Recreation Specialist-Day Camp

Job Title

Recreation Specialist-Day Camp

Department

Recreation

Direct Reports

Site Directors, Assistant Site Directors, Part-Time Employees/Camp Counselors, and Volunteers

Reports To

Manager of Programs and Day Camp

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, IMRF

Classification

Full-Time

Schedule

Estimated 40 hours per week, ability to work a flexible schedule Monday-Friday; will include occasional evenings and weekends based on programming and association business needs

Salary/Hourly Wage

$44,888 - $54,888

FLSA

Exempt

Job Purpose

The Recreation Specialist – Day Camp uses recreation, day camp, leisure, and activity-based interventions to enhance the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of individuals with disabilities. This role assesses participant needs, develops and implements individualized and program plans, facilitates therapeutic recreation programs, and evaluates outcomes to support functional improvement, independence, and overall quality of life in recreational settings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and implement a variety of programs, including general, clubs, special events, Leisure Education, Winter, Spring and Summer camps, trips/overnights, Lightning Athletics, inclusive placements and cooperative programs, with creativity and enthusiasm.
• Implement behavior management strategies as needed while supporting individual and social skill development, encouraging independence, promoting full participation by adapting activities, and ensuring participants physical/emotional well-being.
• Serve as a team leader for recreational programs, supervising and evaluating part‑time employees and volunteers to promote group cohesiveness.
• Coach and develop part‑time employees and volunteers to ensure effective, consistent, and high‑quality recreation support.
• Solve complex problems, work efficiently under pressure, and meet deadlines for projects, assignments, and events.
• Select and recommend supplies and equipment while overseeing inventory, cleaning, inspection, restocking, and ongoing maintenance within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Assist in developing clear and concise communication to all program staff, part‑time employees, parents/guardians, and community or district partners.
• Participate in interviews for part‑time employees, including Site Directors, Assistant Site Directors, Rovers, and Camp Counselors.
• Coordinate all aspects of day camp operations to ensure high‑quality programming and safe environments, including activity planning, facility and site expectations, field trips, transportation logistics, and communications with staff and participants.
• Supervise, support, and evaluate part‑time employees throughout the camp season.
• Assist in developing, monitoring, and managing the day camp budget, including staffing, supplies, equipment, field trips, and program materials.
• Assist in leading new hire orientation and onboarding for part‑time employees and volunteers; organize and deliver training for returning staff, including compliance, safety, programming, and participant support refreshers.
• Provide on‑call support for programs, addressing urgent participant needs and assisting with coverage, emergencies, or operational needs as required.
• Effectively use phones, computers, tablets, software, and online tools to complete job duties, while preparing, receiving, understanding, and responding promptly to written communications via mail, text, or email.
• Drive Association or personal vehicles for recreation programs, meetings, or Association business.
• Assist with recruitment and outreach efforts by attending job fairs, school career programs, community events, and staff interviews.
• Perform other duties as needed to support the Associations Vision, fulfill the Mission, and uphold…