Recreation Leader - Therapeutic Recreation

Overview

Have previous experience in childcare or education support in Therapeutic Recreation? Join our therapeutic recreation staff! OPEN UNTIL FILLED. First review of candidates on 4/8/2026.

The Therapeutic Recreation Leader will work to assist with 1:1 needs of children with disabilities, and foster inclusion in a general recreation program. You will interact with youth through developmentally appropriate crafts, games, and/or other planned activities. Many of the programs are field trip based and staff will have the opportunity to support kids and teens in exciting adventures and experiences in Central Oregon.

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Supervise therapeutic recreation participants in district facilities and programs, helping to provide safe and rewarding experiences.
• Interact with participants through developmentally appropriate crafts, games and/or other planned activities.
• Create daily plans for classes and activities within established guidelines and curriculum.
• Oversee the safety, comfort and progress of participants.
• Adapt activities as needed to meet the abilities and needs of individuals.
• Prepare equipment, materials and supplies required for conducting activities.
• Set up, take down and clean up after class as required.
• Communicate effectively with parents/guardians of participants regarding behavior issues, participants' special needs, questions and concerns.
• Complete required class records, progress reports, certificates, etc.
• Respond to accidents and incidents according to procedure.
• Act as a Mandatory Reporter; report incidents of child abuse/neglect.

This is a Summer position. Hours can vary from 20-40 based on program need and staff availability/preference.

Summer programs run from June 15 to September 4, with some flexibility in end date.

• Thursday, June 4, 4:30pm - 7pm
• Saturday, June 6, 8am - 5pm
• Tuesday, June 9, 4:30pm - 7pm
• Wednesday, June 10, 4:30pm - 7pm

Strong Knowledge of:

• Basic recreation activity planning, class management techniques and leadership strategies
• Progressive methods for teaching skills associated with assignment
• Basic youth development principle

Skill and Ability to:

• Plan, lead and instruct assigned recreation activities
• Understand the needs of participants and adapt accordingly
• Motivate participants through positive encouragement
• Demonstrate skills responsible for teaching
• Perform independently within a structured environment
• Interact effectively with a variety of patrons/participants
• Communicate effectively, tactfully, and pleasantly with the public and others
• Establish and maintain positive, respectful and cooperative working relationships with all contacts

Education, Experience, and Training

Supervision is not a responsibility of this position; however, position may provide direction over volunteers and Recreation 1’s. Works under the general supervision of a supervisor. Receives ongoing and specific direction from lead and supervisory staff. Carries out work with some independence but work and decisions are typically reviewed prior to final execution.

The following are working conditions, including environmental and physical demands, required for this position.

• Depending on job assignment, duties may be performed either indoors or outdoors, which may include exposure to environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures.
• Work schedule is varied and may require evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to walk and stand for sustained periods of time with frequent climbing, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, and twisting.
• The flow of work and character of duties involve normal mental and visual attention much or all of the time.
• Physical exertion includes frequent walking, bending, and the ability to lift and carry up…