Inclusion Specialist

Overview

The Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks Department provides inclusion services to people with disability- related needs who are participating in recreation programs offered by our department. Inclusion Specialists are responsible for providing the support required to meet each participant's individual needs. Examples of recreation programs that Inclusion Specialists provide support in include, but are not limited to, Summer Camp, Rec On The Go, Summer Fusion, Youth Sports, Ice Skating Lessons, and various Adaptive Recreation Programs.

Inclusion Specialists report to the Adaptive Recreation Specialist in charge of adaptive recreation and inclusion services.

Final date to receive applications: This job posting will be open until filled. If you have interest in this position, it is highly recommended that you apply as soon as possible upon seeing the announcement as the vacancy may close without notice.

• Provide inclusion support for youth with disability- related needs, including support with social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs when necessary.
• Provide activity adaptations and medical, emotional, and behavioral support when necessary.
• Communicate progress with participant families/guardians/caregivers on a regular basis.
• Communicate with program staff and Adaptive Recreation Specialist about participant progress and necessary accommodations.
• Maintain documentation related to participant progress in each program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

No education requirement

• 16 years of age or older
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience working with people with disabilities, especially youth and teens, as a staff or volunteer

An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

• Ability to work with multiple participants with disability- related needs during program time.
• Must possess a genuine interest in the needs of all participants and be able to work in a team atmosphere.
• Must possess the ability to assess participant progress and make decisions about accommodations during program time.
• Must possess the ability to interact with participants and parents/guardians/caregivers in a responsible and professional manner and respond to concerns with tact and courtesy.
• Ability to respond maturely to any emergency or incident that may arise.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision during program time.
• Must possess basic problem-solving skills.
• Ability to relate and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets/exceeds customer expectation and satisfaction.
• Embrace and engage in cultural shift toward Continuous Improvement.

• Three (3)+ years of experience working with people with disability-related needs, especially youth, as a staff or volunteer.
• Be able to provide inclusion services within a variety of recreation programs.
• Current certification in CPR and First Aid.
• Current certification related to program leadership within related field.
• Current with Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist credential.
• Completion of additional training in Autism, social/emotional support, therapeutic recreation, special education, or related field.
• Previous experience working with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic background.
• Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Lao or Vietnamese.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully and safely perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to fully and safely perform the essential duties.

• Work up to 40 hours per week Monday-Friday during the summer in multiple locations depending on participant registration and staff availability. During the school year, Inclusion Specialists can work consistently up to 20 hours per week in various recreation programs, depending on participant registration.
• Work is performed in several types…