Special Recreation Inclusion Aide

                                                                                                                                                                                     Springfield Park District

Inclusion Aide

Department:      Special Recreation          

Position Title:    Inclusion Aide    

Reporting Authority:  Special Recreation Program Manager  

Classification:    Non-Exempt – Non-Union

Salary: $16.00 per hour

Position Summary: 

The inclusion aide is responsible for assisting individuals participating in any special recreation program. The special recreation department is an area of the Springfield Park District with a focus on creating enjoyable and safe programs and activities for individuals with disabilities. Inclusion aides will implement and participate in all special recreation programs including but not limited to camps, after school, general programming such as cooking class, dances, bingo night, and Special Olympics. While providing a fun and positive learning environment for the participants in the programs. 

Specific Responsibilities:

• Ensuring the safety of participants at all times by enforcing safety regulations.
• Explain the rules of the activities/sports and instruct participants at a variety of skill levels. 
• Maintain a strong knowledge of the day-to-day activity schedules for camp, after school, general programming, and Special Olympics in addition to the rules and regulations for Special Olympics.
• Ability to communicate effectively with participants, staff, management, and parents.
• Assist in teaching, leading and participating in activities and programs while maintaining an energetic and positive attitude. 
• Organize and set up the equipment that is used in recreational activities as well as restoring all equipment to its proper place when the activity is completed.
• Perform duties and responsibilities as assigned by Camp Director, or Special Recreation Supervisor. 
• Must serve as an appropriate role model for the individuals in his/her care. 
• Must be willing to work indoors and outdoors. 
• All inclusion aide staff should respect park district property and make sure the participants in the programs do the same. 
• Aid an individual with or without a disability so they may succeed in a park district program. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Possess a willingness to learn new activities and sports, while having the ability to become accustomed to new situations at any moment of the day.
• Have the ability to step into a situation when needed, injury, illness, disruption, etc.
• Must demonstrate enthusiasm, strong interpersonal skills, communication skills and ability to work effectively with people with and without disabilities. 
• When coaching any Special Olympics sport, the inclusion aide must be able to plan and implement a practical practice for that specific sport as well as know and understand all the rules and regulations of the sport.
• Must be 16 years or older. 

Psychological Considerations 

• May feel stress due to changing schedules.
• Ability to perform required duties under stressful situations without supervisors.
• Must be able to positively relate with people who may have serve limitations or who may aggressively act out.

General Requirements:

• Must be able to read, write, and have good command of the English language.
• Good oral and written communication.
• Physical capabilities – lifts 50 pounds, squat, bend and move as necessary for the job.
• Must be able to perform basic mathematics.
• Must have basic proficiency of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Must possess valid Illinois Driver’s License.
• Must possess professional phone skills and work well with the public.
• Must present a neat and professional appearance.
• The inclusion aide is responsible for following the policies and procedures outlined in the Springfield Park District employee manual.
• Must live within a 50-mile radius from Bunn Administration building 2500 S 11th Springfield IL 62703 in the State of Illinois or must be willing to move to such a compliant location within the first 6 months of acceptance of a position with the Springfield Park District. 

The Springfield Park District is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.