Recreation Specialist

Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday, 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

Pay Rate: $21.00 per hour

Location: Parc Center for Disabilities – St. Petersburg, FL

Position Type: Full-Time

Position Summary: Under the direct supervision of BMH Program Services Manager, the Recreation Specialist is an integral member of the Bert Muller Home team within a 24/7/365 Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID).The Recreation Specialist develops, implements, documents, and evaluates recreation and leisure programs based on resident needs and recommendations from Physical and Occupational Therapists. This position coordinates meaningful on-campus and community-based activities, including transportation, funding, staffing ratios, and required documentation. The Recreation Specialist also completes recreational assessments, participates in interdisciplinary planning, and provides direct support and supervision to residents as needed. The regular schedule is Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Flexibility may occasionally be needed to participate in approved special events that fall outside the normal schedule. This position does not supervise employees and does not include on-call responsibilities.

Essential Responsibilities: Plan and implement meaningful recreation and leisure activities designed to meet the individual needs and interests of BMH residents. Develop activity plans and provide staff with information needed to support scheduled activities. Create and maintain a monthly activity calendar. Ensure residents have opportunities to participate in community outings, including quarterly outings as appropriate. Plan and coordinate on-campus and off-campus activities, including transportation, staffing ratios, funding, and necessary documentation. Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, recreation meetings, annual meetings, and other resident planning meetings. Prepare recreation and leisure progress reports, assessments, recommendations, and annual summaries. Conduct assigned annual recreational and safety assessments. Develop recommendations for annual habilitation plans, long-term goals, and service goals. Maintain accurate and timely documentation related to lesson plans, resident goals, activities, and outcomes. Prepare and present quarterly recreation information and updates. Collaborate with Program Specialists, Shift Supervisors, Behavior staff, QDDPs, Nursing, Transportation, and other departments to coordinate recreational outings and special events. Coordinate additional vehicle usage with the Transportation Department as needed. Facilitate monthly Resident Council meetings. Plan and organize special events such as field days, bingo, arts and crafts, holiday celebrations, birthdays, seasonal activities, and other recreational opportunities. Research recreational and community opportunities available to individuals with developmental disabilities. Maintain knowledge of applicable Parc policies, procedures, and ICF/IID requirements. Maintain a professional and supportive approach when interacting with residents, families, guardians, coworkers, and community partners. Provide direct care and supervision of residents as needed. Attend required trainings and in-service sessions and demonstrate required competencies. Perform other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For: Successful candidates will demonstrate: A genuine passion for supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Creativity and enthusiasm for developing meaningful recreational activities and experiences. A collaborative and flexible approach. Strong organizational and time-management skills. The ability to independently plan, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Basic computer proficiency. Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. The ability to maintain confidentiality regarding resident and employee information. A willingness to be present, engaged, and ready to support the direct care team when needed. The ability to work effectively with residents, families, guardians, coworkers, and community partners.

Physical Requirements: Employees must be able to:

• Observe, communicate, and respond effectively to residents’ cognitive, social, behavioral, and physical needs.
• Provide physical support and behavioral intervention when required, including physical blocking or manual restraint in accordance with approved training.
• Lift a minimum of 50 pounds from floor level to approximately waist height when necessary.
• Maintain the visual, auditory, and physical awareness necessary to safely supervise residents.
• Successfully perform Professional Crisis Management techniques at the level required for the position.
• Compliance Requirements
• Drug-Free Workplace
• Level II background screening required
• Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse participation required
• Learn more: Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Join the Parc TeamIf you are creative, compassionate, organized, and passionate about helping individuals experience meaningful activities and greater independence, we encourage you to apply.
• At Parc Center for Disabilities, you’ll be part of a team working together every day to help the people we serve live with dignity, build independence, and experience life to the fullest.