Therapeutic Recreation Intern

Join the City & County of Denver’s Parks and Recreation team to support community-based therapeutic recreation programs for citizens with disabilities. This role focuses on developing physical, mental, emotional, social, and leisure skills to enhance participants' well-being.

About the role

The Therapeutic Recreation Internship provides hands-on experience in planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating recreation programs. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals to apply your educational knowledge in adaptive and inclusive settings.

Responsibilities

• Apply the APIED process (Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, Documentation) in 1:1 and group settings, including Special Olympics and volunteer management.
• Create and implement individual treatment plans using the APIED framework.
• Facilitate inclusion in community recreation programs.
• Organize and lead Therapeutic Recreation programs for participants of all ages and abilities.
• Coordinate and execute special events.
• Lead Therapeutic Recreation-based activities and programs.
• Contribute to ad hoc tasks, projects, and initiatives aligned with team goals.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a Therapeutic Recreation or Adaptive Recreation program at an accredited institution.
• Completed and passed a collegiate-level course in Anatomy or Physiology (grade must appear on transcripts).
• Ability to commit to the full semester onsite.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Passion for Therapeutic Recreation activities and programs.

Requirements

• Current enrollment in an accredited college program leading to a certificate, licensure, associate, bachelor’s, or higher degree in a relevant field, or recent graduation (within 1 year of program completion).
• No prior experience required.
• Must submit:
  • 1-2 page resume (with current information).
  • Cover letter detailing interest in the position.
  • Official or unofficial transcripts (dated within the current academic term, showing a posted grade for Anatomy or Physiology).

Schedule

• Internship runs for one semester: Fall (September–December), Spring (January–April), or Summer (May–August).
• 15-week program totaling 600 hours.
• Work schedule includes days, evenings, and weekends.
• Onsite at multiple recreation centers and locations across Denver.
• Anticipated start: Fall 2026 (or Spring 2027 if Fall start is not feasible).

Pay

• Hourly rate: $19.29 – $21.80, with a target range of $19.42 – $21.26 based on level of education.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate commensurate with education.
• Professional development: Up to 4 sessions per season (Winter/Spring, Summer, Fall).
• Onboarding with a cohort of peers to build a network across the City.