THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SPECIALIST

Parks and Recreation Department

Recruitment #2301-3328-001

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Introduction


The City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 
who is passionate about therapeutics, adaptive, and inclusion pursuits to enable individuals 
of all abilities to enjoy and benefit from programs, pools, and parks.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate self-initiative, empathy and creativity in providing services that allow individuals of various disabilities and ages to benefit from activities that stimulate social, educational, and fitness outcomes.

General Description

The Therapeutic Recreation Specialist assists with the development, implementation, and evaluation of recreation programs for children, youth, and adults with disabilities. The Therapeutics Recreation Specialist implements therapeutic recreation programs and/or recreation-based activities that meet participant's needs and interests for leisure and increased independence.

This job reports to: Therapeutic Recreation Inclusion Coordinator.

Essential Functions

Oversees therapeutic activities for persons with disabilities by planning and implementing specialized programs and classes to meet the individualized needs of the participants.

Assesses and adapts programs based on the evaluation of participants' physical, cognitive, social abilities, and limitations in a specialized, inclusive, or aquatic setting.  

Participates in establishing goals and objectives based on participant’s strengths and challenges including implementation of behavior management techniques.  

Evaluates program outcomes and makes necessary changes to ensure participant’s success.  

Understands participants' diagnosis and the relationship to Therapeutic Recreation intervention

Ability to establish and maintain interpersonal approaches and strategies to inspire, stimulate, and encourage ongoing client and family involvement in the program

Effective verbal and written communication skills including maintaining accurate documentation

Ability to collaboratively plan and implement therapeutic recreation programs with minimal supervision and adapt to various work settings

Demonstrates ethical and professional behavior related to trust and confidentiality of participants

Demonstrates risk management skills related to the safety of participants, families, and co-workers 

Occasionally directs helpers, assistants, seasonal employees, interns, or temporary employees and may temporarily act in a higher capacity.  

Coordinates Senior Recreation Workers and volunteers, contracts outside agencies to plan programs or to request donations, monitors budget, sets up rooms for classes, cleans rooms and teaches.  

Assists with the operation of facilities by opening, closing, and inspecting facilities, reporting equipment repair needs, safety hazards, and criminal activities, and taking the lead in emergency situations.  

Provides public relations and customer service by answering telephone inquiries, providing information, processing membership, providing assistance with equipment, making presentations, attending seminars and meetings, discussing issues with parents, resolving problems, and promoting programs.  

Keeps attendance, orders supplies, creates promotional materials, prepares various reports, processes paperwork, maintains files, prepares evaluations, enters information into the computer, receives fees, reconciles accounts, prepares deposits, processes refunds, and provides transportation to participants.   

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education Level & Type: Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Parks & Recreation, or related field.

Minimum Experience Qualifications: At least 1 year full time experience planning and conducting recreation programs for individuals with disabilities.  

Valid and Unrestricted Class D - Arizona Driver's License

Special Job Requirements

Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification

First-Aid Certification

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in the supervision of seasonal employees and volunteers and recruitment, training and evaluation of employees and volunteers.

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist as earned by the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)

Selection Plan

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated on the education and work experience in their employment profile and the responses to their supplemental questions. The highest scoring applicants will then be invited to participate in an Oral Board interview.

  • Oral Board Interviews will be held: the week of February 6, 2023
Upon completion of all examination processes, the highest scoring applicants will be placed on a Civil Service Eligibility List.  An applicant's ranking on the Civil Service Eligibility List will be based on their final score which will be calculated as:

  • 60% of your rating for education and work experience
  • 40% of your oral board interview 
Selection Interviews may be conducted post Civil Service Eligibility List by the Hiring Manager.
This recruitment will establish a Civil Service Eligibility List that will be utilized to fill vacancies within Parks and Recreation occurring within the next 6 months. 

Veterans, Native American, or Disability preference points will be added to the final score for those that are placed on the Civil Service Employment List.  If you qualify for preference points as outlined in the Employment Profile, you must present your documentation at the Oral Board interviews.  The DD 214 must be a copy that indicates the characterization of service.

If you are in need of Americans with Disabilities Act-related accommodation during the testing process, please contact Sandra Fata, HR Analyst at ParksHR@tucsonaz.gov at least 48 hours prior to the evaluation.

Pre-employment Medical Testing Requirements

Basic Physical
Hep A Vaccine (follow City of Tucson protocol)
Hep B Vaccine (follow City of Tucson protocol)
20 lb Lift Test

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To ensure accurate payroll information for tax purposes, the successful candidate will need to provide their original Social Security Card or original letter from the Social Security Administration with their social security number prior to beginning work with the City of Tucson.

The City of Tucson hires lawful workers only - US citizens or nationals and non-citizens with valid work authorization - without discrimination. Federal immigration laws require all employers to verify both the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. In its efforts to meet the law's requirements, the City of Tucson participates in the E-Verify program established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to aid employers in verifying the eligibility of workers.

Retired City of Tucson employees receiving benefits from the Tucson Supplemental Retirement System who are considering reemployment with the City should be aware that pursuant to Section 22-37(g) of the Tucson City Code, retirement benefits shall be suspended during the period of reemployment with the City of Tucson unless you have been separated at least twelve consecutive months before returning to work AND you return to a non-permanent employment classification. Creditable service does not accrue during any reemployment period.