Community Recreation & Program Support Intern (Seasonal, Summer)

Description:

Community Recreation & Program Support Intern (Seasonal, Summer) FT or PT Position Description

$15/Hr

Department Overview

Reach for Resources is a nonprofit agency based out of Minnetonka, Minnesota. We provide individualized services that maximize independence, boost community engagement, and improve physical and emotional well-being to individuals of all abilities living in the Minneapolis metro area. Our recreation department offers small group and individual therapeutic services and contracts with county and city park and recreation departments to provide adaptive recreation, inclusion support, and training services to their community members.

Job Summary

The Community Recreation & Program Support Intern at Reach for Resources will be dedicated to supporting children with disabilities in outdoor recreation and playground programs. The primary focus of this role is to create an inclusive and engaging environment, fostering positive experiences for the children. The intern will work closely with the children, assisting them in setting and achieving personalized goals and actively encouraging their participation in various recreational activities. A key responsibility of the intern will be to document detailed progress notes to help measure growth and development. These notes will serve as a valuable tool for tracking goal progress and assessing the impact of the inclusive programs on the children's overall development. The Community Recreation & Program Support Intern will play a pivotal role in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for children with disabilities, focusing on their individual growth and active participation in recreational activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with the city parks and recreation staff by acting as an assistant coach, program leader, or instructor.

• Assisting and interacting with other kids in the program as well as the child that is receiving the 1:1 assistance.

• Ensure a welcoming and accessible environment that accommodates the diverse needs of participants.

• Providing extra assistance for the child with a disability, teaching strategies to coaching staff, communicating with parents and other children, and seeking out information from the parks and recreation staff to ensure maximum involvement.

• Document detailed progress notes for each child, capturing achievements, challenges, and milestones during program sessions.

• Complete the necessary paperwork and training in a timely fashion.

Key Responsibilities

• Support children with disabilities in typical recreation settings

• Facilitate adaptive recreation programs

• Learn about behavior management strategies

• Assist in creating custom inclusion plans for participants.

• Communicate effectively with program coordinators, parents, and other team members to ensure a cohesive and coordinated approach to inclusive programming.

• Implement strategies to address individual needs and adapt activities to promote inclusivity.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in social work, psychology, recreation, education, occupational therapy or a related field

• Experience working with children with disabilities

• Knowledge of disability services and inclusion practices

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Creative problem-solving skills

• Flexibility to adapt to various program needs, participant abilities, and evolving situations

• Must have a current driver’s license in good standing and maintain own reliable transportation

• Ability to lift to 30 lbs.