On March 1, 2001, a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist was hired to join the staff of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. Later, the position title was changed to "Inclusion Supervisor" to reflect the responsibility and direction this position was taking in regards to service provision. The evolution of this position was unique to the recreation profession in that it is not a recreation programmer assigned to work with just one division, but a supervisory position hired to handle inclusion and disability-related issues and serve as a resource to all the divisions and services within the Department.

The aim of this model is to facilitate the provision of recreation, inclusion and therapeutic recreation within all the divisions of the department, not just the therapeutic recreation staff or adaptive recreation division. Simply put, it is now the responsibility of all programs and services to provide recreation to people with disabilities.

Job Description

Definition

• To plan, supervise, assign, review and participate in the work of staff responsible for the provision of recreational services for persons with disabilities for the Parks & Recreation Department; to ensure work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures; and to perform the more technical and complex tasks of the work unit relative to assigned area of responsibility.
• To provide a balance of inclusive and adaptive recreation programs and act as staff advisor on recreational components of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Supervision
Direct supervision over technical and clerical staff.

Work Scope
Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, review, and participate in the work of staff responsible for the operations of therapeutic recreation functions for the Parks & Recreation Department.
2. Establish schedules and methods for providing assigned recreation program or community services; identify resource needs; review needs with appropriate management staff; allocate resources accordingly.
3. Participate in the development of policies and procedures; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards and procedures.
4. Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; implement approved policies and procedures.
5. Oversee fund-raising efforts and grant preparation for recreation and community service programs; monitor grant-funded programs to ensure compliance with established requirements.
6. Coordinate the Americans with Disabilities Act review of park and facility design, review requests for services, and advise staff on the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all programs and services.
7. Maintain yearly calendar of programs and services available to persons with disabilities; provide information and resources to the public regarding upcoming programs and services.
8. Identify the needs of persons with disabilities living in the City and anticipate the needs of persons with disabilities (residents and non-residents) attending special events.
9. Conduct on-site inspections of parks, programs and facilities; ensure proper maintenance and safety requirements are adhered to; respond to inquiries from staff.
10. Design and implement staff training programs that focus on disability awareness and effective customer service.
11. Supervise the administration of various contracted recreational programs and classes; select instructors for classes; determine class locations; and develop marketing and advertising materials.
12. Provide responsible staff assistance to the Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Service in the general administration of the Department; conduct operational studies and analyses involving budget, organization, procedures, policies or administrative problems.
13. Provide information and referral and consultation services to families needing assistance in determining appropriate recreation and leisure opportunities for participants with disabilities.
14. Monitor assigned departmental events to troubleshoot potential problems; investigate complaints regarding facilities, parks, programs or staff; identify issues and recommend corrective action.
15. Promote and coordinate specific activities within the therapeutic recreation program; prepare program event and facility marketing material including news releases, flyers, schedules of events, pamphlets and brochures.
16. Meet with public, private and community organizations to present and discuss issues and programs within the therapeutic recreation program; resolve complaints in a timely manner. Work in collaboration with community agencies and nonprofit organizations to ensure that programs are accessible to persons with disabilities.
17. Schedule usage of assigned recreational facilities for activities, including special events; provide information and assistance to users of facilities.
18. Monitor and inspect recreational facilities for safety and proper maintenance; schedule maintenance and secure facilities.
19. Participate in the selection of assigned staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
20. Participate in the preparation and administration of the therapeutic recreation program budget; submit budget recommendations; monitor expenditures.
21. Prepare analytical and statistical reports on operations and activities.
22. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of therapeutic recreation programs and services.
23. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of therapeutic recreation programs and services.
• Principles and practices of planning, organizing and coordinating special and cultural events.
• Principles and theories of inclusion for persons with disabilities.
• Methods and techniques of developing therapeutic services and programs.
• Methods and techniques of grant preparation and administration.
• Modern and complex principles, practices, tools and materials used in golf course maintenance.
• Marketing theories, principles and practices and their application to therapeutic recreation program.
• Principles and practices of public relations and customer service.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping, business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.

• Supervise, organize, and review the work of lower-level staff.
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
• Supervise and participate in the work of staff responsible for therapeutic recreation.
• Coordinate the provision of downtown cultural and special events.
• Oversee fund-raising and grant efforts for therapeutic recreation programs.
  
• Oversee operations and use of assigned recreation facility.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
  
• Coordinate the provision of contracted recreational classes to the public.
  
• Recommend and implement goals and objectives for providing therapeutic recreation programs.
• Elicit community and organizational support for therapeutic programs.
• Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Interpret and explain City policies and procedures.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including City officials and the general public.

Experience and Teaching Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Four years of experience in the coordination of therapeutic recreation programs including one year of administrative or lead supervisory responsibility.
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with course work in therapeutic recreation and leisure services.
License or Certificate:
Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the State of Nevada.

Working Conditions

Environmental Conditions
Office and field environment; travel from site to site; extensive public contact.

Physical Conditions
Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.