Therapeutic Recreation Assistant- Part-Time

Join the City of Chattanooga Team

Chattanooga , a vibrant and growing community of over 190,000 residents within a metropolitan area of nearly 600,000 is known as the "Scenic City" for a reason. Nestled along the Tennessee River and surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, we are a hub of outdoor adventure and innovation. Home to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Chattanooga State Community College , our city blends a rich industrial history with a tech-forward future—famously powered by the nation’s first community-wide "Gig" fiber-optic network.​ The City of Chattanooga was also recently designated as a "National Park City,” the first of its kind in the United States.

Our Organization

As a City, we are powered by a dedicated workforce of approximately ​2,600 employees committed to excellence in public service and making Chattanooga the best community in the country. Our team ensures our city thrives through a wide range of municipal services, including:

• Public Safety: Chattanooga Police and Fire Departments.
• Infrastructure & Utilities: Public Works, Waste Resources, and specialized Stormwater management.
• Quality of Life: Award-winning Parks and Outdoors and Community Development systems and the Chattanooga Public Library.
• Transportation: The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) and citywide transit and pedestrian friendly initiatives.
• Innovation: Leading-edge smart-city programs with a commitment to cutting edge workforce development policies to ensure all our residents can get ahead.

Why Choose Chattanooga?

The City of Chattanooga’s workforce is the heartbeat of our community. We don't just offer jobs; we offer careers with purpose: making Chattanooga the best city in America. We are committed to being the premier employer of choice in Southeast Tennessee by providing:

• Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible.
• Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck, featuring a centralized health clinic and pharmacy for all City employees. .
• Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization.
• ​The Great Outdoors: Your Backyard Playground: Chattanooga isn't just near nature, it's immersed in it. As one of the most biodiverse cities in North America, the "Scenic City" offers an ecological richness that few places on earth can claim. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a weekend wanderer, world-class adventure is always less than an hour away.
• ​Vertical Adventures: Scale legendary sandstone cliffs in what is widely considered the premier rock climbing hub of the Southeast.
• Water & Rapids: From the high-octane whitewater kayaking of the Ocoee River to world-class bass fishing and peaceful paddling on the Tennessee River.
• Trails for Miles: Explore a massive network of mountain biking and hiking trails that wind through lush ridges, hidden waterfalls, and deep river gorges.

In Chattanooga, "work-life balance" means you can finish your shift and be at a trailhead or on the water before the sun sets.

Our mission is to work together to build a safe, vibrant, and sustainable city for all Chattanoogans. To do that, it takes a team of skilled and passionate individuals. So, if you’d like to call Chattanooga home – or maybe you already do! – and want to further your career through meaningful work that makes a true impact where you live, we’d love to talk to you.

Salary: $17.00 - $20.54 per hour (GS.4)

Work Hours: Hours and days vary based on program needs, as this position heavily supports ongoing programs. It can include days, evenings, and weekends.
*Hours may vary due to work assignments or projects.*

Work Location: 1102 S. Watkins St, Chattanooga, TN

FLSA Status: This is a Non-Exempt position.

Department: Parks & Outdoors

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY:

Incumbents in this classification support Therapeutic Recreation staffing and supplement program needs, by assisting in planning, instructing and leading daily indoor/outdoor recreation, leisure and sports programs for individuals with a variety of intellectual and/or physical disabilities including children, youth and adults.

SERIES LEVEL:

This is a part-time position in the Department of Parks & Outdoors’ Therapeutic Recreation Services Division.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
( The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.)

Duties will vary within the area of assignment. Facilitating and assisting with a variety of Therapeutic Recreation programs.

Performing administrative tasks such as creating program attendance reports; office work; communicating with participants and families; creating marketing materials; assisting with researching, grant writing and budget; and developing activities for new programs.

Occasionally driving vehicles and trailers as needed.

Collecting fees for programs and helping train and oversee volunteer staff.

Ensuring a safe environment at all times. Enforcing all rules and policies.

Must meet regular attendance requirements.

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers and citizens.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

Performing other duties as assigned.

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC DUTIES (if any):

High School Diploma or GED and three (3) years of relevant education, training or experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the job will be considered; or any combination of equivalent experience and education.

Examples of relevant experience include working with children and/or adults in a variety of settings, recreation, therapy (or related field) and working with special populations and/or individuals with a variety of disabilities.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS:

Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR Certification

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Experience in working with individuals with disabilities; interpersonal, teaching and teamwork skills; coordinating and supervising activities for individuals and large groups, basic computer skills; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with department staff and the general public; maintaining current knowledge of rule updates to games.

Experience towing a small trailer is preferred. Trailer training will be included after hiring.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Safety Sensitive: Y
Department of Transportation - CDL: N
Child Sensitive: Y

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

This position requires pre-employment screening(s) that include: background check/drug screening/lift test

The City of Chattanooga, Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

JES 3.27.25

KJF