Program Instructor – Denver

About the NSCD

We are Colorado’s most comprehensive provider of adaptive outdoor experiences. We offer more programs, in more places, in more ways that change lives. The National Sports Center for the Disabled is a leading provider of adaptive outdoor recreation experiences committed to helping individuals with disabilities, their caregivers and the broader community rethink ability. Through the power of adaptive innovation, recreation and Colorado’s great outdoors, we are transforming lives, families and communities and creating a world that celebrates each person’s abilities.

Position Overview

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Program Instructor teaches adaptive sports and adaptive recreation lessons to individuals with disabilities. This position includes instruction in activities for individuals, group lessons and custom programming. Instructors may determine usage of adaptive equipment and may also teach instructor and volunteer training clinics (if qualified). Program locations determined by activity schedule.

Job Duties

• Winter Seasonal: Instructs individuals with disabilities in sports and activities, including but not limited to archery, air gun, indoor rock climbing including portable rock wall, alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and fat tire mountain biking.
• Spring/Summer Seasonal: Instructs individuals with disabilities in sports and activities including but not limited to NSCD Moves! activity course, lake and river paddle sports, mountain biking, archery, air gun, indoor and outdoor rock climbing.
• Selects appropriate teaching system and equipment and sets goals and plans lesson according to therapeutic recreation concepts.
• Instructs individual or group lessons using appropriate teaching progressions and exercises.
• Documents student progress maintains accurate records and makes recommendations for future lessons.
• Affords assistance with operation of weekly programs in Denver and Winter Park, including some overnight trips.
• Attends all required NSCD training sessions and meets standards to pass training.
• Affords assistance with NSCD volunteer and special events.
• Affords assistance with equipment maintenance, repair and inventory.
• Consistently follows safety procedures and utilizes appropriate safety equipment.
• Creates and maintains a friendly, congenial and helpful attitude while effectively dealing with guests and other employees.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. College degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Outdoor Recreation, Special Education, or related field a plus.
• Current CPR and Advanced First Aid required within a month of job offer required.
• Winter: Proficiency in alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing or snowshoeing required. Proficiency in indoor rock climbing, fat tire mountain biking, archery or air gun required. Current PSIA/AASI and AMGA certification preferred.
• Spring/Summer: Ability to swim in moving water required. Ability to row stern frame boats and guide river paddle rafts preferred. Proficiency in canoeing, paddle boarding, hiking, camping and other outdoor recreation activities preferred. Proficiency in indoor and outdoor rock climbing with AMGA SPI certification required.
• One-year experience in adaptive sports instruction preferred. One-year experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Credentialed through ACA, AMGA/IFMGA, Swift Water Rescue, WFR, EMT/WEMT, Leave No Trace, CPRP, ACCT, CTRS or related relevant agency a plus.
• Must be computer proficient and possess experience of Microsoft Office Suite and able to learn new software as needed.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to implement agency vision, mission, values and strategic plan.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and to assess and change priorities based upon agency needs.
• Strategic thinker who communicates professionally and effectively with diverse staff, participants, volunteers, donors, prospects, and community stakeholders.
• Able to maintain consistent exercise of discretion and confidentiality in the performance of duties.
• Able to work with a high degree of autonomy, initiative and exercise personal judgment in a fast-paced environment with a strong sense of humor and integrity.
• Knowledge of disabilities and of adaptive recreation and equipment is desirable.
• Candidates must possess a Colorado driver’s license, meet background check criteria and meet criteria regarding clearance to drive company vehicles including 15 passenger vans and vehicles with large towing capacity, surface and aerial lifts, as required by specific job duties.

Work Schedule

This is a part-time seasonal position (20-30 hours per week). The work schedule varies based on programming needs. This position may require weekends and/or evenings supporting the programming needs of the agency.

Salary

The hourly pay range for this position is $20.00 – $22.00 per hour. Actual salaries will vary and may be above the range based on various factors including but not limited to experience, education, training, credentials and performance.

NSCD provides paid sick leave prorated based upon the number of hours worked.

Physical Requirements

• Able to work a majority of the time outside at high altitude in varying conditions including uneven and slick terrain and unpredictable weather and situations.
• Physically able to assist participants with adaptive recreation equipment, position adjustments, transfers, and movement during activities.
• Able to lift a minimum of 75 lbs. with assistance.
• Dexterity, auditory and visual acuity to operate computers and phones or mobile devices.
• Auditory and visual acuity to interact with guests, participants and staff on a daily basis.
• Able to successfully manage multiple, high priority tasks in a fast-paced and often times crowded and noisy environment.