Job Description

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is a health system dedicated exclusively to medical rehabilitation. We provide inpatient and outpatient care for people at every point in their journey from illness or injury to the most advanced state of recovery they can achieve. Our Mission: To enhance health, maximize function, and transform lives. Our values: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. These values guide us in providing quality patient care and transforming the lives of our patients.

Make a Meaningful Impact Through Adaptive Sports

Join the Gaylord Sports Association, part of Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, a nationally recognized rehabilitation health system, and help deliver life-changing adaptive sports programming for individuals living with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, amputation, visual impairment, and other physical disabilities.

This is a unique opportunity to combine direct adaptive sports leadership with the administrative systems and logistics that support high-quality program delivery. If you are passionate about adaptive recreation and thrive in a role that blends organization, communication, and hands-on program leadership, this position offers the opportunity to make a measurable impact every day.

The Adaptive Sports Program & Administrative Specialist plays a dynamic dual role within the Gaylord Sports Association, combining direct adaptive sports leadership with the administrative systems and logistics that support program delivery.

This position works across a wide variety of adaptive sports and recreation programs serving community members ages 16+ with physical disabilities or visual impairments. Programs may include archery, boccia, cycling, golf, kayaking, paratriathlon, pickleball, rock climbing, skiing, sled hockey, fitness, waterskiing, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis, yoga, and veterans programming.

The Specialist provides essential administrative functions to ensure safe, organized, and efficient program operations including participant intake and onboarding, registration systems, data entry, communications, marketing support, scheduling, and event logistics. In addition, the Specialist independently leads designated clinics, practices, and events, modifying instruction, sport techniques, and equipment to support each participant’s individual abilities, functional needs, and goals.

This role requires flexibility to work a non-traditional schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and occasional extended program days based on seasonal programming and special events. The position transitions between office-based administrative responsibilities and active indoor and outdoor program environments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES –include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Administrative & Operational Coordination

• Serve as a primary point of contact for participants, families, and community partners
• Manage participant intake, onboarding, registration, and documentation compliance
• Develop and maintain online registration forms and digital enrollment systems
• Maintain accurate participant records and database systems
• Support scheduling, logistics, and event preparation
• Prepare documentation for purchase orders and assist with financial tracking
• Prepare and distribute e-newsletters and targeted e-blasts
• Perform basic webpage updates and support social media communications
• Assist with outreach and program promotion initiatives

Program Implementation & Leadership

• Lead adaptive sports clinics, practices, special events, and seasonal programming
• Adapt instruction, techniques, and equipment based on individual abilities, functional needs, and goals
• Collaborate with staff to deliver programs aligned with established goals and standards
• Support volunteer and student recruitment, scheduling, and coordination
• Provide direction to volunteers during program implementation
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and organizational policies
• Assist with equipment setup, transport, loading/unloading, and maintenance
• Safely operate program vehicles including 15-passenger vans and truck/trailer combinations

IT IS ICARE

• Innovation Embracing creativity and new ideas to improve processes and outcomes.
• Teamwork Collaborating effectively with others to achieve shared goals and objectives.
• Inclusion Fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
• Safety Prioritizing the well-being and security of patients, individuals and communities.
• Integrity Acting with honesty and transparency in all interactions and decisions.
• Compassion Showing empathy and kindness towards others, especially in challenging situations.
• Accountability Taking responsibility for actions and outcomes, ensuring reliability and trust.
• Respect Treating others with dignity and consideration, valuing their perspectives and contributions.
• Excellence Striving for the highest quality in performance and achievements.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides direction and oversight to volunteers, students, and support personnel during designated program activities. Does not have formal supervisory authority over employees.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to balance administrative responsibilities with hands-on program leadership
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules and program demands
• Proficiency in standard office software and database systems
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team-based environment

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Parks & Recreation Administration, or related field required
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) preferred
• Experience working with individuals with physical disabilities
• Experience coordinating recreation, sport, or adaptive programming

Certifications & Licensure

• Valid Connecticut Driver’s License required
• Ability to obtain Public Passenger Endorsement within 3-months of hire
• Ability to safety operate 15-passenger van with wheelchair lift.
• Ability to operate truck and trailer combination.
• CPR & First Aid

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position includes both administrative and physically active responsibilities. Administrative duties require extended periods of sitting, computer use, and documentation. Program responsibilities require standing, walking, bending, lifting up to 50 pounds, assisting with equipment setup and breakdown, and supporting participants in adaptive sport environments. The role requires stamina to work evenings, weekends, and occasional extended program days in varied weather conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in both office-based administrative settings and indoor and outdoor program environments including gyms, recreation fields, pools, trails, snow-based and water-based locations, and community facilities. The position requires flexibility to work a variable schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight or extended event days based on program needs. Local and occasional out-of-state travel may be required. Exposure to varied weather conditions and active program settings is expected.

BENEFITS TO WORKING AT GAYLORD INCLUDE:

• 2021, 2022 & 2023 voted Top 100 Workplace in CT
• 2024 and 2025 Certified Great Place to Work
• Competitive rate of pay and generous shift differentials
• Comprehensive benefits package and generous PTO
• State-of-the-art technology
• Newly renovated nursing units with ceiling lifts in all patient rooms
• RN Residency Program and comprehensive orientation program
• RN Clinical Advancement Program
• Strong Nursing Shared Governance
• Specialty nursing certification & tuition reimbursements
• Free parking, beautiful and safe campus
• Extensive Reward & Recognition Programs
• Collaborative and supportive work environment
• Office of Integrative Medicine to support our employees and patients

SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday; 32 hours; Some weekend and evening hours will be required

APPLY NOW & JOIN OUR DYNAMIC TEAM OF CAREGIVERS!

Learn more about our programs at: gaylord.org/sports

We Are An Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D/V