Inclusion Counselor - ASPIRE

Please note: This job opening may close earlier than the stated date, due to high candidate volume. If interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Who We Are:

At the City of High Point, we celebrate the creator in everyone. Building on our rich cultural history steeped in industrialism and innovation, our employees seek not only to transform themselves, but the world around us. We are collaborators, we are makers, we are visionaries.

The High Point Parks & Recreation Department enhances quality of life by providing innovative programs, parks and facilities for present and future generations. We offer 41 parks, two golf courses, five recreation centers, an environmental education center, tennis and pickleballs courts, a campground, marinas, playgrounds, ballfields, greenways and natural trails and more. Our vision is to enhance the City by providing recreation programming and community events that promote strong bonds, improve health and wellness and celebrate the City’s history and character. We are committed to providing opportunities for all age and abilities.

We invite you to explore the many opportunities to serve our community, by sharing your talents, skills, and expertise. You'll join a diverse team of over 1,300 individuals dedicated not just to making a career, but a difference; because what we create in High Point, changes the world!

Our Core Values:

Integrity : Saying what we mean and consistently doing what we say with no desire other than the good of the citizens we serve. It means standing up for beliefs.

Responsibility : A continual process that emphasizes a high level of personal accountability by each member of the organization.

Partnership : Adding competitive value and quality to the services provided to our residents, businesses, and visitors through responsible fiscal stewardship, increased innovation, greater use of technology, and expanded civic, neighborhood and regional partnerships.

• What We Offer:
• The City of High Point offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. We also offer generous benefit package for full-time employees which include but are not limited to:

A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service

401K and 457B Retirement Plans

PTO earned within first year

12 Paid Holidays per year

Tuition Reimbursement Plan

Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective day one

What You'll Do:

Starting pay for this position is $16.45 per hour.

Who We Are:

• At the City of High Point, we celebrate the creator in everyone. Building on our rich cultural history steeped in industrialism and innovation, our employees seek not only to transform themselves, but the world around us. We are collaborators, we are makers, we are visionaries.
• The High Point Parks & Recreation Department enhances quality of life by providing innovative programs, parks and facilities for present and future generations. We offer 41 parks, two golf courses, five recreation centers, an environmental education center, tennis and pickleballs courts, a campground, marinas, playgrounds, ballfields, greenways and natural trails and more. Our vision is to enhance the City by providing recreation programming and community events that promote strong bonds, improve health and wellness and celebrate the City’s history and character. We are committed to providing opportunities for all ages and abilities.
• We invite you to explore the many opportunities to serve our community, by sharing your talents, skills, and expertise. You’ll be joining a nationally accredited Parks & Recreation department, as well as a dynamic team of over 1,300 individuals dedicated not just to making a career, but a difference; because what we create in High Point, changes the world!
• Our Core Values:
• •Integrity: Saying what we mean and consistently doing what we say with no desire other than the good of the citizens we serve. It means standing up for beliefs.
• •Responsibility: A continual process that emphasizes a high level of personal accountability by each member of the organization.
• •Partnership: Adding competitive value and quality to the services provided to our residents, businesses, and visitors through responsible fiscal stewardship, increased innovation, greater use of technology, and expanded civic, neighborhood and regional partnerships.

• Your Purpose:
• Provides direct leadership and inclusive support in recreational programs for youth, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Primarily focused on accommodating youth with support needs in Recreation Center’s after school and summer camp programs; does related work as required. Work is performed under regular supervision of ASPIRE Program Supervisor.

Essential Tasks & Responsibilities:

What You’ll Do:

• •Ensure the safety and well-being of participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages during recreation programs and activities.
• •Support participants in fully engaging in after-school programs, summer camps and other recreation activities alongside their peers.
• •Lead small-group activities and provide behavioral support to promote successful participation.
• •Observe participants and collaborate with recreation center staff to implement inclusive practices and appropriate accommodations.
• •Assist recreation staff in adapting programs, activities and equipment to meet participants' individual needs.
• •Develop, implement and evaluate individualized recreation plans based on participant goals and support needs.
• •Monitor participant progress and complete required documentation regarding goals, behavior and staff support needs.
• •Communicate effectively with parents or caregivers, supervisors and recreation center staff regarding participant progress, needs and goals.
• •Promote positive behavior and implement appropriate behavior management strategies.
• •Provide a high level of customer service to participants, families and the public.
• •Assist with other recreation programs, special events and department activities as assigned.
• •Operate City vehicles, including passenger vans, as required for program activities and transportation.
• •Educate and enforce department policies, facility rules and safety regulations.
• •Prepare, organize and maintain adaptive equipment, supplies and program materials.
• •Maintain a clean, safe and organized program environment before, during and after activities.
• •Perform all duties in accordance with department policies and procedures, OSHA regulations, and City safety standards.

What You'll Bring:

We recognize your time is valuable, please ensure you meet the required qualifications below prior to applying:

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• •Formal Education
• •Graduated from High School or GED;

• •2+ years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• •Previous work experience in recreation and parks setting, education system, or direct client care support

Valid Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications:

• •College degree in Recreational Therapy and/or closely related field
• •Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Qualifications:

Physical Requirements

Light to Medium Work: Exerting negligible amount of force to move supplies, equipment, and objects. Physical demand requirements usually require walking, standing, stooping, bending, stretching, lifting, pushing, pulling, jumping, running, climbing, kneeling, and sitting, sometimes on the ground or floor. There is significant use of arms, hands, legs and feet.

Physical Demand Level Lifting Requirement

Sedentary Up to 10 lbs. occasionally

Light Up to 20 lbs. occasionally; up to 10 lbs. frequently

Medium 20–50 lbs. occasionally; 10–25 lbs. frequently

Reaching, Handling, and Fingering: (Reaching - Extending the hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction, but normally to the front or side). (Handling - Seizing, holding, grasping, turning,