Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career

Please Apply By:
Thursday, February 19, 2026

Hiring Range: $47,392.80/yr - $62,203.05/yr

At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

Did you know that Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation proudly hosts many community events each year? Hummingbird Festival, The Senior Games and Festival in the Park are just a few that our employees and residents look forward to every year! Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department (MCPRD) strives to enrich the lives of our residents. ...

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation Services is excited add a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist to the team! This position will be responsible for providing community-based, goal oriented, and objective-driven recreation and leisure programs for individuals with disabilities. ...

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in Therapeutic Recreation/ Recreation Therapy
• Experience performing Therapeutic Recreation assessments

• Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate therapeutic recreation programs
• Develop, monitor, and evaluate participant progress in therapeutic recreation programs
• Plan and conduct workshops regarding therapeutic recreation programs for organizations, agencies, and support groups
• Coordinate inventory and requisitions supplies, and maintenance of equipment as needed
• Trains, supervises, and evaluates Therapeutic Recreation Intern staff in accordance with regulations and guidelines established by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).Develops revenue streams for programs.
• Plan, implement, evaluate, and participate in leisure activities
• Market programs to disability specific organizations, agencies, and support groups within the community
• Responsible for the implementation of behavior management and inclusion policy and procedures in order to create a successful environment for all participants
• Provide inclusion evaluations and support for members of the community who are seeking involvement in a traditional recreation setting
• Respond to emergency situations as needed
• Supervise volunteers, interns, and temporary staff

Experience:

No experience required.

Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field

Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina’s Driver's License and County Driving Privileges;
Current certification as a CTRS through NCTRC and current licensure as a LRT through NCBRTL;
If not a current resident of NC, must have the ability to obtain licensure as an LRT within 45 calendar days of hire;
First Aid/CPR

Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite

Diagnostic-specific criteria related to disabilities served and implications for recreation and leisure involvement and participation
Physical, cognitive, developmental, psychiatric and emotional / behavioral disabilities
Stages of human development and appropriateness related to chronological or developmental age
TR modalities including but not limited to: experiential education, social skills training, communication skills training, independent living skills training, community integration and inclusion, leisure education, and motor skills development
Local, state, and national professional organizations and human service agencies related to the TR practice
Communication techniques to be used with individuals with various disabilities
Behavior management, positive behavioral support and de-escalation techniques
Therapeutic Recreation (TR) philosophy and TR APIE process (assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation).
TR program design, leadership, implementation, and documentation
Health and wellness information

Managing multiple tasks…