An Entertainment or Recreation Manager plans, directs, or coordinates entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.
Morton Grove, IL & Skokie, IL (Travel between sites required)
Position Type:
Full-time, Exempt Organization:
Shore Community Services, Inc About the Role Are you a passionate therapeutic recreation professional eager to make a meaningful community impact? Shore Community Services is seeking a dynamic Recreation Therapist / Program Manager to lead and elevate our recreational, wellness, and healthy relationships programming across two Community Day Services sites (Morton Grove & Skokie, IL). In this dual-impact role, you will design and facilitate innovative therapeutic activities, empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), provide functional leadership to staff, and build strong community partnerships.
Key Responsibilities Program Design & Facilitation:
Develop, schedule, and lead engaging therapeutic recreation programs across both sites, including adaptive sports, creative/expressive arts, sensory programming, and community integration.
QIDP & Person-Centered Planning:
Conduct recreation and leisure assessments, establish measurable wellness outcomes aligned with Personal Plans, and serve as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) across both program sites.
Curriculum Leadership:
Lead sexuality and healthy relationships education, delivering rights-based, clinically appropriate programming tailored to individuals with IDD.
Team Leadership & Coaching:
Provide functional direction, coaching, and activity facilitation training to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), interns, and volunteers.
Community Integration & Partnerships:
Build and maintain active partnerships with local park districts, libraries, fitness centers, and cultural organizations to expand community access for program participants.
Qualifications Education:
Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy, or a related human services field.
QIDP Eligibility:
Must meet Illinois QIDP eligibility requirements at hire (State QIDP certification required within 90 days of hire).
Experience:
Minimum 1 year of professional experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 1-3 years of team supervisory or leadership experience. Experience designing, adapting, and evaluating group activities/curriculum.
Certifications:
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist ( CTRS ) preferred. Valid driver's license and access to a reliable personal vehicle for travel between local sites.
Key Strengths:
Strong interpersonal skills, group facilitation expertise, ability to adapt activities to varied ability levels, and comfort discussing boundaries and personal safety in an inclusive, non-judgmental manner. What We Offer Competitive salary and clear avenues for professional leadership. Comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and a 403(b)-retirement plan. A supportive, inclusive culture dedicated to advancing Inclusion, Dignity, Autonomy, and Health & Safety .
