PROGRAM SPECIALIST- ACCESS

ACCESS Program Specialist

Cary's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources department is seeking a caring, compassionate, and motivated individual to join our team in support of our specialized recreation and inclusion programming- better known as ACCESS! We are committed to an inclusive approach to recreation and encourages individuals with and without disabilities to participate together.

The ideal applicant will be an excellent listener and communicator and will be adept at making connections, advocating for others, and building relationships with staff and citizens of all abilities. The Program Specialist- ACCESS requires strong knowledge of community resources to provide robust support for participants and families.

This position will perform work assisting with the planning, coordination, and implementation of specialized recreation programs and inclusion services for individuals with disabilities. You will also provide assistance and guidance to temporary, seasonal, and volunteer staff as assigned. Work is performed under the direction of the Operations and Program Supervisor ACCESS.

This position offers a dynamic work schedule, requiring flexibility to accommodate evenings and weekends as needed. We are looking for someone who is adaptable and open to working outside of traditional business hours to meet the needs of the role.

Typical Tasks

• Assists with planning, organizing, and implementing a variety of recreation programs for children, teens, and adults with disabilities, including classes, sports, social programs, and special events.
• Coordinates with instructors, assists with scheduling program locations, and supports program registration and fee setup.
• Assists with marketing and promoting ACCESS Cary programs and services.
• Enters and updates program information in RecTrac, prepares program guide information, submits materials and photos to marketing staff, and maintains program communication and subscriber lists.
• Coordinates program materials, equipment, staffing needs, and facility setups. Assists with setup, cleanup, equipment inventory, and identifying supply and equipment needs.
• Assists with hiring, training, scheduling, and providing guidance to part-time staff and volunteers. Provides feedback and supports staff in carrying out assigned responsibilities.
• Supports Inclusion Services within Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) by assisting with the development and implementation of individualized accommodation plans in collaboration with participants, parents/caregivers, and staff, as appropriate.
• Observes participants in programs, classes, camps, and athletic leagues to identify support needs and monitor the effectiveness of accommodations and works collaboratively with staff, instructors, and families to identify adjustments that support meaningful participation. Assists with identifying and providing adaptive materials, equipment, and other supports.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with participants, families, community members, and organizations serving individuals with disabilities.
• Develops familiarity with local resources and services to support community connections and partnerships.
• Assists with providing staff training related to disability awareness, inclusive recreation practices, accessibility, and accommodations. Participates in professional development opportunities to build knowledge and skills.
• Assists with participant registration, maintaining records and program data, responding to customer inquiries, and completing other administrative responsibilities.
• Supports assigned projects and other program-related responsibilities.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• General knowledge of recreation programming and practices that support individuals with disabilities
• Basic understanding of inclusion, accessibility, and accommodations
• Ability to learn and apply inclusive recreation strategies and activity modifications
• Ability to communicate effectively and establish positive working relationships with participants, families, staff, and community members
• Ability to organize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and maintain accurate records
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Willingness and ability to learn new systems, procedures, and program practices.
• Ability to work weekends/nights to implement programs, trainings, special events or facility operations and to serve in an on-call capacity to meet operational needs.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

Education and Experience

Requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Recreation Management, Special Education, Social Work, Human Services, Disability Studies, or a related field AND some experience working with individuals with disabilities or supporting recreation, educational, or community-based programs.

Requires a current certification in basic first aid and CPR is required, or the ability to obtain certification upon hire.

Physical Requirements

The work in this class is generally light and may involve periods of standing, walking, sitting, and moving between program locations. Employees must be able to communicate effectively with participants, staff, and community members; review and prepare written and electronic materials; and set up, move, or transport program equipment and supplies. Some programs may require additional physical activity, coordination, or dexterity to demonstrate activities and provide program support.

Conditions of Employment

Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal history check, SBI fingerprinting, motor vehicle records check, education verification and credit history review) and satisfactory reference checks prior to employment.

Requires possession of a current valid driver's license and a good driving record.

Cary ensures equal employment opportunities (EEO) are provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information.

Benefits

Regular Full-Time Employees Learn more about our benefits. Cary is pleased to provide excellent, competitive, and comprehensive benefits to serve the needs of our employees and their families.

Because Cary believes that employees are one of our most important resources, significant dollars (averaging about 40% of annual salary per employee) are spent each year on employee benefits.

All regular full-time employees of Cary are eligible, and benefits coverage for new employees and family members is effective upon an employee's hire date.