Therapeutic Recreation Internship

About the role

The Therapeutic Recreation Intern will gain hands-on experience planning, implementing, and evaluating inclusive recreation programs for youth, teens, and adults. Under the guidance of the Recreation Supervisor, the intern will assist with therapeutic recreation assessments, participant goals, adaptive techniques, staff support, and program evaluation while completing required fieldwork hours toward the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, organizing, implementing and oversight of youth, teen and adult specialty recreational programs
• Provide developmentally appropriate activities that meet the needs and interests of participants
• Assist in the development and implementation of goals and objectives specific to area of responsibility
• Develop and implement an internship project
• Assist in evaluating effectiveness and efficiency of program and services, making recommendations on introduction or deletion of programs and services
• Assist with the development and implementation of a marketing strategy for recreation programs, events, and services consisting of appropriate pricing and promotional efforts
• Analyze, make recommendations, and assist Recreation Supervisor regarding the quality of programming content, monitoring participation, and evaluating the success of program participants
• Evaluate and give constructive feedback to program staff concerning participant, behavior management techniques, program activities, structure, site specific protocol, and curriculum
• Assist and make recommendations to recruit, hire, schedule, train, supervise, mentor and evaluate staff with guidance from the Recreation Supervisor
• Assist Recreation Supervisor and completes in conducting Therapeutic Recreation assessments
• Provide staff with recommendations in adaptive techniques and intervention strategies to allow for maximum program participation and to meet the individual needs of participants
• Mentor seasonal staff in identifying barriers, writing participant goals, tracking and evaluating participant progress, and communicating to parents/guardians
• Complete administrative responsibilities correctly and on time, such as verifying staff timesheets, accident reports, behavior incidents, daily logs, weekly site attendance, equipment inventory, and evaluations of staff and other reports as requested
• Use effective and positive communication with program participants, other staff, parents/guardians, and internal and external agencies
• Act as a RPD liaison for the Recreation Supervisor while communicating with other RPD departments
• Attend scheduled meetings as determined by the Recreation Supervisor to include weekly staffing, directors meetings, and additional meetings as needed
• Create and follow structured program outline
• Maintain confidentiality in all aspects regarding participants involved in programs
• Maintain a working knowledge of department safety procedures; attend safety training, complete educational in-service opportunities and attend other district wide trainings as required; enforce rules and regulations set-up by the Rockford Park District
• Attend meetings, trainings and workshops related to agency and professional development
• Gather, load, transport and set-up supplies and equipment for the program sites, including inventory and maintenance with support from program staff
• Enforce and follow all rules, regulations and policies set up by the Rockford Park District to include the Affirmative Action Plan, maintaining an alcohol and drug free workplace, and following all safety and risk management procedures

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a degree program in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Therapy, or a related field
• Completed the academic prerequisites necessary to participate in a therapeutic recreation internship
• Pursuing eligibility for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential
• Previous experience in recreation, therapeutic recreation, or working with individuals with disabilities is preferred but not required
• Must maintain a Valid Driver's License
• Experience writing and implementing positive behavior plans
• Experience working with various designs of communication to include picture systems
• Good organizational and leadership skills for daily supervision and direction of participants
• Good communication skills including expressive, written, and receptive
• Flexibility to work at various locations as assignments are subject to change during the length of the season
• Ability to problem solve in a variety of situations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and demonstrate flexibility as a team player
• Ability to work in stressful conditions, including situations involving disability related needs and dissatisfied customers
• Ability to use computer programs for creating and retrieving reports and schedules
• First Aid, CPR, and AED training (Can be obtained through Rockford Park District as determined necessary by supervisor – required by NCTRC prior to internship)

Physical Requirements

• Medium Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force rarely
• Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally
• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently to move objects
• Physically active position that involves stamina
• Mobility to various locations

Work Environment

• Exposure to outdoor elements, weather, hazardous vegetation, insect bites