Program Coordinator

The Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (HISRA) is the result of a desire on the part of the Chilicothe, Morton, Peoria and Washington park districts to provide quality recreation programs and services to individuals with disabilities and special needs. HISRA and its member districts enthusiastically support the spirit and intent of the Americans With Disabilities Act. HISRA is committed to providing opportunities for each individual to enjoy recreation activities in the least restrictive environment possible.  For more information about HISRA, please visit www.hisra.org 

Duties: Under the general supervision of the Director of HISRA, the Program Coordinator is responsible for:

• Exercise independent judgment in planning, organizing, promoting, supervising, and evaluating HISRA programs, events, and inclusion.
• Oversee a variety of sports, fitness, and other related activities and inclusion.
• Confer with community groups, agencies, and businesses to coordinate programs and to activate HISRA’s leadership role in providing recreational services for all member district populations.
• Direct leadership and supervision of ongoing community-based therapeutic recreation programs and inclusion services.
• Work closely with committees, schools, and other agencies to produce a specified number of programs and events.
• Act as the HISRA liaison when assigned providing facilitation and HISRA representation with community groups.
• Plan, schedule, and supervise the operation of HISRA programs, inclusion, and events, including written evaluations.
• Prepare written reports and make presentations to groups as assigned.
• Establish and maintain files of correspondence, records, reports, and other information as relates to HISRA.
• Select part-time personnel, interns, and volunteers for HISRA programs, inclusion, and events, conduct orientation, and train (including instructing demonstrating, and coaching employees, and evaluation of employees, interns, and volunteers for whom the Coordinator is directly responsible.) said individuals.
• Develop program goals and objectives under the Director’s direction in accordance with the overall goals and objectives of HISRA and its member districts.
• Assist in planning and coordinating HISRA standard operating procedures and operation manuals in assigned program areas.
• Prepare and submit records and reports, including attendance, payroll, activity schedules, and others as requested.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships among staff members, the public, and other HISRA employees.
• Prepare appropriate reports for the HISRA and present them to the HISRA Board, member district boards, advisory committees, or community groups or businesses.
• Promote all programs, inclusion, and events in areas of responsibility.
• Follow all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed. Support all aspects of HISRA and the Park District’s safety program.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:  The work requires some physical exertion in handling supplies, equipment, and materials relative to the programming content. Bending and stooping, and the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds may be required on a regular basis. Lifting and transferring of participants are required on a regular basis. The programmed activities involve everyday risks that require normal safety precautions typical of the recreation industry. The indoor work environment is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.  The physical ability to safely perform lifts and transfers of adults and children and to physically manage individuals with special needs in order to ensure the inclusion and safety of all participants in HISRA and member district programming. The individual must also possess the physical ability to set up for and actively participate in all HISRA activities, special events, and programming as well as operate HISRA vehicles and safely restrain wheelchairs.

Education:  A four-year degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Parks/Recreation & Tourism, Special Education, or a related field is preferred. Although a degree is preferred, experience in a similar position with similar duties and responsibilities may be substituted for part or all of the educational requirements.

Experience:  Two years of field experience in therapeutic recreation, special events, and/or recreation programming and implementation preferred. Experience working with special needs populations. Experience in the provision of programming and services for persons with disabilities representing a broad range of ages, program planning, leadership experience as well as assessment and evaluation skills are required.

Knowledge and Ability:

• Understanding of basic philosophy underlying a sound community therapeutic recreation program and ability to interpret that philosophy to staff and the public.
• Illinois Driver’s license or ability to obtain required.
• Working knowledge of computers and general office procedures is necessary combined with a thorough knowledge of program promotion, facility and staff scheduling, and supervision.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate a broad range of community-based recreation programs and inclusion services with minimal supervision as well as demonstrated knowledge in the following areas:
  • Evaluation and assessment techniques.
  • Conceptualization and development of programs and services.
  • Staff and volunteer supervision.
  • Scheduling and utilization of facilities, agency, and community-based resources.
  • Establishment and monitoring of goals and objectives.
  • Programming planning and leadership.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with representatives of community, public, and private groups and organizations; relate community interests to recreational programming; train, supervise, and evaluate part-time employees and volunteers; and effectively communicate in speaking and writing.
• Ability to provide the best possible image of HISRA so that the public respects and appreciates HISRA and the quality of its recreation programs and events.
• Understanding HISRA finance with the ability to apply and interpret knowledge in practical situations related to facility operations, events, and programs.
• Ability to work harmoniously with the public, fellow employees, and volunteers in an enthusiastic and cooperative manner.
• Extensive knowledge of business office procedures.
• Ability to effectively supervise a diverse workforce.
• Requires a valid Illinois State Driver’s License.
• Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.

Benefits and Perks:

• Paid sick days, vacation days, and holidays.
• Longevity bonus program and wellness program.
• Pension and retirement programs and Social Security participating.
• Exceptional health plan.
• Paid Life Insurance.
• Disability Insurance.
• Full-time employees and dependents enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.  

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.  

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.