Recreation Leader- Therapeutic Programs (Seasonal)

Position Details

Position Information

Working Title of Vacant Position Recreation Leader- Therapeutic Programs (Seasonal) Job Type Part Time Posting Type Public Number of Vacancies 1 Department PARKS, REC, & TOURISM Division PR&T LEISURE Requisition Number 202669 Number of hours worked per week up to 25 hours a week Work Schedule

Schedule Varies: Monday - Sunday

To Be Determined: Based on operational requirements

• May include: Days, evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays

Work Site Location Chesaepake, VA {Various recreational facilities} Position Driving Requirement O - Occasional Pay Grade GE01 Pay Basis Weekly Advertised Salary

$16.93 - $22.43 / hourly rate

Starting pay depending on qualifications and experience

Job Description

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of individuals with special needs? Do you have experience in therapeutic recreation and enjoy leading fun, inclusive activities? If so, this full-time opportunity with the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism may be just what you're looking for!

We're seeking an enthusiastic and caring individual to join our team as a Therapeutic Recreation Leader, primarily supporting our specialized camps, events and programs for participants with special needs. Therapeutic Recreation activities are held at various parks and recreational facilities across the city.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with planning, scheduling, developing, and leading therapeutic recreation (TR) programs designed for children, teens, and adults with special needs.
• Engage in and facilitate recreational activities such as arts and crafts, sports, music, dance, games, and community outings.
• Adapt activities to ensure inclusive participation, helping each individual engage at their own level.
• Create a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment for all participants.
• Provide exceptional customer service aligned with the City's Customer Service Initiative.
• Support multiple camps, classes, and activities across different locations as needed.
• Assist with setup, cleanup, and organization of program areas; inspect facilities and equipment for safety concerns and report as necessary.
• Respond to accidents or incidents with care and professionalism, including administering basic first aid if required.
• Address behavioral concerns calmly and respectfully; communicate effectively with supervisors and parents when needed.
• Adheres to the City's CARES standards

Administrative Duties:

• Register participants and process payments using ActiveNet software.
• Handle financial transactions related to program fees, facility rentals, and merchandise.
• Issue permits and receipts while maintaining accurate records.
• Complete end-of-day financial reconciliation following city policies and procedures.

Ideal Candidates Will Have:

• A genuine passion for working with individuals with special needs.
• Experience or education in therapeutic recreation, special education, human services, or a related field is a plus.
• Creativity and flexibility to adapt activities for a wide range of abilities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A positive, energetic, and hands-on approach to recreation leadership.

The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure for a full list of benefits and employee perks.

Required Qualifications

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT:

Requires instruction that is sufficient for satisfactory job performance.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:

In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this position requires a minimum of one month of full-time equivalent experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

Requires CPR and First Aid certification within the first year of employment. May require a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City Driving Standards. .

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications

Possess positive customer service skills and abilities to meet the City's CARES standards.

Previous work experience with individuals with special needs as a camp counselor, childcare provider, physical therapist, independent contractor, or teacher

Posting Detail Information

Job Open Date 07/29/2026 Job Close Date 08/16/2026 Open Continuous No Special Instructions to Applicants

Will be required to work at City special events and activities as program support staff.

Will be required to work some evenings, weekends, and holiday

Background check and post screenings are required

Drug Screening: MARIJUANA

In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.

ADA Checklist

Overall Physical Strength Demands

Overall Physical Strength Demands M=Medium - Exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly

Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.

Standing Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Sitting Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Walking Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Lifting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Lifting Amount Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs Carrying Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Carrying Weight Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs Pushing/Pulling Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Pushing/Pulling Weight Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs Reaching Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Handling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Fine Dexterity Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Kneeling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Crouching Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Crawling Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. Bending Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Twisting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Climbing Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Balancing Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Vision Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Hearing Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Talking Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Foot Controls Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used

Telephone, computer, printer, ID Picture Camera, fax, AED, tables, chairs, wheelchairs, walkers, various recreation and fitness equipment such as basketball goals, portable bleachers, and nets, canoes, paddle boats.

Protective Equipment Required

Any PPE required by the standard guidelines of the equipment used.

Health and Safety

D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never

Mechanical Hazards M = Several Times Per Month Chemical Hazards M = Several Times Per Month Electrical Hazards M = Several Times Per Month Fire Hazards S = Seasonally Explosives S = Seasonally Communicable Diseases M = Several Times Per Month Physical Danger or Abuse S = Seasonally Other If Other, Description

Environmental Factors

D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never

Dirt and Dust W = Several Times Per Week Extreme Temperatures S = Seasonally Noise and Vibration D = Daily Fumes and Odors W = Several Times Per Week Wetness/Humidity S = Seasonally Darkness or Poor Lighting S = Seasonally Primary Work Location Outdoors, Other - Recreation facilities , Vehicle

Non-Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.

Time Pressures Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Emergency Situations Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Frequent Change of Tasks Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. Tedious or Exacting Work Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. Noisy/Distracting Environment Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. Other Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. If Other, Description Will be directly working with special needs population of all age groups. Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s)

Incumbent must be able to work independently

Professional References

Professional References

Please provide contact information for professional references.

Minimum Requests 0 Maximum Requests 4

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you possess a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City's Driving Standards? Please review link in posting for details.
• Yes
• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Optional Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Portfolio