Principal Therapeutic Inclusion Specialist (10819, Grade 26)

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, implement, and evaluate specialized therapeutic recreation programs for individuals with disabilities.
• Cook up and lead therapeutic recreation specialty events, including adaptive sports events, camps, social programs, community outings, and family-oriented activities.
• Develop activity plans that incorporate therapeutic recreation principles, adaptive techniques, and structured leisure skill development.
• Provide direct leadership and instruction during programs and events to promote safe, meaningful, and engaging participation.
• Support participant independence, social interaction, and positive behavior using proactive and developmentally appropriate strategies.
• Monitor program effectiveness and participant engagement and adjust activities as necessary to meet program goals.
• Ensure therapeutic recreation programs and events are designed and delivered in compliance with ADA and Section 504 requirements.
• Apply principles of accessible and adaptive program design, including activity modification, adaptive equipment use, and environmental considerations.
• Collaborate with supervisory staff to identify and address accessibility barriers within therapeutic recreation programming.
• Maintain a safe program environment by following Commission safety procedures and risk management practices.
• Implement appropriate behavior support strategies consistent with accepted therapeutic recreation practice.
• Complete required documentation, including attendance, incident reports, and program records.
• Provide guidance and on-site support to part-time staff, support staff, and volunteers assisting with therapeutic recreation programs and events.
• Aid in staff training and orientation related to program expectations, participant needs, safety protocols, and effective engagement strategies.
• Assist with program planning, scheduling, evaluation, and reporting activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy or any related field.
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in therapeutic recreation or closely related experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
• A valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations.
• Obtain and maintain all applicable certifications.
• Certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist is preferred.
• Experience working in a public parks and recreation agency, preferably within a large or countywide system.
• Experience planning large-scale therapeutic recreation programs or specialty events.

Qualifications

• Excellent Organizational Skills With Attention To Detail.
• Works in diversified schedule which may include extended hours, evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.
• Responds to emergency situations/crisis intervention.

Skills

• Therapeutic Recreation Principles
• Adaptive Techniques
• Structured Leisure Skill Development
• Safety Procedures
• Risk Management Practices
• Accessible and Adaptive Program Design
• Behavior Support Strategies
• Documentation and Reporting
• Staff Training and Orientation
• Program Planning and Evaluation

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package that includes generous leave accruals, extensive health and wellness coverage, a deferred compensation plan, employer-sponsored retirement benefits, and a variety of work-life balance programs.

Pay

• Competitive salary range of $70,611.00 - $125,300.00 for the Principal Therapeutic Inclusion Specialist position.
• The anticipated hiring range for this position is $70,611.00 - $97,955.00 (up to the midpoint of the advertised salary range), based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, and demonstrated competencies.
• Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Schedule

• Works in office and occasionally outdoors, and in community.