Recreation Team Lead - Summer Therapeutic Recreation in Bend, Oregon at Bend Metro and Park Recreation District

Benefit type: temporary non exempt

Benefits available: For a full description of our benefits, please click here.

Have previous experience in Therapeutic Recreation for kids and teens with special needs?

Join us at Bend Parks and Recreation!

About the job:

The Team Leader will be responsible for assisting with planning and overseeing Therapeutic Recreation programs designed for youth, teens and adults with Developmental or Intellectual Disabilities as well providing inclusion support in a variety of district programs. This Summer lead position will help largely with the adults programs. You will be interacting with participants, facilitating activities and providing safe and rewarding opportunities for participants with special needs in the community.

A day in the life:

• Provides leadership, expertise and support to assigned staff which may include training, mentoring, directing and assigning work. May assist Supervisor in hiring and evaluating staff.
• Supervises therapeutic recreation participants in district facilities and programs, helping to provide safe, rewarding experiences.
• Interacts with participants through developmentally appropriate crafts, games and/or other planned activities.
• Plans and instructs activities within a larger program plan.
• Communicates effectively with parent/guardian of participants regarding behavior issues, participants' special needs, questions and concerns.
• Sets up and breakdown equipment and facilities.
• Responds to accidents and incidents according to procedures.
• Reports incidents of Child Abuse/Neglect observed by you or reported to you by a child.
• Drives accessible vehicles.
• Assists Supervisor in developing, planning and scheduling programs.
• Ensures the inclusion of all participants, adapting activities to meet individual needs and abilities.
• Provides for safety of participants and staff, including implementing risk management practices.
• Oversees the operation and care of equipment and supplies
• Purchase regular program supplies up to $500.
• Serves as the on-site lead of the Emergency Action Plan, managing response according protocols.
• Maintains required records and reports.
• Acts as a Mandatory Reports; reports incidents of child abuse/neglect.

Schedule and hours:

Hours: 35 per week - potential for 40 hours in the Summer

Possibility to continue after summer as a part time year-round position that will work a varying schedule.

What we're looking for:

Strong Knowledge of:

• Operations, functions and standards for assignment including programming, facility operations, and risk management;
• Effective supervision and customer service best practices; and
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures for assignment.
• Age-appropriate crafts, games and activities;
• Program safety and sanitation requirements ability to communicate effectively in a written and oral form;
• Interact with a variety of participants with special needs;
• Ability to learn transfer techniques; basic knowledge of behavior management.

Skill and Ability to:

• Lead, motivate and direct others;
• Exercise initiative and independent decision making;
• Demonstrate a high level of competency and expertise in program area;
• Actively participate in all activities
• Demonstrate organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrate planning and problem-solving skills;
• Communicate effectively with others both verbally and in writing
• Work cooperatively with others and create a positive, constructive, and respectful relationship with staff and the general public;
• Manage emergency/crisis situations
• Operate computer programs as well as staying current with new programs and operate common office equipment; and
• Work independently with minimum direction while also working as part of a team and collaborating with others.
• Work well and interact with participants with special needs; transfer, maneuver, and run after participants;
• Provide personal care (i.e., toileting, feeding, grooming); lift equipment and supplies;
• Wear the necessary and appropriate attire to actively participate in all activities;
• Communicate effectively with participants and their parents/guardians, other staff and the public; establish and maintain positive, respectful and cooperative relationships with all contacts.

What we’re looking for:

Education, Experience, and Training

1. High school diploma or equivalent; AND
2. Two (2) years of experience in area of responsibility and/or performing similar tasks; OR
3. Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training.

Preferences:

College courses in Therapeutic Recreation.

Licenses and Certifications:

1. First Aid/CPR or ability to obtain
2. Possession of, or ability to obtain valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days with an acceptable driving history as defined by district driving policy.

Supervision Received:

Reports directly to a Supervisor. Follows standard processes and procedures without supervision but confirms changes to standard practices and significant decisions in advance.

Supervision Exercised:

In assisting the Supervisor, provides limited direction and leadership to assigned staff, which may include directing and assigning work, adjusting work schedules, training, coaching and providing input into evaluating performance.

Working Conditions:

Duties are generally performed both indoors and outdoors. Hours vary depending upon program needs. The flow of work and character of duties involve normal mental and visual attention much or all of the time. Physical exertion includes frequent walking, bending and the ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds unassisted, pushing, pulling, and kneeling in order to set up or deliver equipment and supplies. Job stress may include dealing with crowds, uncooperative participants, difficult individuals, frequent exposure to childhood illnesses and periods of continuous demand.

Selection Process:

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. An offer of employment is contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by Bend Park & Recreation District policies, including a background check and a driving history review when driving is required for position.

Application consideration and wage calculation:

To be considered for this position, applicants must have a complete online application. Your application materials and any submitted responses to the supplemental questions will be the basis for our evaluation. Incomplete information may result in disqualification and/or affect your starting wage.

Veteran Preference Status

Under Oregon law, veterans who meet minimum qualifications for a position may be eligible for employment preference. To qualify for veterans’ preference, you must submit required documentation prior to the closing date of the recruitment. Veterans’ preference cannot be awarded without required documentation. Beginning January 1, 2026, certain preferences will also apply to current and former members of the Oregon National Guard. For more information on if you qualify for veterans’ preference visit https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/veterans-preference.aspx

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Bend Park and Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Bend Park & Recreation District Core Competencies:

All positions with Bend Park and Recreation District are subject to district and position competencies. Below is a list of the most critical competencies for this position. Additional competencies are required for the position and may change based on needs. A complete list of the competencies is available from Human Resources.