Inclusion Program Assistant

Overview

Applications are being accepted by the Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture for an Inclusion Program Assistant to assist with planning, organizing, coordinating, and supervising inclusive services, programs, events, and activities to support and facilitate the participation of individuals with disabilities (e.g., cognitive, social/emotional, physical, and/or sensory) in the City's summer camp and other youth programs. We are looking for a resourceful, creative, energetic, poised, and diplomatic individual who demonstrates initiative, good judgment, and enthusiasm for and commitment to providing recreation and leisure opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Applicants must be available to work weekdays (Monday through Friday) from approximately June 22 through August 14, 2026, approximately 15 to 25 hours per week. Applicants must also be able to attend all required staff training sessions prior to the beginning of camp (May 27, June 3, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, and 18, 2026, starting at 5 p.m.); and there may be some other opportunities to perform administrative work in the office prior to the beginning of the summer camp season (through the remainder of the  school year).

Requires daytime, evening, weekend, and/or holiday work. Starting hourly rate is negotiable within the range and will be offered at a level consistent with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Gaithersburg employees.

• Assist with processing reasonable accommodation requests and serve as a point person and advocate for inclusion participants.
• Review disability related documentation to determine eligibility for accommodation and support.
• Assist in conducting initial meetings with incoming participants to discuss impact of disability, barriers related to access, and potential reasonable and necessary accommodations.
• Assist in conducting assessments to accurately determine proper support needed to successfully include individuals with disabilities.
• Maintain confidential case notes and other supporting documentation; track and ensure completion of inclusion services related documentation.
• Assist in communicating with individuals, family members, City staff, and others to collect information to coordinate and implement a staffing plan, including use of adaptive equipment.
• Assist in developing and conducting presentations and training for staff regarding the inclusion program and assist in facilitating trainings for staff regarding disability related issues, accessibility, and sensitivity training.
• Conduct site visits and program observations and interface regularly with staff and participants to consider the extent of accommodations which can reasonably be provided and to ensure that accommodations which are provided are appropriately implemented.
• Work with program supervisors and front-line staff to develop and implement inclusion and behavior support plans for participants.
• Assist in the recruitment and evaluation of seasonal staff to successfully assist people with disabilities; assist in coordinating inclusion companions as needed for participants to successfully utilize City programs and services.
• Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of programs meeting inclusion potential and needs using site observations and verbal discussions with participants.
• Assist in other administrative tasks as assigned.
• Provide excellent service, pursue continuous improvement, and exceed expectations.

Key responsibilities are highlighted above; please view the complete classification description for the Inclusion Program Assistant position.

• At least 2 years of course work in Therapeutic Recreation, Inclusion, Education, Art, Music, Theater, Arts Administration, Leisure Services, or closely related field;
  Associate's Degree or higher preferred.
• At least 2 years of experience in inclusive recreation work or related field (developing, coordinating, implementing, executing, and evaluating inclusive services, programs, activities, and events).
• Exceptional customer service, public relations, interpersonal,…