Therapeutic Recreation Programmer (Variable Hour)

The following at‐will job posting will remain open until all positions are filled:

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THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PROGRAMMER

Variable Hour

Pay Rate: $19.04 per hour

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SCHEDULE:

Monday–Thursday: 8:00am–4:00pm

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

This position is responsible for the planning and programming of community-wide, specialized programs, facilities or specialty group recreation and therapeutic recreation activities. Work assignments will occur at various Township facilities.

 

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Note: These examples are intended merely as illustrations of the various types of work performed.)

• Maintains and displays extensive knowledge related to the therapeutic recreation area.
• Supervises and monitors participants and staff at a variety of recreation areas and facilities.
• Responsible for the safe transportation of program participants to assigned locations in Township vehicles and chartered buses.
• Responsible for recruiting, interviewing, training, scheduling, supervising and evaluating part-time/seasonal recreation staff as directed.
• Plans, organizes, monitors, and conducts therapeutic recreation activities for participants of assigned programs.
• Schedules staff and participants for therapeutic recreation programs and activities as assigned.
• Coordinates setup, teardown, and cleanup of programs and events as assigned.
• Responsible for efficient and effective day-to-day operations.
• Responsible for facilities and equipment appearance and cleanliness, including detection and reporting of property and equipment defects.
• Ensures safety rules, policies, regulations and procedures are followed by the public, participants, and employees.
• Responsible for the enforcement of departmental rules, regulations, operating procedures and policies.
• Maintains accurate program, activity and equipment records.
• Responsible for responding to, communicating and documenting emergency situations and incidents, including, but not limited to, First Aid, CPR, Severe Weather and Missing Child events.
• Greets and interacts with participants, families and community members in a positive and friendly manner and provides excellent customer service.
• Responsible for the purchase of supplies and equipment for programs and activities.
• Prepares facilities, equipment and supplies for planned daily programs and events.
• Assists in the preparation of and leads all staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Ensures that proper ADA accommodations are met in the facility.
• Responsible for keeping abreast of community needs and current trends in the recreation and therapeutic recreation field to ensure the delivery of quality customer service for program and activity participants and guests.
• Utilizes department-issued software for accurate operation of recreation programs as assigned.
• Maintains accurate daily attendance reports, as well as accident and incident reports, and reviews supervisor-submitted reports for accuracy.
• Ensures accurate money handling in accordance with department policies.
• Responds proactively and appropriately to all tier-1 or 2 parent, participant and community member concerns in a timely manner.
• Prepares information and reports for budgets and monthly and annual reports as applicable.
• Works with vendors, partner organizations, groups and community members to plan and promote recreation and therapeutic recreation programs and events.
• Responsible for contracting instructors and vendors for therapeutic recreation events and activities.
• Responsible for evaluating therapeutic recreation program events and activities as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Minimum age of 18 years old.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with special needs populations required.
• Must possess a current, valid Driver's License with a driving history that does not create liability concerns, which include, but are not limited to, convictions for reckless driving, careless driving, suspended license or convictions involving drinking and impaired driving.
• Ability to operate a 12-passenger van equipped with a wheelchair lift, with the ability to tow a trailer behind the van as necessary.
• Must be able to possess a valid Michigan Chauffeur License within 30 days of hire.
• Must obtain CPR/AED and first aid certification within 30 days of employment. CPR/AED and first aid classes are free to Township employees. Certification through an organization approved by Michigan's Bureau of Community and Health Systems, Child Care Licensing division, may also be accepted.
• Must be able to possess Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) certification within 90 days of employment. CPI certification is free to Township employees.
• Strong organizational and communication skills required.
• Ability to respond to emergencies in a calm and efficient manner.
• Must be able to possess Seizure Training Certifications within one year of employment; opportunity for in-service training and certification will be provided by employer.
• Ability to clearly communicate procedures, problems, and policies with fellow employees and the public tactfully and courteously.
• Ability to perform manual lifting and loading of program supplies and equipment.
• Ability to work a variety of shifts, including afternoons, evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and direct therapeutic recreation programs and the ability to effectively supervise subordinates who are engaged in those activities.
• This is an "At-Will" position. Work assignments and hours are scheduled based on availability, division requirements and within the confines of the budget. Schedules and work hours are not guaranteed and are subject to change at any time due to division needs, budgeting and staff availability.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Reasonable Accommodations: Canton Township provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at (734) 394-5260. We encourage all interested qualified applicants to apply for open positions. Requests for accommodations will be reviewed case-by-case.

 

Physical Demands

Stand: Frequently

Walk: Frequently

Sit: Frequently

Use of Hands/Fingers: Frequently

Reach: Frequently

Climb: Occasionally

Crawl: Occasionally

Squat or Kneel: Frequently

Bend- Frequently

Lift/Carry

Less than 10 lbs: Frequently

10 - 29 lbs: Frequently

30 - 59 lbs: Occasionally

60 - 100 lbs: Occasionally

Push/Pull

Less than 10 lbs: Frequently

10 - 29 lbs: Frequently

30 - 59 lbs: Occasionally

60 - 100 lbs: Occasionally

 

Reports To: Recreation Specialist

Job Description updated: September 2025

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Posting Information: Therapeutic Recreation Programmer

• This is an at-will position. Hours are limited and will vary based on the operational needs of the department. Employees in this position will be classified as variable hour employees.
• All candidates will be notified VIA EMAIL of the disposition of the employment application.
• Being hired to fill a vacant position will require reference checking, background information, working history verification, physical exam, driving history verification, drug screen, and new hire orientation.
• Must meet the minimum requirements of the position to be considered.
• This is an external posting open to all applicants. A completed application must be submitted to be considered for this position. Applications not completed in their entirety will not be considered.
• Create an account to apply online or pick up a paper application in the Human Resources Department.

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The Charter Township of Canton provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) and is committed to a workplace free of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, national origin, disability, height, weight, gender identity, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Canton Township takes great pride in the diversity of our community and promotes diversity in the workforce.