PERT Residential Activity Specialist WWRW

PERT Residential Activity Specialist

The PERT Residential Team at Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) is seeking a PERT Residential Activity Specialist. The individual in this position will be responsible for coordinating and programming dorm resources for youth with disabilities enrolled in the PERT Program at WWRC, as well as documenting student responses to programming and learning goals for use in education and rehabilitation transition planning in the students' home communities after exiting WWRC.

The role is accountable for creating and implementing a safe "living and learning" residential environment for participating PERT students within an educational and rehabilitation developmental framework that promotes positive self-esteem and social and independent living skills. The position also serves as the credit card holder for the residential side of PERT. The specialist must maintain accurate logs and keep all required documentation, submitting logs in a timely manner.

Coordinate and deliver residential, recreation, and leisure programming for PERT students. Create and maintain a safe, supportive "living and learning" environment that promotes social and independent living skills. Observe and document student participation, behavior, and progress; communicate daily with PERT staff to ensure continuity of services. Serve on the Independent Living Skills Assessment Team and evaluate students in room cleaning, laundry, hygiene knowledge, and related skills.

Compile assessment results, collaborate with IL teachers, and support ongoing improvement of assessment tools. Assist with virtual delivery of Independent Living modules, including pre‑testing, post‑testing, and completion reports. Maintain accurate logs and required documentation as the residential credit card holder; submit logs on time and follow purchasing rules.

Works a rotating schedule that may include day, evening, and night shifts based on student presence and program needs. Required to be on site five days per week as part of WWRC's direct‑service mission. Any request for regular telework (even one day per week) must be submitted to the Center Director and may require approval from the Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner.

Knowledge of characteristics of adolescent behaviors and positive intervention techniques; characteristics of diverse disabilities and implications for recreational programming; needs of youth with disabilities and their families in the transition from school-to-work; diverse indoor and outdoor sports, games, and other recreation activities and related accommodations/adaptations for special needs populations; and group dynamics. Demonstrated skills in: assessment of student learning needs related to recreational activities;

planning and implementation of individual and group recreation/leisure skill programs targeting adolescents; teamwork/coaching with adolescents; application of positive intervention strategies to challenging behaviors which may be presented in a residential setting; use of appropriate restraints in emergency situations; client-focused advocacy; and, effective oral and written communication. Demonstrated abilities to: plan, implement, and evaluate recreational/leisure skill programming; anticipate and respond immediately to individual and group crisis/emergency situations;

manage challenging behaviors and enforce disciplinary measures while retaining respect and confidence from PERT participants and PERT/WWRC staff; balance workload responsibilities with competing organizational priorities; and complete work assignments both independently and as an effective team member. Training and/or related work experience in adaptive Physical Education and/or the planning and provision of recreation/leisure activities for youth with disabilities strongly preferred.

Training in principles and techniques of recreation assessment and programming, as well as behavior intervention techniques highly desirable. Progressive work experience in a residential education and/or rehabilitation setting with youth with disabilities strongly preferred. License to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Virginia or ability to obtain such within two (2) weeks of employment required.