A Recreational Therapist directs and coordinates recreational activities for people with disabilities or illness to help them improve their emotional and physical well-being, improve motor skills and increase confidence. Leads activities involving movement, sports, games, and other activities for brain stimulation. Assists patients with disabilities to learn to use public resources such as parks and public transportation, and integrate in the community. Works with people of all ages, in schools, nursing homes, clinics and other healthcare facilities, or in parks and recreation departments.
Responsible for the planning, coordination, and implementation of therapeutic recreation programs and services for individuals of all abilities Serves as the lead coordinator for the Department's therapeutic recreation programming and inclusion services Serves as the Area 12 Special Olympics Director, overseeing athlete participation, events, and program operations Provides direction to staff, contractors, and volunteers Work is performed under the general supervision of the Assistant Recreation Manager or Recreation Manager
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Plan, develop, and implement therapeutic recreation programs designed to meet the needs of individuals with varying abilities and disabilities Serve as Area 12 Special Olympics Director, including coordination of local, regional, and state-level competitions, athlete registration, and compliance with governing guidelines Coordinate scheduling, logistics, and transportation for Special Olympics events and activities Safely operate County vehicles, including minibuses, to transport participants to and from programs, practices, and events in accordance with County policies and safety standards Supervise full-time staff, part-time staff, contractors, and volunteers involved in therapeutic recreation programming Assist with inclusion of participants with special needs in general recreation programs across the department Plan and implement specialized events and programs such as inclusive holiday events, sensory-friendly programming, and adaptive activities Coordinate daily operations of assigned programs, ensuring safe, effective, and high-quality service delivery Conduct facility inspections and ensure program areas are safe, accessible, and properly maintained Maintain accurate program records, participant information, reports, and required documentation Assist with administrative duties including scheduling, reporting, and program tracking Provide outstanding customer service and build relationships with participants, families, caregivers, and community partners Collaborate with schools, agencies, and organizations to expand therapeutic recreation opportunities and services Monitor program quality and participant outcomes; make adjustments to improve services and experiences Ensure compliance with County policies, departmental procedures, and safety standards Respond to incidents, injuries, and participant needs; ensure proper documentation and follow-up
OTHER DUTIES
Work is highly varied based on seasonal and program demands and may include assignments across multiple program areas or locations Work may be performed both indoors and outdoors and in varying environmental conditions; proper PPE is required Comply with County policies as well as Parks Department regulations and procedures Promote customer and visitor compliance with all rules, regulations, and safety practices as well as report all accidents/injuries and ensure that injured parties receive proper care Additional assigned duties as required Work schedules may vary based on operational needs, including nights, weekends, and on-call responsibilities
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Strong knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles, adaptive programming, and inclusion practices Ability to assess participant needs and develop appropriate recreation opportunities Ability to coordinate and manage therapeutic recreation and Special Olympics programming Ability to supervise staff and volunteers in a program environment Strong organizational and time management skills Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with participants, families, and community partners Ability to manage multiple programs and priorities simultaneously Ability to respond appropriately to behavioral, medical, or situational challenges Ability to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants Strong customer service skills and ability to build positive relationships Ability to work both independently and as part of a team Must be physically able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work Work involves moving, climbing, reaching, bending, and stooping for moderate periods of time Requires ability to speak and/or signal people to exchange information Must be able to understand and follow instructions, both oral and written, to work productively in a team environment, and to skillfully use tools and equipment related to assignments and according to instructions
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Therapeutic Recreation, Parks, Recreation, or related field Must possess certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or be actively in the process of obtaining certification and able to obtain within six (6) months of hire Two (2) to five (5) years of experience in recreation programming or therapeutic recreation Supervisory experience preferred Proficiency in English required Proficiency with Microsoft Office software applications required LICENSE, CERTIFICATIONS and
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must possess or be able to obtain certification in CPR/First Aid/AED, certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, certification as a NRPA Certified Parks and Recreation Professional, and other position specific certifications, as directed Must successfully pass pre-employment screening processes, including drug screen, criminal background check, and clean driving record All regular full-time and part-time employees of Spartanburg County are required by state law to participate in the South Carolina Retirement System Possession of a valid driver's license issued in the state of South Carolina
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Annual clothing allowance County-issued cell phone and computer for business use Longevity pay increase after 18 months of employment (new hires) Applicable certifications/professional licenses and/or renewals as well as continuing education opportunities paid for by the
County Pay:
$50,349.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Retirement plan Vision insurance
Experience:
recreation programming or therapeutic recreation: 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
South Carolina Driver's License (Required) CTRS or actively obtaining certification (Required)
