Description
Reports to: Program Manager
Location: Varied
Part-Time/Non-Exempt
Benefits: Non-Eligible

Summary
The OASIS Leader is responsible for the development, supervision, nurturing, and implementation of activities for individuals with disabilities in a recreational setting in accordance with SWSRA’s mission and vision. The OASIS Leader is responsible for the safety and well-being of all individuals in the program, including other staff or volunteers. The OASIS Leader’s priority is to provide participants with a safe environment, while generating a fun, positive, and nurturing experience while focusing on participant’s OASIS goals.

The OASIS Leader’s job is a part-time position, lasting a total of 9 months.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Must be at least 21 years of age.

  • Must be able to perform the essential job functions independently, with minimal supervision.

  • A bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a related discipline is preferred

  • Current CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) certification preferred

  • Two years of experience in recreation setting, working with individuals with disabilities, with at least one year supervising staff preferred

  • Must hold a valid Illinois driver’s license with a good driving record

  • Must pass pre-employment physical and drug screen within 3 days of contingent offer of employment

  • Must pass criminal background checks in compliance with Illinois state statute (70 ILCS 1205/8-23)

  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word and Excel and Google Workspace applications

  • Must be CPR/First Aid Certified or obtain within 90 days of hire

  • Must complete all required training including in-person and online prior to the start of each season

Essential Job Duties

  1. Facilitate program staffs’ active involvement implementing activities, including setup and cleanup for programming

  2. Plan, implement and evaluate activities for the program and prepare the monthly calendars.

  3. Ensure the program binder is present each day of the program and contains all required, current, and accurate documentation.

  4. Complete the monthly budget spreadsheet and submit it to the Recreation Specialist no later than the end of each month.

  5. Responsible for submitting all purchase receipts to the supervisor within one week of the purchase, unless otherwise instructed.

  6. Responsible for purchasing supplies within the allocated budget.

  7. Must be knowledgeable of the specific needs of the participants and plan activities accordingly.

  8. When applicable, responsible for medication distribution in accordance with SWSRA Safety Manual.

  9. Assistance with the development and implementation of individualized behavior modification plans as needed under the direction of the Recreation Specialist.

  10. Prior to the start of the first week, prepare and conduct pre-program meetings with program aides covering participant needs, program outlines, responsibilities, expectation, and emergency plans.

  11. Maintain accurate daily attendance records for all participants and staff, including arrival and departure times.

  12. Responsible for assigning staff to participant ratios on a daily basis.

  13. Facilitate and encourage positive peer relationships within the group and motivate both participants and staff to make those individuals feel successful.

  14. Responsible for appropriately managing and documenting behaviors for all participants, following the Agency Code of Conduct policy. Communicate participant behaviors and/or any other relevant issues with the Recreation Specialist, participant’s parent/guardians.

  15. Responsible for supervision of participants at all times during programming.

  16. Required to be in the pool, within arm’s length of participants at the pool for close supervision.

  17. Must keep an updated inventory of all equipment and supplies ensuring all necessary items for activities are available for use.

  18. Promote independence in the participants each day and encourage other staff to aid as well to meet participant OASIS goals.

  19. Must provide excellent customer service to participants and parents, communicating any changes or updates in a timely manner.

  20. Safely operate SWSRA vehicles when transporting individuals on activities and whenever operating a vehicle during work time.

  21. Always keep an inventory of First Aid/CPR supplies on you. Be prepared to administer First Aid/CPR on injured participants.

  22. All SWSRA employees are mandated reporters.

  23. Perform other duties applicable to individual’s programming and the needs of SWSRA as assigned by supervisor and/or Executive Director.

Environmental Conditions

  1. This position is a 9-month position with a regular Monday through Friday schedule. Work hours may vary occasionally to meet program needs, including periodic morning, evening, or extended hours.

  2. Must be able to work in indoor and outdoor environments

  3. Must be willing and able to drive all agency vehicles, including 15 passenger lift vans.

  4. Sits, stands, walks, bends, lifts and moves intermittently during working hours. 

  5. Able to lift and transfer individuals in and out of wheelchairs, and lift equipment.

  6. Must have the ability to work and communicate with people under stressful situations.

  7. May be subject to hostile and emotionally upset individuals, staff, family members and general public. 

  8. Must be able to follow verbal and written directions

  9. Must demonstrate emotional stability

  10. Must be able to adequately respond to the needs of individuals with disabilities.

  11. Must exhibit good problem solving ability and good judgment in keeping with the mission of the agency.

  12. May be exposed to infectious diseases, odors, dust, etc. throughout the day. 

  13. Work location may change with little or no notice. 

  14. May experience frequent interruptions and varying levels of noise.

Salary range: Starting at $18/hr

OASIS Leader