Principal Therapeutic Inclusion Specialist (10819, Grade 26)

Principal Therapeutic/Inclusion Specialist

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George's County, is committed to providing high-quality therapeutic recreation programs and services that promote equitable access, meaningful participation, and enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

This position is responsible for the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of specialized therapeutic recreation programs, adaptive activities, and specialty events designed to meet the diverse needs and abilities of the community. Programs are intentionally structured to promote leisure education, skill development, physical activity, social engagement, independence, and lifelong leisure participation through inclusive and professionally facilitated recreation experiences.

The incumbent ensures programs and services are delivered in accordance with therapeutic recreation best practices, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Commission policies and procedures. Responsibilities include assessing and meeting community needs, developing innovative program offerings, coordinating specialty events, monitoring program effectiveness, and implementing continuous improvements to enhance participant outcomes and overall service quality.

This position plays a vital role in advancing the Department's commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and community engagement by creating meaningful recreation opportunities that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve personal growth, build social connections, and actively participate in their communities.

M-NCPPC offers a competitive salary range of $70,611.00 - $125,300.00 for the Principal Therapeutic Inclusion Specialist position, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous leave accruals, extensive health and wellness coverage, a deferred compensation plan, employer-sponsored retirement benefits, and a variety of work-life balance programs.

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $70,611.00 - $97,955.00 (up to the midpoint of the advertised salary range), based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, and demonstrated competencies. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Examples of Important Duties

Therapeutic Recreation Programs & Specialty Events

• Plan, organize, implement, and evaluate specialized therapeutic recreation programs for individuals with disabilities.
• Coordinate and lead therapeutic recreation specialty events, including adaptive sports events, camps, social programs, community outings, and family-oriented activities.
• Develop activity plans that incorporate therapeutic recreation principles, adaptive techniques, and structured leisure skill development.

Program Delivery & Participant Engagement

• Provide direct leadership and instruction during programs and events to promote safe, meaningful, and engaging participation.
• Support participant independence, social interaction, and positive behavior using proactive and developmentally appropriate strategies.
• Monitor program effectiveness and participant engagement and adjust activities as necessary to meet program goals.

ADA Compliance & Best Practices

• Ensure therapeutic recreation programs and events are designed and delivered in compliance with ADA and Section 504 requirements.
• Apply principles of accessible and adaptive program design, including activity modification, adaptive equipment use, and environmental considerations.
• Collaborate with supervisory staff to identify and address accessibility barriers within therapeutic recreation programming.

Safety, Risk Management & Professional Standards

• Maintain a safe program environment by following Commission safety procedures and risk management practices.
• Implement appropriate behavior support strategies consistent with accepted therapeutic recreation practice.
• Complete required documentation, including attendance, incident reports, and program records.

Staff Leadership & Administrative Support

• Provide guidance and on-site support to part-time staff, support staff, and volunteers assisting with therapeutic recreation programs and events.
• Assist with staff training and orientation related to program expectations, participant needs, safety protocols, and effective engagement strategies.
• Support program planning, scheduling, evaluation, and reporting activities.

Working Conditions

• Works in office and occasionally outdoors, and in community
• Considerable pressure to meet deadlines
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail preferred
• Works in diversified schedule which may include extended hours, evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays
• Responds to emergency situations/crisis intervention

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy or any related field.
2. Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in therapeutic recreation or closely related experience.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
4. A valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's licenses must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of the position.
5. Obtain and maintain all applicable certifications.
6. Pass Commission medical examination.
7. Certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) desired.
• Experience working in a public parks and recreation agency, preferably within a large or countywide system.
• Experience planning large-scale therapeutic recreation programs or specialty events.

Supplemental Information

Class/Specification: Principal Therapeutic/Inclusion Specialist May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor. Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or View phone number on click.appcast.io (Maryland Relay 7-1-1) M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.