Recreation Therapist

Use structured, purposeful leisure activities to improve clients’ functional abilities, social interactions, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life. Bridge the gap between clinical goals (like ABA therapy) and enjoyable, real-world experiences to foster greater independence and community integration.

Responsibilities

• Create and facilitate therapeutic recreation programs ensuring the safety of participants.
• Provide direct services such as fitness and yoga as requested and support to clients.
• Implement the Ernie Els #GameOn Autism® Fitness program and support the development of the Ernie Els #GameOn Autism® Swimming program.
• Coordinate Els for Autism® camps, including the creation of lesson plans for daily activities and overseeing assigned staff and volunteers.
• Follow client-specific behavioral intervention plan procedures to optimize each participant’s recreation experience.
• Adapt/modify lessons to meet the needs of diverse learners in the group to maximize participation and learning.
• Facilitate recreation program activities in a positive and engaging manner, always treating clients with dignity and respect.
• Work with the Adult Day Training staff to integrate Recreation Therapy into that program by providing specialized recreation instruction.
• Collaborate with Recreation Services Manager and Program Director to create billable direct service recreation therapy service options for clients.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Education, Sport Science, Therapeutic Recreation, or a fitness-related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience teaching/coaching individuals with autism and related developmental disabilities.
• Work is normally performed on campus; during recreation timeslots or camp, activities may be performed outside.
• Two level-two background checks are required, including the Clearinghouse (https://info.flclearinghouse.com).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in recreation program development for individuals with ASD and related developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge and experience using ABA strategies.
• Experience in camp coordination.
• Experience in research related to recreation programming and individuals with ASD.