Adaptive Recreation Program Leader at City of Fort Collins in Fort Collins, Colorado

Job Description:

POSITION TITLE: Adaptive Recreation Program Leader (Hourly)
REQUISITION #: req7892
DEPARTMENT: Recreation
LOCATION: 215 OFFICE BLDG
BENEFIT CATEGORY: Variable Hourly View Classifications & Benefits
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Part-Time Hourly
HOURLY RATE: $16.00 - 17.25 per hour (based on relevant experience)
SELECTION PROCESS: This position has consistent openings, and we are accepting applications on an ongoing basis

The City of Fort Collins is a bias-conscious employer. We ask that you please avoid the use of photos when submitting a resume and/or an application for employment. You will receive an email acknowledgment when you have successfully submitted an application. Your completed application will be forwarded to the hiring manager. You will be notified if you are selected for further testing or interviews. Please keep your contact information up-to-date. The status of your application will be updated in your applicant profile. Post-offer background check, favorable state and federal fingerprinting, child abuse reporting background checks, and Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) required.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

To learn more about The City of Fort Collins and Our Community, please read Our Community and Our Organization Brochure

Summary: ARO provides recreational programs and services for people with disabilities. Specialized classes are designed and adapted for the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. Programs are offered to all ages, children to adults, and include people with developmental, physical and/or emotional disabilities. The purpose of this position is to provide planning and implementation of adaptive swim lessons with community members.

The days of work and hours will vary with each class and includes evenings and weekends, approximately 10-20 hours per week. Activities may include, but are not limited to, coaching integrated sports, wheelchair sports, craft classes, cooking, aquatic programming, outdoor programs, trips and outings. Hours will also include program planning and office work. Preferred experience is previous work with individuals of all ability levels and with swim instruction, but specialized training will be provided regarding swim instruction. The essential job functions listed below would be applicable to adaptive aquatic programming.

Essential Job Functions: The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all-inclusive.
•Create, prep, organize, implement, and evaluate programming for individuals with disabilities while supporting participants to meet Therapeutic program goals in a group or one to one setting.
•Utilize various teaching and facilitation techniques to support individuals with disabilities in program participation to the fullest of their abilities.
•Work with a spectrum of ages and ability levels in a professional and age-appropriate manner.
•Complete required program preparation like reviewing participant documentation.
•Complete administrative tasks and record keeping such as attendance sheets, program evaluations and post program documentation.
•Participate in required staff training and meetings.
•Supervise ARO Interns (HES, TR and OT) and program volunteers as they provide support in programs.
•Give and receive constructive criticism and feedback.
•Potentially operate a multi-passenger accessible lift van.
•Represent the City in a positive, professional, and healthy manner.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position is not responsible for the supervision of employees but is responsible for supervising volunteers and HES, TR and OT interns while in programs.

City Competencies

• Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.


• Strong learning orientation. Leverages all resources and is creative in ways of learning for self to continue adapting to changing issues and trends.


• A desire and ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers, and to create experiences and deliver services that exceed their expectations.


• A desire and ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork.

Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the necessary functions of this position.
High school degree or GED required, bachelor's degree in related field preferred.
•Applicant must be at least 18 years old.
•Must demonstrate dependability, promptness and punctuality.
•Ability to work independently without supervision and to make sound judgement calls.
•Ability to work and communicate effectively with individuals receiving support, coworkers, recreation staff, ARO staff, parents and, other community contacts.
•Ability to operate basic office equipment and electronic apps for documentation and communication.
•Preferred experience working with individuals with disabilities.
•Preferred experience leading classes or programs.
•Ability to work with a diverse group of people effectively and diplomatically.
•Ability to react quickly and efficiently to safety situations that may arise.
•Capable of understanding, learning and using adaptations, accommodations and physical assistance techniques required for individuals with disabilities as needed.

Language Skills: Ability to read instructions and communicate with City supervisor and the general public. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from supervisor, groups of clients, parents, customers, and the general public. Knowledge of American Sign Language and Spanish desirable, but not required.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve and implement practical solutions to problems. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Foresee and initiate proactive measures to ensure program quality, customer service and facility integrity.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations:
•Background check required.
•Pass an MVR administered by the City of Fort Collins.
•CPR and First Aid Certification must be acquired within 30 days of hire.
•Preferred experience working with individuals with disabilities.
•Preferred schooling in Therapeutic Recreation but would welcome other fields of study like Occupational therapy, music therapy, health and exercise science, human family studies, or other related fields.

Physical Demands: Work will include the following: 1) regular standing and walking; 2) bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, jumping, twisting, balancing, climbing, kneeling, crouching, and reaching; physical activity required in recreation activities; 3) frequent lifting and carrying 15 to 50 pounds; 4) hand/eye coordination for operation of a computer keyboard; 5) foot-eye coordination for the operation of a motor vehicle; 6) vision to read written materials and understand direction; 7) speech and hearing capabilities to maintain communication with citizens and employees.
Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to blood borne pathogens and uncontrollable physical behaviors such as kicking or biting. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call (970) 221-6535 for assistance.

Notice Regarding Medical and/or Recreational Marijuana Use:
Because the possession and use of marijuana, whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City is a drug free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting working for the City while marijuana is in the body. The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed, or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change this policy.

The City of Fort Collins is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for positions for which they have applied without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender identity and expression, disability, age 40 years or older, pregnancy or related condition, genetic information, and, in certain specific circumstances, marriage to a coworker or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

POST OFFER BACKGROUND CHECK, FAVORABLE STATE AND FEDERAL FINGERPRINTING, CHILD ABUSE REPORTING BACKGROUND CHECKS, AND MOTOR VEHICLE REPORT (MVR) REQUIRED.

Note: Some information in your application may be public information under the Colorado Open Records Act.Summary: ARO provides recreational programs and services for people with disabilities. Specialized classes are designed and adapted for the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. Programs are offered to all ages, children to adults, and include people with developmental, physical and/or emotional disabilities. The purpose of this position is to provide planning and implementation of adaptive swim lessons with community members.

The days of work and hours will vary with each class and includes evenings and weekends, approximately 10-20 hours per week. Activities may include, but are not limited to, coaching integrated sports, wheelchair sports, craft classes, cooking, aquatic programming, outdoor programs, trips and outings. Hours will also include program planning and office work. Preferred experience is previous work with individuals of all ability levels and with swim instruction, but specialized training will be provided regarding swim instruction. The essential job functions listed below would be applicable to adaptive aquatic programming.

Essential Job Functions: The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all-inclusive.
•Create, prep, organize, implement, and evaluate programming for individuals with disabilities while supporting participants to meet Therapeutic program goals in a group or one to one setting.
•Utilize various teaching and facilitation techniques to support individuals with disabilities in program participation to the fullest of their abilities.
•Work with a spectrum of ages and ability levels in a professional and age-appropriate manner.
•Complete required program preparation like reviewing participant documentation.
•Complete administrative tasks and record keeping such as attendance sheets, program evaluations and post program documentation.
•Participate in required staff training and meetings.
•Supervise ARO Interns (HES, TR and OT) and program volunteers as they provide support in programs.
•Give and receive constructive criticism and feedback.
•Potentially operate a multi-passenger accessible lift van.
•Represent the City in a positive, professional, and healthy manner.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position is not responsible for the supervision of employees but is responsible for supervising volunteers and HES, TR and OT interns while in programs.

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