Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Mecklenburg County Government, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, 28245
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. ...
POSITION SUMMARY 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. ...
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum of 2 years’ experience in Therapeutic Recreation/ Recreation Therapy
Experience performing Therapeutic Recreation assessments
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Experience: No experience required.
Education Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field
Licenses and Certifications 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
Computer Skills Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 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
Skills: Managing multiple tasks concurrently Organizing and presenting demonstrations in area of specialization. Performing research to obtain pertinent information essential to job performance The use of North Carolina Intervention (State approved standardized curriculum that teaches prevention, de-escalation and management of aggressive behaviors through the use of preventive measure and approved physical techniques) Wheelchair transfers and tie downs
Abilities: Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures Applied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job-related information in a timely manner Building Trust: Interacting with others in a way that instills confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided Customer Focus: Ensuring that the customer perspective is a driving forces behind business decisions and activities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers’ and own organization’s needs Initiating Action: Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive Safety Awareness: Identifying and correcting conditions that affect employee safety; upholding safety standards
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases your total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge and pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation and sick days; near site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more; an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling; access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.
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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. ...
POSITION SUMMARY 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. ...
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum of 2 years’ experience in Therapeutic Recreation/ Recreation Therapy
Experience performing Therapeutic Recreation assessments
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Experience: No experience required.
Education Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related field
Licenses and Certifications 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
Computer Skills Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 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
Skills: Managing multiple tasks concurrently Organizing and presenting demonstrations in area of specialization. Performing research to obtain pertinent information essential to job performance The use of North Carolina Intervention (State approved standardized curriculum that teaches prevention, de-escalation and management of aggressive behaviors through the use of preventive measure and approved physical techniques) Wheelchair transfers and tie downs
Abilities: Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures Applied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job-related information in a timely manner Building Trust: Interacting with others in a way that instills confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided Customer Focus: Ensuring that the customer perspective is a driving forces behind business decisions and activities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers’ and own organization’s needs Initiating Action: Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive Safety Awareness: Identifying and correcting conditions that affect employee safety; upholding safety standards
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases your total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge and pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation and sick days; near site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more; an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling; access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.
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