The posting
Inclusion Recreation Specialist
Location: Danvers, MA, with travel throughout the North Shore region of Massachusetts for community-based programs, events, trips, and activities
Schedule: Monday 10:30am-6:30pm, Wednesday 10:00am-6:30pm, Thursday 11:00am-7:00pm, Friday 11:00am-8:30pm and Saturday 9:00am-3:00pm, includes evenings and weekends as required to support recreation programming, special events, workshops, and community activities
Target Pay: $26-$27.50 /hour
Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on multiple factors, including but not limited to, the individual's experience, education, certifications, and internal equity.
Job Summary
Northeast Arc is seeking an enthusiastic and mission driven Inclusion Recreation Specialist to support the development, implementation, and management of inclusive recreation programs serving individuals with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, and autism. The position plays a key role in creating meaningful opportunities for participants to build connections, develop skills, and engage fully in their communities.
The Inclusion Recreation Specialist will facilitate adaptive sports, recreation, social, educational, arts, culinary, and community based programs while ensuring participant safety, engagement, and inclusion. This role combines hands on program leadership, participant support, staff supervision, program administration, and community outreach to deliver high quality recreation experiences that align with Northeast Arc's mission.
About Northeast Arc Recreation
Northeast Arc's Recreation Department provides year round opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in inclusive community experiences that promote independence, socialization, wellness, and personal growth. Through athletics, arts, social programming, educational workshops, community outings, and special events, Northeast Arc is committed to creating accessible and engaging opportunities for participants of all abilities.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Dick Jauron Director of Sports and Recreation, Recreation Program Director, and Senior Manager of Recreation in delivering athletic, adventure, art, culinary, educational, social, and community-based recreation programs.
- Supervise participants, per diem staff, and volunteers during programs and community outings.
- Develop and implement new recreation programs and special events based on participant interests and community needs.
- Complete participant intakes and assessments to identify appropriate accommodation, behavioral supports, and medical considerations.
- Maintain accurate attendance, program participation, payment, and program documentation records.
- Process and document program payments and financial transactions using department systems including RecDesk.
- Communicate effectively with participants, families, caregivers, support staff, community partners, and external organizations.
- Monitor participant engagement and satisfaction and gather feedback to improve programs and services.
- Participate in departmental meetings and contribute to achieving recreation goals.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Management, Special Education, Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
- Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and/or autism preferred.
- Experience planning, coordinating, or facilitating recreation, leisure, educational, therapeutic, community-based, or youth programs preferred.
- Experience supervising staff, volunteers, interns, or participants is a plus.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Demonstrated passion for recreation, community inclusion, and supporting individuals with disabilities.
- Ability to organize, coordinate, and lead engaging recreation programs and special events.
- CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) or CPRP (Certified Park and Recreation Professional) certification highly preferred.
- Strong understanding of adaptive recreation and inclusive programming techniques.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple programs, schedules, and priorities.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records, reports, attendance logs, and program documentation.
- Experience working effectively with diverse populations and varying support needs.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database systems.
- Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, and Safety Care certifications.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and community-based programming schedules as needed.
Driving Requirements
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
- Ability to travel throughout the North Shore region for recreation programs, events, and community activities.
- Agency Vehicle Safety Certification required.
- Ability to safely transport oneself between program locations, community sites, and Northeast Arc facilities.
Physical Demands
- Must be able to remain mobile and actively engaged throughout recreation programming.
- Ability to stand, walk, and participate in recreational activities for extended periods of time.
- Frequent movement between community locations, program spaces, gyms, pools, and event venues.
- Ability to lift, carry, transport, and set up recreation supplies and equipment as needed.
- Must successfully complete and pass all required background checks as a condition of employment.
Work Environment
- Work is performed in a variety of settings including community recreation facilities, schools, gyms, pools, classrooms, dance studios, outdoor venues, and office environments.
- Evening and weekend work is regularly required to support recreation programming and special events.
- Position involves direct hands on participant engagement and active program facilitation.
Benefits & Perks
At Northeast Arc, we offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that supports your well-being and growth. It is our goal as an employer to provide an enriching and supportive environment for our employees and their families.
With that goal in mind, we are proud to offer:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage (for employees working an average of thirty hours per week)
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, and 12 paid holidays
- Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)
- Group Life Insurance
- Additional voluntary insurance options and discount programs
- 403(b) retirement plan with limited company match
- Employee Assistance Program and Mental Health Hub
- Ongoing professional development opportunities, including trainings, conferences, certifications, and CEUs
- eAcademy online learning platform
- Mileage reimbursement (where applicable)
- Employee discounts and additional workplace perks
About Us
Northeast Arc is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and adults with disabilities live, work, engage in civic life, and participate fully in their communities. Employment at Northeast Arc is more than just a job. We are a mission-driven agency committed to changing lives and discovering abilities. Whether it is the individuals we serve or the employees who support them, we recognize that every person brings unique strengths and valuable contributions.
Northeast Arc is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, medical condition, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Keywords: Inclusion Recreation Specialist, Therapeutic Recreation, Adaptive Recreation, CTRS, CPRP, Recreation Coordinator, Community Inclusion, Disability Services, Special Needs Recreation, Recreation Programs, Human Services, Autism Services, Community-Based Programs, Adaptive Sports, Program Facilitation, Family Services.



