Dolly Children's Summer Camp Recreation Specialist at East Tennessee Children's Hospital – Knoxville, Tennessee

Position Title: Dolly Children's Summer Camp Recreation Specialist

Location: Knoxville, TN

Req ID: JR102993

Job Type: Full time

Posted Date: Posted Yesterday

Description:

CAMP DATES:

Camp Eagle's Nest: July 18 - 22, 2026 (overnight camp)

BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The recreation specialist creates a fun, safe, and empowering camp experience for an overnight summer camp for 60 pediatric hematology/oncology patients. The specialist will operate groups of 10-12 children ranging in ages from 6-17, while collaborating closely with medical staff and camp leadership to maintain safety and promote holistic well-being.

REPORTS TO

• Deidra Seiber, PTA – Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital Summer Camp Director
• Anna Taylor, CCCLS – Eagle’s Nest Camp Director
• Olivia White, CCCLS – Camp Activities Coordinator

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Supervisory Responsibilities: NO

Minimum Education: High School Diploma

Degree: Current enrollment in or completed Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Therapeutic Recreation, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Child Life, Physical Education, or a related field is preferred.

License/Certification Required: None

Minimum Work Experience: Experience working with children/adolescents in structured groups, camp, or school settings preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Adaptability and creative problem solving
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Emotional intelligence and empathy
• Safety focused mindset
• Ability to multitask in a dynamic environment
• Familiarity with trauma-informed or adaptive recreational practices preferred
• CPR and First Aid Certification Required (or ability to obtain prior to camp).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and lead structured outdoor group activities for small groups (10-12 campers)
• Adapt recreational programming to accommodate varying physical limitations, fatigue levels, and medical restrictions.
• Develop inclusive games and experiences that promote teamwork, confidence, and social connection.
• Ensure activities are age-appropriate and trauma-informed.
• Collaborate with medical and clinical teams to ensure programming aligns with campers’ health needs.
• Modify activities in real time based on camper stamina, weather conditions, and safety considerations.
• Maintain compliance with camp safety protocols and emergency procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS-Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling is required up to 50 lbs occasionally, 20-30 lbs frequently, and 10lbs constantly to move objects of up to 150 lbs. Sudden emergency situations have the potential for exposure to lifting or moving of up to 150 lbs. Frequent bending, walking, sitting squatting, reaching, and standing are required. Keyboard/computer use and/or repetitive motions may be required.

Come work where you can make a difference everyday.

About Us:

At Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, care is at the CORE of who we are. We are comprised of team members who live out our core values of Compassion, Ownership, Respect, and Excellence. We support each other by fostering a culture of team engagement that creates moments that matter – every interaction, every time.

• Compassion – We imagine what others are going through, work to alleviate suffering, and create joy whenever possible.

• Ownership – We take pride in our work, act with integrity, and feel personal responsibility for achieving our mission.

• Respect – We listen, understand, and communicate openly and politely. We recognize our diverse strengths.

• Excellence – We set high standards for performance in delivering the safest patient care. We give extraordinary and meaningful experiences to our patients, their families, team members, and the community we serve.