Job Purpose:

Our Recreation Program Assistants (RPA) work with highly experienced staff in a team atmosphere to facilitate recreation programs and support participants. RCA’s will follow evidence-based practices for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (“ASD”) and intellectual disabilities to assist participants and support staff in carrying out the goals of the program.

Responsibilities:
• Assist with supervision and coaching of program participants
• Assist participants during activities using verbal instruction, demonstration, modeling, and hand over hand assistance
• Assist participants with activities of daily living including meals, snacks, and personal care
• Actively participate in all indoor and outdoor recreation, sports, and fitness activities
• Maintain knowledge of program participants medical, physical, communication and behavioral needs
• Assist with drop off and pick up of program participants
• Follow organizational and program safety procedures; report all safety concerns to the program supervisor
• Provide supervisor with feedback about activities
• Assist with the setup/tear down/clean-up of physical spaces including, classrooms, activity rooms, storage room, conference room, pavilion, golf course, tennis court, courtyard, and sensory garden.

Qualifications:
• HS diploma or GED
• 1 year of experience in a paid position working with children, youth and/or adults with autism or developmental disabilities.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR certification or ability to obtain

Work Hours:
The Rec program runs Monday-Friday 1-5 PM (20 hours per week) except for a one-week spring break and a one-month summer camp. During these times, the successful applicant can expect to work 36-40 hours per week. In addition, occasional special event days or professional development days will require more scheduling of more than 4 hours per day.

Work Environment:
Activities take place indoors and outside at the Els Center of Excellence
Successful candidates need to be able to participate in a variety of physical activities including but not limited to fitness, walking, swimming, golf, tennis, kickball and soccer. Position supports programs that take place at The Els Center of Excellence and in community-based settings.
Els for Autism is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, where diversity is valued and all individuals, regardless of background, identity or ability, are respected and provided equal opportunities for success. To learn more, visit www.elsforautism.org

Job Purpose:

The Recreation Services Coordinator supports the coordination and oversight of sports and recreation ensuring that recreation programs, both on and off campus, are well-structured, accessible, and aligned with the Foundation’s mission to enhance the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and those with related developmental disabilities.

In collaboration with the Recreation Services Manager, the Recreation Coordinator will lead the expansion, scaling, and oversight of the Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Sports Official Program Provider (OPP) program to ensure global dissemination of Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports, including golf, tennis, fitness, aquatics, and future programs.

The Recreation Services Coordinator will also identify and secure new providers across multiple sports while developing and managing communication, onboarding, and training experiences for new and interested OPPs.

Key Responsibilities

Recreation Coordination:

• Support the Recreation Services Manager in the coordination and oversight of all sports, recreation, and Reach and Teach Through the Arts programs on and off campus.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality, accessibility, and impact of all programs.
• Collaborate with the Recreation Services Manager to coordinate and help oversee the registration, preparation and planning phase of Movin’ and Groovin’ spring break, summer, and special event single-day camp sessions, as well as all afternoon recreational programs.
• Assist in onboarding, training, and ongoing support of recreation staff and instructors.
• Track and respond to program inquiries, applications, and approvals using project management software, email, video conferencing, and phone.
• Maintain accurate records of program schedules, staff assignments, and participant engagement.
• Responsible for managing the full cycle of Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports assessments including scheduling, distributing, collecting, logging, and analyzing results to track athlete progress and improve the program
• Submit monthly reports, conduct bi-annual survey analysis, and compile metrics to support strategic planning and program growth for recreation services.
• Provide direct recreation services to clients throughout the year.

Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports (Golf, Fitness, Tennis, and Aquatics) Official Program Provider (OPP):

• Lead the development, expansion, and implementation of the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports Official Program Providers (OPP) program, transforming it into a sustainable paid service including oversight of new curricular development and tiered memberships both individually and collaboratively with the Marketing team.
• Manage the OPP portal, engagement of providers, and build a professional network to promote program growth and best practices across the community through quarterly or biannual virtual meetings.
• Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and training for current and new OPPs, including creating and implementing in-person and online training proposals while maintaining strong networking relationships with prospective and active OPPs.
  • Lead the onboarding and training for current and new OPPs, including creating and implementing in-person and online training proposals.
  • Conduct onsite and online training for the Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Golf Clinic and Program.
  • Coordinate instructor training, documentation management, and weekly partner communications.
  • Coordinate Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Golf Clinics at Els for Autism Golf Challenge in collaboration with the Events team and exhibition events across the United States, including identifying and engaging autism and golf partners.
• Monitor national and international Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Sports Official Program Provider sites to ensure each OPP is implementing the programs with integrity and fidelity.
• Assist in research and evaluation efforts to assess program effectiveness and impact.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Sports Management)
• Background in coaching sports or therapeutic recreation – Golf, tennis, fitness, and/or aquatics background
• Experience in business development and sales, with a strong ability to cultivate client relationships and support organizational growth
• Advanced understanding of behavioral principles and instructional strategies for individuals on the autism spectrum and with related developmental disabilities
• Advanced knowledge of typical development
• Experience working with a variety of age groups from birth to adulthood
• Experience working collaboratively with related professionals and providers
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, families, community members, and staff
• Excellent time-management skills
• Adherence to high professional and ethical standards (in accordance with BCBA standards)
• Demonstrates excellent rapport with children and participants of diverse abilities
• Excellent computer skills, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Preferred:

• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification or ABA coursework
• Bilingual proficiency
• CPR/Basic Life Savings Training
• Professional Crisis Management Certification

Work Environment:

• Required to sit, kneel, stand, or bend in support of clients’ needs
• Must be able to assume and maintain a variety of postures for extended periods
• Must be able to lift and carry clients up to 50 pounds
• Work is normally performed on campus in classrooms and vocational labs, as well as community-based locations
• Responsible for transporting clients as needed using a company van

Els for Autism is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Els for Autism is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, where diversity is valued and all individuals, regardless of background, identity, or ability, are respected and provided equal opportunities for success. To learn more, please visit elsforautism.org.