Description

• Do you embrace and promote inclusion and access for individuals with disabilities?
• Are you skilled in developing new programs?
• Are you passionate about sharing your knowledge with other professionals?

If this sounds like you, The Montgomery County Department of Parks is the place you want to be! We are currently seeking a dynamic, knowledgeable and organized Inclusion & Adaptive Sports Specialist .

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Recreational and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner. Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery County Department of Parks system is a career staff complement of over 800 employees, 420 parks and over 37,000 acres of park land that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington, DC area.

There is a robust team focused on program access and inclusion. Reporting directly to the Program Access Manager, the Inclusion and Adaptive Sports Specialist will lead the Montgomery County Department of Parks in embracing inclusion and accessibility for all. Go to our website to learn more: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/accessibility

Please Note: The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience.

• Competitive Employment Sign-on Bonus and Employee Referral Program available

(Commensurate with education, experience and other MNCPPC eligibility criteria).

• This is a Hybrid Workplace Position
• Very flexible and competitive benefits package available!

• Coordinate and supervise appropriate support services and modifications needed for program participants to facilitate participation in inclusive recreation settings. Conducts assessments of participants’ needs and abilities and provides or arranges for the provision of support services to facilitate participation in inclusive recreation settings.
• Identify and research training needs and develop training opportunities for employees across the department related to disability, access, inclusion and other related topics.
• Research, plan and facilitate a wide variety adaptive sport programs and clinics (including handcycling, kayaking, tennis, archery, fishing, etc.)
• Collaborate and build relationships with local agencies, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and other specialized businesses to promote programs, recruit athletes, secure sponsorships, etc.
• Recruit, hire, train and supervise qualified staff, instructors, and volunteers in appropriate work programs. Approves hiring of temporary staff and volunteers, including salary levels and job assignments.
• Under direction, prepare budget projections and monitor revenue and expenditures in accordance with the approved budget.
• Maintain required and appropriate records and logs related to participants assignments and employee training participation in an organized and accessible manner; ensure administrative reports are complete, accurate and submitted in a professional and timely manner.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in therapeutic recreation or related field (e.g., special education, adaptive recreation, parks and recreation management, etc.)
• Hold a CTRS certification (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist)
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience
• Knowledge of a variety of specialized sports including Paralympic Sports and Special Olympic Sports

Examples of Important Duties

• Communicates effectively and professionally in writing, electronically, and verbally
• Considerable knowledge of legislation and regulations affecting individuals with disabilities i.e., Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Extensive content knowledge of therapeutic recreation, inclusive supports, adaptive recreation, various disabilities, behavior supports, assessment tools for therapeutic recreation
• Proven ability to interact with people of all backgrounds, the ability to think collaboratively, work on multiple activities, and creatively problem-solve by selecting, organizing and logically processing relevant information to resolve a problem.
• Ability to supervise, mentor, and evaluate part-time, seasonal, and contractual employees guiding their work program to ensure goals and objectives are met
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Proficiency in developing and implementing leisure programs and events
• Proficient in office software (MS Office), enterprise software and specialized software for planning, scheduling, communicating (email), word processing, collecting and reporting data (Access Database), preparing presentations, and researching (Internet).

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or four years progressively responsible experience in Therapeutic Recreation and/or related field, (i.e., special education, vocational rehabilitation, etc.) and four years professional experience in community-based therapeutic recreation programs, at least one of which involved supervision of others; or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Maryland driver's license or the ability to acquire one.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:
Works in an office and outdoor community settings. Hours will include evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays. Some driving required. Works with individuals with a variety of disabilities. Responds to emergency situations and provides crisis intervention. Incumbents in this class must frequently: remain in a stationary position, assist people with disabilities, communicate and exchange information with internal staff and the public.

Very competitive and flexible benefits programs available!

Get to know Montgomery Parks and the opportunities available:https://www.montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/

Person hired for this position must provide proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (with limited religious or medical exceptions).

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.