TitleTherapeutic Recreation InternDepartmentTherapeutic RecreationStatus14 Week InternshipOffice LocationWebbs Norman CenterReports ToTherapeutic Recreation Inclusion Supervisor, Certified Therapeutic Recreation SpecialistPosition DescriptionThe Therapeutic Recreation Intern will gain hands-on experience planning, implementing, and evaluating inclusive recreation programs for youth, teens, and adults. Under the guidance of the Recreation Supervisor, the intern will assist with therapeutic recreation assessments, participant goals, adaptive techniques, staff support, and program evaluation while completing required fieldwork hours toward the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential.
ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT VISION, MISSION AND LEADERSHIP BY VALUESAgency VisionTo be the best urban parks and recreation system in North America, as measured by national standards and the citizens we serve.Agency MissionThe Rockford Park District is in business to “help people enjoy life” by providing a quality park and recreation system.Vision & Planning SystemThe District aligns itself and all its resources to achieve its purpose, vision, mission, and priorities. This successfully drives the strategic plan, operational plans, and performance goals.Policy Management & Operations SystemEvery team member serves as an active contributor in the development of the team’s operational plan; develops job strategies and plans that support the team’s operational goals; identifies timetables for completion; plans daily work activities in an organized manner ensuring effective utilization of time and resources in the completion of job tasks.Leadership by Values SystemLeadership by Values can only be achieved if all team members believe in and live by these shared values: accountability, integrity, passion, agility, relationship oriented, results driven, service oriented, respectful, and innovative. While all team members share these essential values, our culture is enriched by and welcomes the diverse supporting values of its team members.Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging StatementThe Rockford Park District is committed and accountable to being a place where everyone is invited and belongs, as demonstrated by being an inviting, equitable, and inclusive environment, respectful of all people, embracing diversity, creating accessibility and valuing all team members, partners and community members for their unique experiences and backgrounds. RELATIONSHIPS TO RESULTS CULTUREDefinitionSustained by long-term, positive, exceptional relationships with stakeholders and team members as our hallmark of success. ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL COMMITMENTDefinitionTo work together to achieve the mission, vision, and shared values of the Rockford Park District.ConnectednessDepartments are truly interconnected to support the mission and vision of the Rockford Park District. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assignedOperational Excellence
- Assist with planning, organizing, implementing and oversight of youth, teen and adult specialty recreational programs.
- Provide developmentally appropriate activities that meet the needs and interests of participants.
- Assist in the development and implementation of goals and objectives specific to area of responsibility.
- Develop and implement an internship project.
- Assist in evaluating effectiveness and efficiency of program and services, making recommendations on introduction or deletion of programs and services.
- Assist with the development and implementation of a marketing strategy for recreation programs, events, and services consisting of appropriate pricing and promotional efforts.
- Analyze, make recommendations, and assist Recreation Supervisor regarding the quality of programming content, monitoring participation, and evaluating the success of program participants
- Evaluate and give constructive feedback to program staff concerning participant, behavior management techniques, program activities, structure, site specific protocol, and curriculum.
- Assist and make recommendations to recruit, hire, schedule, train, supervise, mentor and evaluate staff with guidance from the Recreation Supervisor
- Assist Recreation Supervisor and completes in conducting Therapeutic Recreation assessments
- Provide staff with recommendations in adaptive techniques and intervention strategies to allow for maximum program participation and to meet the individual needs of participants.
- Mentor seasonal staff in identifying barriers, writing participant goals, tracking and evaluating participant progress, and communicating to parents/guardians
- Completes administrative responsibilities correctly and on time, such as verifying staff timesheets, accident reports, behavior incidents, daily logs, weekly site attendance, equipment inventory, and evaluations of staff and other reports as requested.
- Use effective and positive communication with program participants, other staff, parents/guardians, and internal and external agencies.
- Act as a RPD liaison for the Recreation Supervisor while communicating with other RPD departments.
- Attends scheduled meetings as determined by the Recreation Supervisor to include weekly staffing, directors meetings, and additional meetings as needed.
- Creates and follows structured program outline.
- Use confidentiality in all aspects regarding participants involved in programs
- Maintains a working knowledge of department safety procedures. Attends safety training, completes educational in-service opportunities and attends other district wide trainings as required. As well as enforces rules and regulations set-up by the Rockford Park District.
- Attends meetings, trainings and workshops related to agency and professional development
- Gathers, loads, transports and sets-up supplies and equipment for the program sites, including inventory and maintenance with support from program staff.
- Enforces and follows all rules, regulations and policies set up by the Rockford Park District to include the Affirmative Action Plan, maintaining an alcohol and drug free workplace, and following all safety and risk management procedures.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
Education/Experience- Currently enrolled in a degree program in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, or a related field.
- Completed the academic prerequisites necessary to participate in a therapeutic recreation internship.
- Pursuing eligibility for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential.
- Previous experience in recreation, therapeutic recreation, or working with individuals with disabilities is preferred but not required.
Critical Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
- Must maintain a Valid Driver's License
- Experience writing and implementing positive behavior plans.
- Experience working with various designs of communication to include picture systems.
- Good organizational and leadership skills for daily supervision and direction of participants
- Good communication skills including expressive, written, and receptive
- Flexibility to work at various locations as assignments are subject to change during the length of the season
- Ability to problem solve in a variety of situations
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and demonstrate flexibility as a team player
- Ability to work in stressful conditions, including situations involving disability related needs and dissatisfied customers
- Ability to use computer programs for creating and retrieving reports and schedules.
- First Aid, CPR, and AED training (Can be obtained through Rockford Park District as determined necessary by supervisor – required by NCTRC prior to internship)
Physical RequirementsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
Medium work:
- Exerting up to 100 pounds of force rarely
- Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally
- Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently to move objects.
- This is a physically active position that involves stamina
- Mobility to various locations
Work EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
- Exposure to outdoor elements, weather, hazardous vegetation, insect bites
