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Job Description
Job Description Job Title:
Recreation Specialist Company:
Self Determined Futures L.L.
C Location:
Riverside, Ca Type:
Full time
Pay:
Range $30.00/hr
Expected Hours:
8 hours a day (Saturday and Sunday) Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Company Overview:
Self Determined Futures L.L.C is a small, professional, innovative, and social business located in Los Angeles, CA, dedicated to working with individuals with developmental disabilities. We have various offices throughout Southern California, providing a modern, safe, and relaxed office setting with opportunities for growth in a lively atmosphere. Job Description We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Recreation Specialist to join our team. This individual will be responsible for planning, organizing, and facilitating recreational and social activities for adolescents (ages 12-22) with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in accordance with Regional Centers' Social Recreation qualifications. The Recreation Specialist will design inclusive programs that promote positive social interactions, enhance communication skills, and support peer relationships through structured, age-appropriate programming. This role is essential in fostering social integration, improving overall well-being, and supporting skill development.
Key Responsibilities:
Design and implement engaging recreation and leisure activities (e.g., sports, arts & crafts, games, group outings) that promote socialization, cooperation, and communication among adolescents with IDD. Ensure all activities are inclusive and accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. Assist families in identifying and enrolling in suitable social recreation programs. Foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where participants feel encouraged to express themselves and connect with peers. Use evidence-based strategies and techniques to support the development of social skills such as turn-taking, conflict resolution, active listening, and emotional regulation. Collaborate with families, support staff, therapists, and educators to align programming with each participant's individual support needs and goals. Monitor group dynamics, provide positive behavior support, and address challenging behaviors using proactive, respectful approaches. Track participant progress and provide written documentation on social skill development and participation outcomes. Coordinate transportation arrangements to ensure participants can attend activities safely and reliably. Accompany individuals to activities and provide support as needed to enhance participation and engagement. Promote self-determination, independence, and meaningful social inclusion within the community. Outreach in the Riverside area, to bring awareness to our program and gain new clients.
Qualifications:
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy, Social Work, Special Education, Psychology, or a related field (experience may be substituted for education in some cases). Minimum 1-2 years of experience working with adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Knowledge of inclusive recreational programming and adaptive techniques. Strong understanding of social skill development, behavior supports, and inclusive recreational strategies. Patience, creativity, and ability to motivate and engage youth with diverse needs and interests. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain). Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Experience using social skills curricula or group facilitation techniques such as PEERS®, Zones of Regulation, or Social Thinking®. Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus. If you are passionate about supporting individuals in crisis and have the ability to navigate diverse community settings, we encourage you to apply for this dynamic role at Self Determined Futures L.L.C. Join us and make a difference in the community.
Job Type:
Full-time Pay:
From $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Application Question(s): Are you available to work M-F 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.? Are you available to work on the weekends (every Saturday and Sunday)?
Experience:
Recreation:
1 year (Required) working with disabled individual: 1 year (Required)
Language:
Spanish (Required) Ability to
Commute:
Riverside, CA 92501 (Required) Willingness to travel: 75% (Preferred)
