Therapeutic Recreation Internship
Interns are placed into the Recreation Commission’s classifications of Recreation Program Leader and Inclusion Support Assistant and will be required to perform the duties outlined in the following job descriptions:
Recreation Program Leader
Under the immediate supervision of the Program Director, the Recreation Program Leader (RPL) is responsible for the following:
· Plan and prepare for the program. This includes contributing ideas during planning sessions, securing materials and supplies, making trip arrangements, etc. It also includes developing activities for designated time periods or for groups of participants.
- Activity Leadership, including the planning, preparation, and leadership of various recreation activities. This includes directing and controlling the activity through verbal directions and/or manual (hand over hand) assistance. It may involve individual assistance to a single participant or leadership of a group activity. The RPL helps the participant to develop activity skills and interests. This requires the ability to assess participants and adapt activities to match participant skills.
- Monitoring participant safety throughout the program. The RPL provides continuous supervision of assigned participants from drop-off to pick-up time. Requirements include good judgment and the ability to recognize hazardous situations and prevent accidents. The RPL must be alert and able to physically control participants if necessary.
- Assist participants with personal care tasks such as dressing, eating and bathroom usage. This includes both verbal directions and physical assistance as needed. It includes opening food/drink containers, spoon feeding, keeping face and clothing free of food, etc. Bathroom assistance may include lifting on/off toilet, wiping, diaper changing, hand washing, etc.
- Provide non-violent crises intervention, from CPI, the Crisis Prevention Institute (certified training to be provided during training week), as needed to manage disruptive or aggressive participant behavior. It requires the ability to use behavior management techniques such as positive reinforcement, redirection, setting limits, etc.
- The RPL must have good personal swim skills and be able to work with the participant in the water. The RPL must be aware of water safety concerns.
- Complete assigned documentation requirements including Individual Recreation Plans, Swim Progressions, and other Division documents. This also includes input into the daily and final program evaluations.
- Attend staff meetings, in-service training and/or other meetings designated by the Division Supervisor, Program Coordinator or Program Director.
- Assist with the care, proper use, and storage of all Division equipment and supplies. Notify the Program Director of equipment or facility concerns. Help with the clean-up and lock-up of facilities as needed.
- May assist with transportation of program participants for field trips in city vehicles.
In addition to these duties, the Recreation Program Leader is expected to interact positively with the program participants throughout the day. A high energy level and enthusiasm for the program activities is necessary. The Recreation Leader must model appropriate social behaviors and encourage the participants to interact positively with each other.
The schedule below will give students a general guide of internship dates:
- Fall Internships: Start the third week of September and conclude by the third week of December. Completed applications must be received and processed by the second week of June.
- Winter/Spring Internships: Start the third week of January and conclude by the third week of April. Completed applications must be received and processed by the second week of October.
- Summer Internships: Start the third week of May and conclude by the third week of August. Completed applications must be received and processed by the second week of February.