Therapeutic Recreation Internship

Job Posting End Date:

November 1, 2026

Department:

PARKS AND RECREATION

Compensation Grade:

Compensation Range & Starting Salary:

H.3266 - H.3281
$16.08 -$18.22 /HR
Based on academic year

Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):

No

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

About Us:

At Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, our success is because of our dedicated employees.  We are intentional about creating an employee experience where you are empowered to reach your full potential, are supported through strength-based initiatives, and are confident in your abilities. We champion a workplace culture built on our cultural foundations: Professionalism, Respect, Accountability, Integrity, and Citizenship.  These guiding principles of behavior cultivate a positive and high performing work environment.  Success is recognized and celebrated, and legendary experiences are the core of who we are.

Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:

The Therapeutic Recreation Internship provides students who are majoring in the field of Therapeutic Recreation and seeking the certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) an opportunity to practice the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom to fulfill their school requirements to obtain a degree and to meet NCTRC's certification requirements.

The internship will provide an effective transition from the classroom to professional setting . The supervised leadership experience provides students with the opportunity to test classroom theories, concepts, and philosophies in realistic situations under the guidance and supervision of dedicated professionals. Furthermore, it provides the intern with a constructive review and evaluation of their skills and competencies allowing realistic direction to further professional development.

Day to Day duties will include but are not limited to:

• Working under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) for the duration of their internship to learn aspects of developing, implementing, and evaluating skill development and theory-based therapeutic recreation programs.
• Supervising participants (youth or adult) involved in program and events, adhering to program and event safety protocols.
• Completing short term and/or long term projects and case studies depending upon their current standing in school (Senior intern - Short -term project, long-term project, and case study; Graduate intern - Long term research/administrative project and case study)
• Providing excellent customer service to internal and external customers both written ad orally.
• Preparing and/or submitting records and reports that are programmatic and administrative.
• May be required to work varied hours, evenings, nights, holidays, and weekend in an outdoor environment in various weather conditions and for extended period of time greater than 8 hours.

Physical Demands:

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Walk on a variety of surfaces, including sand, gravel, grass, and asphalt.
• Lifting and moving up to 25 pounds on occasion.
• Perform physical tasks such as stooping, kneeling/squatting, and bending frequently.

Expected Schedule / Hours:

Typical Work week will be 40 hours unless otherwise agreed upon. The schedule will be varied by days, evenings, weekends, and program schedule needs.

Expected Program Dates:

January 25th 2027 - May 7th 2027 (15 weeks, can be adjusted based on school requirements or completion of hours)

Minimum Requirements:

Required Education: Pursuing Therapeutic Recreation degree (BS in Therapeutic Recreation, or Recreation with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation); Must be eligible to sit for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) upon completion of internship and degree completion.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be able to work independently according to standard procedures and/or written or verbal instructions.
• Must be able to work a varied schedule; days, evenings, weekdays, and weekends to meet operational needs.
• This position will work in an administrative office environment well as outdoors as parks and facilities when assisting operations, programs, events.
• Must follow departmental dress code policy.

Applications close date:

November 15th 2026.

Compensation:

Undergraduate Freshman / Sophomore: $16.08/HR

Undergraduate Junior / Senior: $17.14/HR

Graduate Student: $18.22/HR 

Additional requirements:
• DMV Transcript: No
• CDL: No
• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No
• CPS Check: No
• Physical: No
• Respirator: No
• Psychological Screening: No
• Polygraph: No
• At Will: No

Minimum Requirements:

Skills:

Working Conditions:

Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business. 

The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile.  Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.

Official Job Descriptions:

To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=E

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.