Adaptive Recreation Specialist (Tier 1)

Duties and Responsibilities

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all of the activities described below.

• On a daily basis plans, organizes, and directs recreation programs and activities for the physical, temporary physical, psychological, acutely disabled individuals, and senior citizens.
• Contributes to and shares in staff conferences, staff development and in-service training programs, and other procedures designed to improve service to program participants.
• Assists in the preparation and implementation of educational programs for program participants and their families.
• May supervise employees and volunteers assigned to assist with the program.
• Maintains records of client progress.
• Monitors the maintenance of equipment, supplies, and makes recommendation for the acquisition of equipment and supplies.
• Provides customer service to the public; assists participants with performing various functions to participate in activities.
• Attends staff meetings, as assigned; assist in the preparation and implementation of educational programs.
• Maintains and enforces discipline and all established policies and procedures.
• Serves as liaison between the unit or program and other public and private agencies serving the program clients.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Job Specifications

• Knowledge of the theories, techniques and practices of recreational activities.
• Knowledge of applicable departmental and safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to teach and coach participants with disabilities in a variety of disciplines for the purpose of showing and competing.
• Ability to presents and expresses ideas and information clearly and concisely in a manner appropriate to the audience, whether oral or written. 
• Ability to actively listen and understand what others are saying
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with others. Establishes effective working relationships among team members. 
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and multi-task.
• Ability to administer CPR and First Aide as necessary.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.
• Skill in the use of various office equipment

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE PERSONNEL

• Employees must complete the State mandated 40 hour Introductory Child Care Training. The training must begin within 90 days of employment and complete the training within 12 months from the date training begins. Child care personnel must pass competency exams for the 40 hours of training to demonstrate their competency.
• Employees must also complete a minimum of 10 hours of Continuing Education Unit (CEU) of in-service training during the state’s fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30

Physical Requirements

• The job may be performed either in indoor or outdoor environments
• Depending on the requirements of the position, the job duties require an employee to bend, reach, stoop, stand and/or walk for extended periods and lift up to 90 pounds.
• The job duties may require an employee to handle the physical demands of the work including lifting and restraining children of varying age.
• The job may require employee to work odd or long hours at a time to complete special requests or projects or to participate in or coordinate evening and off-hour activities.

Work Category

• Heavy work - Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds or force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Associates degree in a related field; AND
• One year of experience in adaptive recreation, sports, childcare, customer service, or events to special needs population; OR
• An equivalent combination of education (not less than a high school diploma/GED), training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above; AND
• Possession of a First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification; AND
• Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License.