individuals with disabilities.

There are multiple positions available and this job announcement is open until they are filled.