Recreation Therapist/Program Manager - Skokie Illinois

Recreation Therapist / Program Manager

Locations: Morton Grove, IL & Skokie, IL (Travel between sites required)

Position Type: Full-time, Exempt

Organization: Shore Community Services, Inc

About the Role

Are you a passionate therapeutic recreation professional eager to make a meaningful community impact? Shore Community Services is seeking a dynamic Recreation Therapist / Program Manager to lead and elevate our recreational, wellness, and healthy relationships programming across two Community Day Services sites (Morton Grove & Skokie, IL).

In this dual-impact role, you will design and facilitate innovative therapeutic activities, empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), provide functional leadership to staff, and build strong community partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Design & Facilitation: Develop, schedule, and lead engaging therapeutic recreation programs across both sites, including adaptive sports, creative/expressive arts, sensory programming, and community integration.
• QIDP & Person-Centered Planning: Conduct recreation and leisure assessments, establish measurable wellness outcomes aligned with Personal Plans, and serve as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) across both program sites.
• Curriculum Leadership: Lead sexuality and healthy relationships education, delivering rights-based, clinically appropriate programming tailored to individuals with IDD.
• Team Leadership & Coaching: Provide functional direction, coaching, and activity facilitation training to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), interns, and volunteers.
• Community Integration & Partnerships: Build and maintain active partnerships with local park districts, libraries, fitness centers, and cultural organizations to expand community access for program participants.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy, or a related human services field.
• QIDP Eligibility: Must meet Illinois QIDP eligibility requirements at hire (State QIDP certification required within 90 days of hire).
• Experience:

Minimum 1 year of professional experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

1–3 years of team supervisory or leadership experience.

Experience designing, adapting, and evaluating group activities/curriculum.

• Certifications:
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist ( CTRS ) preferred.
• Valid driver's license and access to a reliable personal vehicle for travel between local sites.
• Key Strengths: Strong interpersonal skills, group facilitation expertise, ability to adapt activities to varied ability levels, and comfort discussing boundaries and personal safety in an inclusive, non-judgmental manner.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and clear avenues for professional leadership.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and a 403(b)-retirement plan.
• A supportive, inclusive culture dedicated to advancing Inclusion, Dignity, Autonomy, and Health & Safety .