Program Coordinator – Therapeutic Recreation

IRMO CHAPIN RECREATION COMMISSION

JOB DESCRIPTION

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GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under occasional supervision, coordinates and supports therapeutic recreation programs and services for individuals with disabilities and other special populations. Performs related administrative and para-professional work as required. Reports to the Therapeutic Recreation Manager.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Coordinates therapeutic recreation programs, activities, classes, camps, outings, and special events designed to promote participation, engagement, and leisure opportunities for individuals of varying abilities.

Assists with participant intake, registration, scheduling, and communication, including maintaining required forms, records, and documentation.

Provides direct support and supervision to participants during programs, activities, trips, and events to ensure safety, inclusion, and positive program experiences.

Assists with accessibility and accommodation needs by supporting adaptive practices, use of adaptive equipment, transportation coordination, and facility access in accordance with established guidelines.

Communicates with participants, families, caregivers, instructors, volunteers, and partner agencies to support program participation and address program‑related questions or concerns.

Assists with scheduling, logistics, and coordination of programs, activities, transportation, and special events.

Maintains accurate program records, including registrations, attendance records, and required documentation.

Ensures program activities are delivered in compliance with applicable policies, procedures, safety standards, and established program guidelines.

Provides direction, guidance, and support to part‑time staff and volunteers assisting with therapeutic recreation programs during assigned activities.

Responds to participant, family, and public inquiries, concerns, or complaints in a professional and timely manner, escalating issues as appropriate.

Assists with program promotion, outreach, and community engagement activities, including assisting with informational materials and events.

Participates in required trainings, staff meetings, and professional development activities.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Assists other departments and staff with special events or agency initiatives as assigned.

Performs general administrative and clerical duties, including preparing correspondence and reports, data entry, filing, and record management.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Requires an associate’s degree in therapeutic recreation, social work, or other relevant field supplemented by one to two years of responsible experience in providing services for individuals with disabilities, or closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.  Must possess a valid state driver’s license.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED

TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements:  Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate, though not constant, physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and the lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderately heavy weight (up to 50 pounds).

Data Conception:  Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

Interpersonal Communications:  Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information.  Includes giving assignments and/or directions to volunteers and receiving assignments and/or direction from supervisor.

Language Ability:  Requires ability to read a variety of policy and procedure manuals.  Requires the ability to prepare reports, records, correspondence, schedules, assessment reports, etc., with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.  Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence.

Intelligence:  Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to deal with several abstract and concrete variables.  Requires the ability to apply influence systems in providing volunteer leadership; to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.  Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information.

Verbal Aptitude:  Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow and give verbal and written instructions; to interview, teach and counsel volunteers and clients. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of various ages, educational and cultural backgrounds. 

Numerical Aptitude:  Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to determine percentages and decimals and to determine time.  Must be able to use practical applications of fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion. Must be able to use practical applications of statistics.

Form/Spatial Aptitude:  Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, and visually read various information.

Motor Coordination:  Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using office and specialized machinery; to operate motor vehicles.

Manual Dexterity:  Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, etc.  Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination and Visual Acuity: Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color; requires the visual acuity to determine depth perception, peripheral vision, inspection for small parts; preparing and analyzing written or computer data, etc.

Interpersonal Temperament:  Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines. 

Physical Communications:  Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing:  perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job:  Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures, and policies of the Recreation Commission as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator. Has knowledge of the organization of the Department and of related departments and agencies. Has knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has knowledge in the areas of therapeutic recreation, program management, and business Is able to make sound, educated decisions. Has knowledge of administrative principles involved in planning, coordinating and implementing various programs and related activities. Is able to plan, schedule, and oversee the work of assigned volunteers.  Is able to offer training and assistance to volunteers, co-workers, and employees of other departments as required. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Is able to plan, organize, and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Is able to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.  Is able to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to prepare required reports with accuracy and in a timely manner. Has knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department. Has knowledge of how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals, and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Is able to maintain positive customer-focused relationships with co-workers, supervisors, agencies, the general public, and all other internal and external customers. Has knowledge of how to personally demonstrate appropriate customer service skills. Has thorough knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary, spelling, and basic mathematics. Has knowledge of modern office practices and technology. Has knowledge of and skill in the use of computers for word processing and records management. Has knowledge of applicable occupational hazards and safety precautions.  Is able to perform duties effectively despite infrequent exposure to temperature and weather extremes, humidity, violence, machinery hazards, traffic hazards, etc. Has knowledge of how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. 

Quality of Work:  Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts.

Quantity of Work:  Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations.

Dependability:  Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards and prescribed procedures.  Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance:  Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness.  Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm:  Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities.  Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished, and initiates proper and acceptable action for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment:  Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives.  Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations.  Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches issues, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation:  Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same.  Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with established policies or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation intra- and inter-departmentally.

Relationships with Others:  Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and co-workers for mutual benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees.  Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships inter- and intra-departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts.  Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints in order to establish and maintain good will.  Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image.

Coordination of Work:  Plans and organizes daily work routine.  Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.  Avoids duplication of effort.  Estimates expected time of completion of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly.  Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time.  Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. 

Safety and Housekeeping:  Adheres to all established safety and housekeeping standards.  Ensures such standards are not violated. 

DISCLAIMER:  This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.  Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

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