Job Description

Working under the general direction of the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, the Recreation Therapist develops and oversees inclusive, adaptive recreation programs for children and adults with disabilities. This role manages program development, participant assessments, staff supervision, budgeting, equipment, and community outreach.

Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

Plan, coordinate, and supervise year round recreation programs for children and adults with disabilities
Lead and oversee inclusive and adaptive recreation, leisure, athletic and educational programs
Conduct intake assessments for participants and provide referrals to appropriate programs based on needs
Supervise part time, seasonal staff, interns and/or volunteers
Serves as a liaison with community agencies, town departments, and nonprofit organizations to coordinate and promote programs
Manage program budgets, expenses and equipment/supplies. Pursue grants and funding opportunities to support adaptive programs and scholarship initiatives
Maintain CTRS certification and implement inclusion and therapeutic recreation standards in all programs

Minimum qualifications include

Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation or related Recreation field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
2 + years of recreation experience; preferable with individuals with disabilities
Valid driver’s license; CPR/First Aid preferred
Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
Ability to supervise staff and multitask
Moderate to strenuous effort required periodically in the field; be able to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 60lbs

This is a full-time, 35 hours per week, union position within the Burlington Municipal Employees Association bargaining unit. Hours are as follows: Tuesday – Saturday: 8:30am – 4:30pm

Salary is within Grade 10, of the BMEA contract, offering annual step increases via step system. Pay starts at $40.01/hour, with comprehensive & generous benefits.

Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2026

Benefits include
Health and Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off - vacation, sick, personal, holiday
Pension Plan
Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Applications received by April 21, 2026 will receive first consideration. Position will remain open until filled.

Please note: MA General Laws mandate that any individual having direct contact at any time with either children or senior citizens be subject to CORI screening by the Criminal History Systems Board. Any conditional offer of employment is contingent upon acceptable CORI results.

About Town of Burlington, MA

Burlington’s origins as a small agricultural community are scarcely

visible today, but remnants persist in roads that still crisscross its hilly

terrain and in a few, prized historic properties. The remaining historic

buildings once served as farm houses, taverns, homes, and schools along

the winding roads when Burlington was a sparsely settled corner of

a Boston-centric region. The rural characteristics of the community

persisted from its settlement in 1641 for nearly 300 years. By 1950,

the census recorded only 3,250 residents. But suddenly, Burlington was

transformed by powerful shifts in regional economics, demographic

and transportation during the second half of the twentieth century. Today Burlington is home to a robust and diverse collection of commercial enterprises within the retail, life science, technology, and medical sectors. Approximately 150,000 people per day flock to the Town to work, eat, shop, play or take advantage of the numerous outdoor recreation areas. Our population represents a broad range of cultures and backgrounds and we are proud to showcase and celebrate the diversity within our community.

Industry

Government & Public Safety

Company Size

51-200 employees

Headquarters

Burlington, Massachusetts

Year Founded

1799

Website

burlington.org

Social Media