Summary
The CUSR Inclusion Specialist is responsible for overseeing Inclusion Assistants and ensuring seamless integration for individuals with diverse abilities. With a focus on coordination, the CUSR Inclusion Specialist schedules assignments, conducts evaluations, and addresses placement challenges. This role involves hands-on support, aiding in the development of behavior and inclusion plans, and providing necessary accommodations to participants.
The CUSR Inclusion Specialist reports progress and concerns to the CUSR Athletics, Volunteer, and Inclusion Coordinator, actively participates in staff training, and maintains positive relations with participants, parents, and staff. Proactivity and creativity define this role, as the CUSR Inclusion Specialist takes the initiative to create inclusive plans, fostering an engaging environment. Additionally, the CUSR Inclusion Specialist provides leadership by leading inclusion staff meetings, promoting collaboration and informed decision-making, ensuring a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for everyone involved.
Qualifications
- At least 21 years old
- Coursework and/or experience in therapeutic recreation, recreation, special education or related areas
- Demonstrated experience in a supervisory capacity
- Minimum of one (1) year of experience with individuals with disabilities of various ages and diagnoses
- Ability to adapt and modify activities
- Ability to create behavior plans and instruct CUSR staff on implementation of behavior plans
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Passionate about helping individuals with disabilities
- Clear verbal and written communication. Active listening, understanding diverse needs and concerns
Supervision
The CUSR Inclusion Specialist reports directly to the CUSR Athletics, Volunteer, and Inclusion Coordinator. This position oversees part-time and seasonal staff.
Classification
- Non-Exempt, hourly
- Part-Time (not to exceed an average of 19 hours per week)
Training – Can be obtained through Champaign Park District
- First Aid, AED, and CPR Certification
- Heads Up Concussion training
- Mandated reporter training
- Harassment prevention training
- Bloodborne pathogen training
- Recreation software system training
- HR Software Training
- Driver training and test if applicable
- Facility training
- Attend and complete CPI training the next available training date
- Complete CCRS Training
Essential Functions
- Follow all Champaign Park District safety policies and perform all work in a manner that ensures the safety of the public, fellow employees, and themselves
- Demonstrate a high level of professionalism and discretion in all interactions, including maintaining strict confidentiality regarding staff information, communications from supervisors, and conversations with parents or patrons. Uphold the Park District’s policies and standards for data privacy and confidentiality at all times.
- Supervise Inclusion Assistants, ensuring their effective performance.
- Schedule and coordinate Inclusion Assistant assignments across the District's programs. Observe Inclusion staff, aiding in the development and implementation of behavior and inclusion plans.
- Collaborate with Inclusion Assistants, resolving placement and implementation issues.
- Address daily updates and assignment changes promptly, communicating changes to the staff.
- Act as a liaison between program staff and CUSR staff, facilitating issue resolution and communication.
- Facilitate the inclusion of participants in programs, providing necessary accommodations and emotional support.
- Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of behavior and inclusion plans when required.
- Substitute for Inclusion Assistants when necessary, ensuring continuity in participant support.
- Report progress, problems, concerns, or suggestions to the CUSR Athletics, Volunteer and Inclusion Manager regularly.
- Work closely with inclusion staff, demonstrating desired skills, tasks, or techniques through modeling.
- Attend staff orientations, trainings, and meetings to stay updated on program developments.
- Create and present training materials to CUSR and Park District staff, contributing to staff development.
- Lead inclusion staff meetings, fostering a collaborative and informed work environment.
- Maintain positive public relations with individuals, parents, CUSR and Park District staff, and the community at large.
- Demonstrate creativity, enthusiasm, and initiative in developing and implementing inclusive plans.
- Actively engage in the creation and implementation of plans to support the physical and emotional needs of program participants.
- Comply with equal opportunity and harassment laws, policies and procedures.
- Other duties as assigned.
Physiological Considerations
- Physically assist individuals in wheelchairs by pushing, pulling or providing stabilization on unknown terrain.
- Physically transfer individuals from wheelchair, chair, agency vehicle, pools and restroom facilities, etc.
- Provide personal care to individuals being supported.
- Active participation in programs.
- Gather, load, transport and set-up equipment and supplies for activities.
- Supervise individuals, including at times the use of a physical restraint.
- Required to work occasional nights and weekends.
Environmental Considerations
- May be exposed to all weather conditions including rain, wind, snow, extreme hot and cold temperatures, etc.
The Champaign Park District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employees are required to comply with our equal opportunity and harassment laws, policies, and procedures.
