Description

Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) is the city of Madison, Wisconsin’s public recreation provider.  MSCR offers a wide variety of athletic, recreational, arts and enrichment activities and classes for all ages in an accessible, inclusive setting. Programs include swimming instruction, MSCR on the Move, arts & enrichment classes, youth summer camps, sports camps & clinics, adult & 50+ fitness, adult sport leagues including pickleball, softball and tennis, and a wide variety of outdoor pursuits including paddling sports, pontoon trips, camping, orienteering and challenge courses. 

As a department of the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), MSCR also provides afterschool enrichment activities, clubs and sports as well as summer programming in Madison elementary, middle and high schools, Allied Learning Center and Meadowood Neighborhood Center.  Afterschool clubs and sports include: arts & enrichment, homework/academic clubs, drama, dance, skiing, soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country and much more!

Purpose of Position: 

The purpose of this position is to provide program support and coordinate reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in programs offered through Madison School & Community Recreation. 

Inclusion Services ensures equitable access to MSCR recreation programs for all community members. MSCR provides reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) through professional guidance, training and direct support to teams across the MSCR department. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

The Recreation Specialist for Inclusion Services supervises seasonal MSCR employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Program Support and Participant Accommodation

• Conduct assessments to determine reasonable accommodations for participants in a variety of programs, including school-based childcare, enrichment programs, and community recreation programs for all ages.
• Develop and implement individualized inclusion plans, providing specialized training and support to program staff on behavioral strategies and activity modifications.
• Coordinate reasonable accommodations for participants including but not limited to accessible transportation, sign language interpreter, inclusion staff, and procuring necessary adaptive equipment and supplies.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for inclusion staff, families, and program directors.
• Provide ongoing support and communication regarding participant needs and inclusion plan implementation and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.

Training and Professional Development

• Develop and lead ongoing training for both full-time and part-time staff on topics such as disability awareness, communication best practices, and accommodation procedures.
• Provide expert consultation and professional development services regarding ADA standards and industry best practices to the entire department. 

Collaboration and Leadership

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and coach inclusion staff, fostering a supportive and effective team environment.
• Collaborate with various internal and external stakeholders, including program personnel, school staff, community organizations, and the public to ensure the successful integration of participants.
• Attend team meetings for assigned program areas to understand program structures and plans, ensuring inclusion needs are effectively addressed. 
   

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Demonstrated ability to establish relationships at all levels of the organization
• Follow principles and practices that promote and advance anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Maintain a thorough understanding of ADA standards and industry best practices
• Strong organizational skills, detail oriented
• Knowledge of legal obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act in providing services
• Effective problem solving and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to handle emergency and/or crisis situations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with Google workspace, Microsoft Word, and Excel

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Social Work, or closely related field
• Experience serving individuals with disabilities, supervising staff and/or volunteers, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Experience working with racially and culturally diverse participants, staff, parents, school staff and with the community 

Preferred Qualifications 

• First Aid and/or CPR & AED certification or willingness to obtain within 6 months of employment
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention certification through CPI or willingness to obtain within 6 months of employment
• Bi-lingual in Spanish 

License Requirements: 

Not Required - Professional certifications through either national accreditation with the National Therapeutic Recreation Association per their standards, or through National Recreation and Parks Association standards.