Overview
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.
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department (MCPRD) strives to enrich the lives of our residents by providing exciting and safe recreational amenities and programs, changing to improve residents’ fitness levels and decrease health care costs. This contributes to a sense of community through events and spaces for the public to socialize, thereby increasing property values and providing tourism venues. We protect open space, natural areas, and our treasured tree canopy through stewardship. We play a critical role in ensuring Mecklenburg County achieves its vision that the county “will be a community of pride and choice for people to LIVE, WORK and RECREATE.” The department serves a population exceeding one million residents and serves the City of Charlotte, six towns, and the unincorporated areas of the county covering 523 square miles. In addition, the department manages over 21,000 acres and 230+ parks, nature preserves, greenways and facilities. The Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department is continually recognized for its cutting-edge programs, state-of the-art facilities and unique partnerships. Our success is rooted in our staff. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team, dedicated to building a better community, and being recognized as leaders both in our community and across the country, then Mecklenburg County has great opportunities for you.
Position Summary Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation Services is excited to 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. The incumbent will also perform individual client assessments and evaluate and assess community programming needs. In addition, this position will educate, advocate and support inclusion services across Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. The selected candidate must currently have credentials that include Licensed Recreational Therapist (North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure) and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation) certification. This full time position will be based at Tyvola Senior Center and will work a varying schedule including days, evenings and weekends based on business needs.
By applying to this position, you are eligible to be considered for a similar role, in which you meet the minimum qualifications for, at other Park and Recreation locations should they become available. If you are looking to grow in your career, or transition laterally into a new role, don't miss this opportunity to apply!
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
Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted?
Yes
Licenses and Certifications:
Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License and County Driving Privileges; Current certification as a CTRS through NCTRC and current licensure as an 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 date; 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
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
Use of North Carolina Intervention program (state-approved curriculum for prevention, de-escalation and management of aggressive behaviors)
Wheelchair transfers and tie downs
Abilities
Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment
Applied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job-related information in a timely manner
Building Trust: Interacting with others in a way that instills confidence
Communication: Clearly conveying information to individuals or groups
Customer Focus: Ensuring the customer perspective informs decisions and activities
Initiating Action: Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives
Safety Awareness: Identifying and correcting conditions that affect employee safety
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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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.
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department (MCPRD) strives to enrich the lives of our residents by providing exciting and safe recreational amenities and programs, changing to improve residents’ fitness levels and decrease health care costs. This contributes to a sense of community through events and spaces for the public to socialize, thereby increasing property values and providing tourism venues. We protect open space, natural areas, and our treasured tree canopy through stewardship. We play a critical role in ensuring Mecklenburg County achieves its vision that the county “will be a community of pride and choice for people to LIVE, WORK and RECREATE.” The department serves a population exceeding one million residents and serves the City of Charlotte, six towns, and the unincorporated areas of the county covering 523 square miles. In addition, the department manages over 21,000 acres and 230+ parks, nature preserves, greenways and facilities. The Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department is continually recognized for its cutting-edge programs, state-of the-art facilities and unique partnerships. Our success is rooted in our staff. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team, dedicated to building a better community, and being recognized as leaders both in our community and across the country, then Mecklenburg County has great opportunities for you.
Position Summary Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation Services is excited to 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. The incumbent will also perform individual client assessments and evaluate and assess community programming needs. In addition, this position will educate, advocate and support inclusion services across Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. The selected candidate must currently have credentials that include Licensed Recreational Therapist (North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure) and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation) certification. This full time position will be based at Tyvola Senior Center and will work a varying schedule including days, evenings and weekends based on business needs.
By applying to this position, you are eligible to be considered for a similar role, in which you meet the minimum qualifications for, at other Park and Recreation locations should they become available. If you are looking to grow in your career, or transition laterally into a new role, don't miss this opportunity to apply!
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
Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted?
Yes
Licenses and Certifications:
Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License and County Driving Privileges; Current certification as a CTRS through NCTRC and current licensure as an 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 date; 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
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
Use of North Carolina Intervention program (state-approved curriculum for prevention, de-escalation and management of aggressive behaviors)
Wheelchair transfers and tie downs
Abilities
Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment
Applied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job-related information in a timely manner
Building Trust: Interacting with others in a way that instills confidence
Communication: Clearly conveying information to individuals or groups
Customer Focus: Ensuring the customer perspective informs decisions and activities
Initiating Action: Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives
Safety Awareness: Identifying and correcting conditions that affect employee safety
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr