Recreation Specialist, Weekends

Join Our Mission at Lambs Farm

At Lambs Farm, we are passionately committed to enriching the lives of adults with developmental disabilities by providing them with meaningful work opportunities in a vibrant and intentional community. Our diverse facilities, including a farmyard, pet adoption center, restaurant, bakery, country store, and thrift store, delight the public while equipping our participants with crucial employment skills in a supportive environment.

Lambs Farm is a nurturing community where participants are empowered to choose their paths, from work to leisure activities, fostering self-reliance and personal growth. It is also a place where families can teach their children about inclusivity and understanding people with disabilities.

Do you have a zest for community service, love engaging with dynamic settings, and seek to make a meaningful daily impact? Lambs Farm might just be your dream workplace. Here, we embody hard work, excellent care, and a commitment to cultivating the human spirit.

Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Recreation Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will work directly with adults with developmental disabilities, serving as a coach and instructor in our Recreation program. You will be responsible for developing and facilitating activities that enhance social engagement, physical fitness, and personal development. This position requires weekend availability . If you are passionate about making a positive impact and creating inclusive recreational experiences, this role is for you.

The Role

• Serve as a coach/instructor in the Recreation program, leading activities such as health and wellness, sports, dance, accessing the community's and group outings
• Assist in the ongoing development and revision of departmental programs to meet the evolving needs of participants
• Perform routine daily tasks, including preparing for programs, taking attendance, and monitoring participants during activities
• Drive 15-passenger vans to and from program activities as needed
• Ensure safe working practices, maintaining safe equipment, and adhering to agency safety protocols
• Supervise participants and maintain adequate records of progress and collected data
• Complete state and agency-mandated training programs as required

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in recreation, physical education, leisure services, therapeutic recreation, exercise science, or related field; OR high school diploma with 2-3 years of related experience in developmental disabilities or recreation activities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire participants
• Ability to physically train and assist persons in sports and fitness activities
• Valid Illinois Drivers license, violation-free for at least one year
• Must complete and achieve certification in the PACE and Lambs Farm DSP program within 120 days of hire
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Physically capable of performing tasks that require bending, lifting, and walking, with the ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds to manage mobility aids and assist participants
• Visual and auditory acuity to perceive and respond to participant reactions during activities
• Proficiency in writing, speaking, and understanding English
• Proficiency in basic computer skills, including accurate typing, navigating websites, entering and recalling data, using word processors and spreadsheet software, managing emails, and familiarity with digital communication etiquette and techniques