TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
RE: Recommended Reclassification of Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Position
DATE: November 26, 2001
The attached ordinance would reclassify to a higher salary grade the Recreation Specialist position to be assigned to work with individuals with disabilities.
After being vacant and unfunded for several years, funding for a Recreation Specialist position who will work with individuals with disabilities was included in the adopted budget for FY2001-02. A description of this position is attached for the Council’s information.
The Parks and Recreation Department has been recruiting for the position. One requirement of the Community-based Therapeutic Recreation Specialist position is current certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). This certification requires completion of a demanding program, extensive education and work experience, and passing a written examination. No other Parks and Recreation Department staff position requires a similar level of certification.
When the Town-wide classification and pay review was conducted in 1999, this position was vacant and unfunded and was not formally reviewed. We believe that this certification and the other duties involved with developing and administering this new program justifies a higher level of classification than others adopted for other Recreation Specialist positions as a result of that study. Therefore, we recommend that the position be reclassified by two grades, from grade 33 to grade 35 in the Town’s pay structure.
If approved, annual cost for the reclassification would be approximately $3,600 due to the difference in salary and benefits costs. In the current fiscal year the increased position costs would be approximately $2,000, and would be paid from the unexpended funds during the first 5 months of the fiscal year while the position was vacant.
That the Council approve the attached amendment to the Classification and Pay Ordinance.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE POSITION CLASSIFICATION AND PAY PLAN DATED NOVEMBER 1, 2001 (2001-11/26/ O-1)
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill as follows:
Section I: That the Ordinance Establishing a Position Classification and Pay Plan (2001-8-27/O-4) is amended as follows:
In Section III of the Ordinance in grade 35 add the line “Recreation Specialist – Community Based Therapeutic Recreation”
In Section IV, part C, in the Parks and Recreation Department, DELETE the lines
Full-time Part-time
Position: No. Hrs. No. Hrs. Grade
Recreation Specialist 2 37.5 4 20/25 31-33
and ADD the lines
Recreation Specialist 1 37.5 4 20/25 31-33
Recreation Specialist - Community
Based Therapeutic Recreation 1 37.5 - - 35
This the 26th day of November, 2001
RECREATION SPECIALIST – COMMUNITY BASED THERAPEUTIC RECREATION
JOB SUMMARY: This position is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, directing, and participating in a program of leisure services for individuals with disabilities and their families.
MAJOR DUTIES:
Maintains a current and accurate assessment of the interests and needs of special populations in the community by surveying the needs of area service agencies.
Develops and implements programs and activities to serve the needs of all individuals with disabilities.
Assesses participants’ skills levels and adapts programs to fit individual needs on a case-by-case basis.
Researches and develops grant proposals to raise funds for therapeutic recreation.
Researches and purchases adaptive/assistive devices for reasonable accommodation requests.
Develops the therapeutic recreation program budget for both adaptive/mainstreaming and specialized programs for individuals with disabilities; monitors expenditures under the current budget.
Acts as department liaison for individuals with disabilities and other service agencies.
Develops brochures, posters, fliers, and other marketing materials to promote programs for individuals with disabilities.
Coordinates therapeutic recreation programs with the total department offerings.
Obtains community involvement in initiating, expanding, or upgrading programs by soliciting funds for special projects, speaking at civic organizations and conferences, and soliciting and training volunteers.
Educates and trains other Parks and Recreation Department staff in the area of disability awareness, inclusion, and P&R-specific Americans with Disabilities issues.
Assists staff in planning, organizing, conducting, and evaluating programs and special events.
Assists in screening and selecting part-time employees.
Prepares monthly activity reports.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:
Knowledge of the principles, techniques, and materials associated with a therapeutic recreation program.
Knowledge of the role of therapeutic recreation in various delivery models, such as schools, training centers, hospitals, and others.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of recreation administration.
of the rules and equipment, including adaptive/assistive devices, requirements for a variety of sports and games as adapted for special populations.
Knowledge of CPR and first-aid practices.
Knowledge of town and department policies and procedures.
Knowledge and demonstrated ability in developing and managing budgets.
Knowledge and demonstrated ability in developing programs for populations with various disabilities.
Skill in operating standard office equipment.
Skill in public relations.
Skill in oral and written communication.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Recreation Supervisor – Program/Marketing assigns work in terms of general instructions. Completed work is spot-checked for the nature and propriety of the final results.
GUIDELINES: Guidelines include relevant town ordinances, state and federal laws, established program goals and objectives, and town and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY: The work consists of related planning and administrative duties. The broad range of programs necessary to address the special needs of participants contributes to the complexity of the work.
SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to develop and coordinate leisure programs for the community's special-needs population. Successful performance contributes to the quality of life for persons with disabilities and their families.
PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with program participants and their families, co-workers, representatives of groups and agencies serving special populations, teachers, and the general public.
PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, provide services, motivate persons, and negotiate or settle matters.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors. The employee is exposed to noise and occasional inclement weather.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: All inclusion and other programming staff for individuals with disabilities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelors of science or arts in therapeutic recreation or a related field.
Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with one to three years experience or service in a community based therapeutic recreation setting.
Two years of full time experience planning and coordinating recreation programs for individuals with disabilities. Must have experience in recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating seasonal employees and volunteers.
CTRS with the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification or be eligible to sit for the CTRS exam.
Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.