Recreation Assistant

Provides individual therapeutic goals & objectives for students through planning and organizing recreational, social & special activities and motivating students to fully participate at his/her optimal level in programming  

Basic Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates knowledge of a variety of individual and group recreational activities and the ability to lead recreational activities according to student’s functional levels as directed by MHS Community Recreation Coordinator.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills regarding age specific physiological changes, developmental needs, adapted equipment and wheelchair safety.
• Demonstrates knowledge of principles of growth and development over the life span and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each student’s requirements related to age specific needs.
• Demonstrates knowledge of motivational and reinforcement techniques in the area of recreational activities.
• Assists in the educational and social development of students under the direction and guidance of the MHS Community Recreation Coordinator.
• Confers with the MHS Community Recreation Coordinator on a regular basis for the purpose of assisting in evaluating students progress towards summer program objectives
• Assists recreation staff through direction & support with student’s activities of daily living, including personal care and nutrition
• Assists recreation staff in addressing students personal care needs as needed and/or assigned (e.g. peri-care, diapering, changing clothing, feeding, etc.) for the purpose of allowing students to understand cultural issues and life skills needed to successfully integrate into the recreation program environment
• Encourages the students independence in all phases of his/her recreation program
• Instructs a variety of activities of individual and group settings (e.g. recreation program activities, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives and individual educational program goals and ensuring students success in the recreation program
• Assists students by enabling them to access their electronic communicators, switches, pointers, feeders, etc. for the purpose of ensuring equipment is hooked up and functioning properly.
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of recreation program environments (e.g. activity areas, rest rooms/locker rooms, hallways, special events, transportation and other area parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment
• Provides support for student inside and outside the group to enable them to fully participate in activities (including but not limited to, entering the pool with the student) as directed the MHS Community Recreation Coordinator.
• Supports students with emotional or behavior concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills
• Assists recreation staff through direction & support of students in and out of wheelchairs; transporting students in their wheelchairs in and around the MHS campus for the purpose of ensuring the student gets to and from activities and to the proper places safely

Qualifications:

• Working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services Field
• Working in a supervisory role with 5+ year’s experience.
• Experience with children and young adults with physically disabilities
• Experience providing personal care to youth and/or adults with disabilities
• Knowledge of the special needs of students who have behavioral, learning, or physical disabilities
• Knowledge of pertinent academic areas and learning situations 

Preferred Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services Field
• 3-5 years experience as a PCA or school aide
• Experience as a classroom aide

Additional Notes:Qualified applicants should submit a resume and cover letter when applying to this job. Easter Seals is an equal opportunity employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. People with disabilities and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.