Job Description

Title: Special Recreation Leader

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under direct supervision, provides assistance to staff in conducting recreational activities for children and adults with disabilities during the operation of day camp activities. Performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists staff with individuals with disabilities in therapeutic recreation programs at day camps.
• Spots for tumbling and gymnastics.
• Leads and participates in drills and agility exercises.
• May accompany groups of children on field trips to educational institutions or public functions; including Special Olympics events (both locally and at the State level).
• Assists in unorganized play and athletic activity at day camps and encourages and enforces safety standards.
• Issues and collects recreational equipment supplied for public use.
• Assists therapeutic recreation staff in conducting simple arts, crafts, drama, music, physical and other recreational activities.
• Read to children and teach simple drawing, songs and painting.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience: One year experience working with individuals with disabilities is required. Graduation from high school or equivalent certification (GED) is recommended.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of competitive sports programs for people with disabilities. Effective oral communication skills. Ability to enforce safety rules. Ability to lead physical, recreational and leisure activities. Basic swimming skills. Ability to exercise good judgment.

Available Locations:

• West Pullman - budgeted up to 25 hours per week
• Welles - budgeted up to 25 hours per week
• Columbus - budgeted up to 25 hours per week
• Davis Square - budgeted up to 25 hours per week
• Eckhart- budgeted up to 25 hours per week
• Mann - budgeted up to 25 hours per week
• Norwood - budgeted up to 25 hours per week
• Shabbona - budgeted up to 25 hours per week
• Welles - budgeted up to 25 hours per week
• Piotrowski - budgeted up to 25 hours per week
• Bessemer - budgeted up to 25 hours per week
• Independence - budgeted up to 25 hours per week
• Mt Greenwood - budgeted up to 25 hours per week
• Jesse Owens - budgeted up to 25 hours per week

BENEFITS:

As a part-time Chicago Park District employee in a position covered by the District’s Agreement with SEIU Local 73, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including:

• +$1.00/hour increase on 1/1/2026.
• +$1.00/hour increase on 1/1/2027.
• 1 day of personal leave at the commencement of each quarter, accrued on a pro rata basis.
• 2 days of sick leave at the commencement of each quarter, accrued on a pro rata basis.
• After one year of employment, employees who work 1,040 hours or more in the previous year are typically eligible for between 7-10 workdays of paid vacation time annually, and additional time after first 5 years of employment.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave (upon meeting FMLA eligibility requirements).
• Pension plan through the Park Employees' and Retirement Board Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund, a system covered by the State of Illinois' Reciprocal Act.
• Free Admission to most Chicago Museums.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job duties are to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Rate of Pay: $22.00/an hour

SEIU-Local 73 EEO: Para-professional FLSA: Non-Exempt 07/17/2025