Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator/CW Program Access Manager

The Department is currently seeking a County-Wide Program Access Manager to supervise and lead county-wide work unit to assist with the administration of the Special Programs Division’s disability services unit by planning, scheduling, and assigning work to the Program Access team. Responsible for building a collaborative team to provide Prince George’s County residents and visitors with disabilities with reasonable modifications who are registered for M-NCPPC sponsored programs and events. 

The candidate will report directly to the Disability Services Manager within the Special Programs Division. The ideal candidate performs complex therapeutic recreation work, involving considerable responsibility, difficulty, and variety. Provides the highest level of technical assistance in the areas of therapeutic recreation, program accessibility (Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and supports the delivery of disability modifications within inclusive program settings. 

Manages, plans, develops, administers, and evaluates administrative systems (e.g., budget, accounting, purchasing, and personnel) for disability services. Provides a wide variety of management and direction to subordinate staff in planning, developing, and implementing diverse and comprehensive therapeutic recreation programs and services. This is a highly visible position in the county, requiring close contact with individuals, groups, government officials and agencies for the total management of a highly diversified work program.  

Responsibilities

• Manages and supervises the Program Access work unit currently comprised of six (6) full-time career staff to include three direct reports, Inclusion Coordinators and three indirect reports, Inclusion Specialist. 
• Operations include but are not limited to developing and maintaining the disability services mission, goals, and values, standard operating procedures, strategic plans, policies, and procedures, etc. ensuring a smooth flow of daily operations. 
• Strives to ensure the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other pertinent legislation pertaining to the disability movement are being pursued in work programs.  
• Develops and provides services in response to changes in demographics and needs identified within the disability community. 
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders/customers providing technical assistance in the field of therapeutic recreation, support services and other related disabilities. 
• Researches, develops, submits appropriate technical reports, and conducts presentations to management team, governing boards, elected officials, community groups, etc. as it relates to program access, inclusion, and other disability related topics.  
• Develops advocacy platforms, secures, maintains, nurtures relationships with advocates who support Program Access Office vision and needs.  

Human Resources: 

• Recruiting, hiring, managing, supervising, coaching, mentoring, and evaluating full-time career, part time seasonal, contractual employees guiding their work program to ensure goals and objectives are met.  
• Supervising and supporting the training and education programs developed by the Program Access team. 
• Anticipates problems and advises staff on ways to solve highly technical and time sensitive issues. 

Fiscal Management:

• In cooperation with the Disability Services Manager, prepares and monitors the Program Access Budget (2.3 million dollars). 
• Approves and supervises the procurement of adaptive equipment, materials and supplies for disability modifications for the community and department use. 

Public Relations and Outreach: 

• Meeting with citizens, organizations, community-based groups, businesses, and advocacy groups, building relationships with diverse partners to establish a comprehensive service and program platform for individuals with disabilities.  
• Developing and conducting in-person and virtual presentations at the local, state, regional, and national levels promoting inclusion, access, and equity. 
• Supervising the development of publications, promotional documents, website design and marketing plans developed by the program access team to ensure accessibility.  

Important Skills and Characteristics: 

• Extensive comprehensive knowledge of Therapeutic Recreation, Adaptive Recreation, or related field. 
• Extensive knowledge of disabilities and disability characteristics. 
• Knowledge of legislation and regulations impacting individuals with disabilities (i.e. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 
• Extensive experience in leading and managing members of a team and their work program. 
• Strong project management to include special events. 
• Organize work efficiently and effectively. 
• Considerable skill in complex problems solving to select organize and logically process relevant information, involving many variables. 
• Work with highly sensitive documents and data while ensuring confidentiality. 
• Competency with fiscal management. 
• Excellent communication skills, verbal, and written communication skills. 
• Deliver exceptional customer service skills. 
• Respond immediately and effectively to crisis situations. 
• Ability to think collaboratively cross-divisionally with other work units. 
• Experience with establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with individuals, groups, organizations and/or government agencies to arrange, implement and/or promote activities, programs, and events. 
•  Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and VSI/RecTrac or other recreational and/or Oracle-based registration system. 
•  Knowledge of marketing and outreach strategies and best practices. 
•  Experience in developing innovative solutions to issues to reach communities of diverse backgrounds and needs.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy or any related field.

2. Five (5) years of therapeutic recreation experience which includes two (2) years’ experience at a supervisory level.

3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total nine (9) years.

4. Valid certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).

5. 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.

6. Obtain and maintain all applicable certifications.

7. Pass Commission medical examination.

Preferred Qualification: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Parks and Recreation Management, or related field (i.e., occupational therapist, special education, vocational rehabilitations, social work, etc.)  and six years professional managerial experience in the field including three years’ experience at a supervisory level; or                                   
• Master’s Degree or six years of progressively responsible experience in Public Administration* or related field; and four years professional experience in managerial or supervisory role in community-based leisure and recreation programs for individuals with disabilities; or                                                            
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.                            
• One degree must be in Therapeutic Recreation area. It may be at the Bachelor’s or Master’s level.                                                                 
• A valid driver’s license, or the ability to acquire one and qualify to drive Commission vehicles.                                                                     
• Pass Commission medical examination                                          
• Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) preferred. 

Working Conditions:  

• The candidate will manage county-wide service delivery for Prince George’s County residents and visitors with disabilities who are registered and participating in M-NCPPC classes, programs and sponsored events at any of the facilities and/or special events. Works in office and in the community. Inclusive program opportunities may be held indoors/outdoors. The work program has a diversified schedule of evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays. Considerable pressure to meet deadlines and respond to emergency situations and provide crisis intervention. 

Classification Specification: Therapeutic/Inclusion Supervisor

This position 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 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1) M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.