AccessABLE Recreation Program Leader

About the Role

The City of Rochester invites applications for a limited‑appointment position as an AccessABLE Recreation Program Leader in the Park and Recreation Department. The role supports individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities by delivering safe, engaging recreation programs and fostering an inclusive community.

Nature of Work

The Program Leader is responsible for executing programming for participants with disabilities, handling urgent or challenging interactions, applying behavioral strategies, coordinating activities with the Program Coordinator, and ensuring participant safety.

Schedule

Up to 14 hours per week. During the school year shifts are between 2:45 PM – 5:45 PM. Summer program shifts occur at various times between 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Applications are accepted until the position is filled. The City will not sponsor or transfer visas for this position, including F‑1 OPT STEM.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitate AccessABLE Recreation Programs and deliver engaging, safe recreation activities.
• Interact with participants to promote a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Promote positive social skills, independence, and physical activity.
• Assist with challenging situations using conflict‑resolution and behavioral strategies.
• Engage participants in exercise, games, and projects.
• Adhere to safety practices for staff and participants.
• Follow prescribed record‑keeping procedures, including incident reports.
• Maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, staff, participants’ families, and community members through professional communication, information sharing, feedback, and problem solving.
• Assist with training needs to ensure a positive experience for participants.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma.
• At least 6 months of experience working with individuals with disabilities.

Desirable Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Human Services, or a related field.
• Experience with recreation programming.
• Experience or interest in working with people who have developmental, intellectual, and/or physical disabilities.
• Background or interest in special education, recreation therapy, human services, or a related field.
• Experience working in a similar role or with people from diverse communities.

Physical and Environmental Criteria

The position requires medium physical effort and may involve exposure to extreme heat and outdoor conditions. The employee must be able to perform essential functions with or without accommodation.

• Continuous demands: sitting, standing, walking, fine dexterity, handling.
• Frequent demands: lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching (exerting up to 20 lb frequently, up to 10 lb constantly).
• Occasional demands: kneeling, crouching, bending, twisting (exerting up to 50 lb occasionally).
• Sensory requirements: sight, hearing, and touch.
• Environmental conditions: extreme heat (above 100 °F) and outdoor work without effective weather protection.