SUMMER PROGRAM INCLUSION ASSISTANT

Are you looking for a fun and rewarding summer job where you can make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities? Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NASR) is seeking enthusiastic and highly motivated applicants for the part-time position of Summer Program Inclusion Assistant. This position works in the months of June, July, and August of 2025. The hours vary based on the park district, with program times typically ranging from half day or full day camp hours between the hours of 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. This position provides additional support for children with disabilities in summer programs, sports, camps or activities within these member Park Districts:

Des Plaines Park Ridge Skokie Golf-Maine Niles Lincolnwood Morton Grove

In exchange for a fulfilling and fun work environment, M-NASR is offering flexible hours and a starting wage of $16.00 - $16.50/hour. depending on qualifications. This position provides resume-building opportunities for education, recreation, or medical fields and meaningful part-time work for retirees! As a Summer Program Inclusion Assistant, you will strengthen your skills in patience, empathy, inclusive environments, and disability understanding and awareness.

Essential Job Functions Include:

• Provide assistance for participants in member Park District summer camp programs and activities
• Provide and plan individualized activities for individuals with disabilities, if they are unable to accomplish provided activities by member Park District
• Ability and desire to work with individuals with disabilities in a Therapeutic Recreation environment
• Interact with and work as a team-player with participant and family, peers, volunteers and staff in programs
• Act as a liaison with participant’s family and Inclusion Manager

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Must be 16 yrs and older
• Possess a knowledge of the strengths and concerns of people with developmental, mental, physical, and sensory disabilities as relevant to recreation setting
• Must be highly motivated and enthusiastic to provide quality experiences for participants
• Must pass a criminal background check by the state of Illinois

M-NASR is an Equal Opportunity Employer




 

JOB DESCRIPTION

PROGRAM INCLUSION ASSISTANT (rev. 7.2023)

Accountability: Inclusion Manager

FLSA Status: Part-time, non-exempt

Summary:

The Program Inclusion Assistant is responsible for working with individuals with varied ages and disabilities in recreational programs throughout Skokie, Morton Grove, Niles, Park Ridge, Golf-Maine, and Des Plaines Park Districts, as well as the Village of Lincolnwood Recreation Department. The position includes support of participants, recognizing the need for adaptive equipment, adapting rules, adapting the environment or identifying adaptive methodologies.

Qualifications: The Program Inclusion Assistant must be at least 16 years of age or older. A basic knowledge and understanding of recreation programming is desired. An individual who is highly motivated and enthusiastic is preferred in order to provide a quality experience for those participating in the program.

Essential Functions (including, but not limited to):

1. Responsible for maintaining assistance for assigned participant(s).

2. Staff is required to maintain responsibility for their assigned individual(s) unless otherwise directed and confirmed by M-NASR full-time staff and the park district supervisor.

3. Develop a positive and professional relationship with included individual(s) and attend to their physical needs when necessary.

4. Modify and adapt activities for included individual(s) with disabilities, if they are unable to accomplish provided activities by Member Park District.

5. Ability and desire to work with individuals with disabilities in a Therapeutic Recreation environment.

6. Take initiative to interact with and work as a team-player with participant(s) and family, peers, volunteers, and park district staff in program.

7. Knowledge of the strengths and concerns of people with developmental, mental, physical, and sensory disabilities as relevant to recreation setting.

8. Act as a liaison with participant’s family and Inclusion Manager.

9. Supervision of individuals with disabilities, including implementing behavior management plans and if certified, Handle with Care.

10. Attend mandatory orientations

11. Any other assigned duties needed to help support our Vision and fulfill our Mission.

Marginal Functions:

1. To maintain the program facilities in a neat and orderly manner.

2. Review and complete feedback forms, documentation, and other materials as needed, in a timely manner.

3. Maintain own schedule and submit electronic timesheets in a timely manner, as guided by the annual payroll schedule

Safety Considerations:

1. Staff will comply with all M-NASR Safety Policies and Procedures and carry out all tasks in a safe manner.

2. Attendance at various safety in-service training will be required.

Psychological Considerations:

1. Must be able to respond to the needs of individuals with disabilities.

2. Must be able to work under stressful conditions.

3. Must be able to maintain a professional attitude with other staff, with participant family members, and with individuals in the community.

Physiological Considerations:

1. Must be able to lift and transfer participants or equipment safely.

Cognitive Considerations:

1. Must be able to demonstrate good safety awareness and judgment.

2. Must be able to follow directions, policies, and procedures.

3. Must be able to communicate effectively.

Environmental Considerations:

1. May be exposed to hazardous vegetation (i.e. poison ivy, etc.) during activities.

2. May be exposed to extreme weather conditions (i.e. rain, snow, heat, etc.)

Essential Physical Capabilities:

1. Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, bending, stooping, walking, and running.

2. Ability to closely supervise individuals with disabilities.

3. Lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying items weighing 20-50 pounds with mechanical 

    assistance or team lift.

Pre-placement Examination:

1. Only required if you are placed in a DCFS Licensed Child Care Facility.