Position: Recreation Therapist
Department: Parks & Recreation

Rate of Pay: $40,000 annually

Nature of Work
The Recreation Therapist is responsible for planning, developing, and coordinating therapeutic recreation programs for seniors, and children and adults with disabilities. The position includes expanding summer camp offerings, inclusive/adaptive youth sports, and providing in-person support across city-wide art, recreation, and community events.

This position will endeavor to use individual and collective recreation opportunities to provide a competitive advantage to the City of Hattiesburg as it continues its mission of becoming the premier city in the Gulf South. The incumbent should endeavor to expand on existing programs and create new opportunities for all ages and ability levels.

Examples of Work
• Prepare and deliver therapeutic and recreational programming—such as adaptive sports, arts, music, and fitness—tailored to participant needs.
• Assist in the organization, alongside administrative team, the logistics for summer camp activities, including the planning of daily activities, schedule and the procurement, inventory, setup, and distribution of supplies, and equipment.
• Expand and facilitate adaptive sports programs for youth with disabilities tied into city wide youth sports initiatives.
• Recruit, train, and supervise seasonal staff and volunteers in therapeutic recreation and adaptive techniques.
• Provide one-on-one or small-group support during camp sessions and city-wide programs such as art classes, sports clinics, and community events.
• Coordinate with local agencies, city staff, and families to integrate accessibility and inclusion across departmental offerings.
• Maintain records, evaluate programs, prepare reports and monitor budget.
• Review programs for quality assurance to assess the need to discontinue, revise, or develop new programs.
• Prepare and deliver programming and instruction as assigned.
• Coordinate special programs and transportation for the differently-abled with other service agencies in the community.
• Help participants develop skills useful in participating in leisure exercises.
• Regulate content of programs in accordance with participants’ capabilities, needs, and interests.
• Create and promote campaigns for participants that promote physical and mental well-being.
• Coordinate the maintenance of program equipment and supply inventories; make approved purchases; distribute equipment, uniforms, and supplies to appropriate parties.
• Secure, schedule/book, and prepare recreation facilities.
• Participate in and coordinate with local organizations related to assigned program areas.
• Write and edit promotion material or social media content for Senior and Therapeutic programs in the Parks and Recreation Department (flyers, social media, web content, registration).
• Other duties as designated by the Director, the Chief Administrative Officer, the Chief Communications Officer, or the Mayor.

Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Recreation Therapy (Therapeutic Recreation) or a related field. Two (2) years of related experience is desired. Knowledge of various computer programs including word processing, excel, basic research, scheduling and calendar programs, graphic design, and digital photography. Preferred candidates have or have the eligibility to attain (within 6 months) a CTRS credential through National Council of Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) or comparable assessment platform and have specialty designations in pediatrics, geriatrics, developmental disabilities, etc.

Applicant must be able to work with a team and promote the entire Parks and Recreation Department, possess the ability to multi-task, teach and maintain group attention through public speaking or trained lesson, remain objective and decisive in difficult situations, maintain strong organizational and record-keeping skills. Must be proficient in the proper use of English in speaking and writing.