Summary:
The Adaptive Recreation Specialist VISTA serves primarily to develop recreation, healthy living, adaptive and inclusion components to the City of Reno, Parks and Recreation Department (COR) Programs including Youth, Adult, and Senior Programs for the COR in local elementary schools, parks, and community centers.
Position Description:
The Adaptive Recreation Specialist VISTA will be an essential member of the team for this local government organization. This person will primarily serve to develop recreation, healthy living, adaptive and inclusion components to the COR Programs. The COR Inclusion and Adaptive Division delivers recreation programs for youth, adults and seniors in all areas of recreation. This VISTA will develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), implement behavior and adaptive plans and strategies, and adapt activities on a case by case basis to meet the needs of COR customers. This will include maintaining relationships with COR recreation administrators and recreation leaders, developing and fine-tuning programs, and developing training procedures for staff through site visits, workshops, and training days. The Inclusion/Adaptive Specialist VISTA will also develop employee manuals for Inclusion and Adaptive employees. Additionally, the Adaptive Recreation Specialist VISTA will develop SOPs for existing and new inclusion and adaptive programming.
The mission of the City of Reno, Parks and Recreation Department Inclusion and Adaptive Division is: to ensure that all City of Reno facilities, programs, classes, and services are inclusive to all people regardless of ability. The City of Reno offers adaptive recreation programming to include: wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball, adaptive cycling, sled hockey, Veteran programs, and an adaptive equipment rental program. We are partners in the community with the High Fives Foundation, Sierra Challenge Athletic Association, Livin Life on Wheels, Project HERO, Move United and Four Star Alliance. The City of Reno is a local government with a population of 266,511.
Service Location: Reno, NV
Timeline for Service: April 11, 2022 - April 10, 2023
Primary Responsibilities:
Develop recreation, healthy living, adaptive and inclusion components to programs including Youth, Adult, and Seniors programs at the City of Reno, Parks and Recreation Department (COR);
Maintain and strengthen partnerships with COR administrators and recreation leaders, inclusion techs, and adaptive staff;
Develop and maintain relationships with local organizations, schools, businesses and community centers;
Research adaptive and inclusive recreation practices and strategies;
Develop training for staff and implement behavior and adaptive plan;
Create employee and customer manuals for the Adaptive and Inclusion Division;
Create Standard Operating Procedures for a variety of existing and new Adaptive and Inclusion programs.
Qualifications:
Passionate commitment to CORs mission and vision;
Bachelors degree in therapeutic recreation, behavioral science, education, science, or a related field;
Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
Exceptional writing skills;
Strong communication skills;
Strong organizational skills;
High degree of initiative and spirit of service;
Experience working with children ages 6-18, employees, and volunteers;
Preferred: strong understanding of healthy living education and recreation and experience in curriculum development;
Preferred: experience training in formal or informal settings;
Preferred: experience working at, or managing summer camp programs, adaptive programs, aquatic programs, and/or before and after school programs;
Preferred: reading, writing, and speaking competency in the Spanish language.
AmeriCorps VISTA:
City of Renos Adaptive Recreation Specialist VISTA position is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service and will serve within the AmeriCorps VISTA program. AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Each VISTA member makes a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. To learn more about the AmeriCorps programs visit americorps.gov.
Compensation:
In return for their service, AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a living allowance of approximately $15,000.
Upon completion of service, choice of Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of approximately $6,000 or post-service stipend of $1,800.
A relocation settling-in allowance of no less than $750 if you are moving more than 50 miles, and travel allowance based on mileage may also apply.
Health benefits during service.
Childcare opportunities (if applicable).
Qualified student loan deferment or forbearance.
Non-competitive eligibility for qualified government jobs the first year after completing service.
Professional development through monthly trainings, skills learned in service, experience in a nonprofit environment.
To Apply:
Applications are also accepted by emailing a cover letter and resume to Allie Baracani at .
For more information call Corina at .
Employment Type: Full-Time
