Therapeutic Recreation Intern

Job Description

About the Company

St. David’s Center is an agency committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals are seen, heard, supported, and encouraged to be their authentic selves. The organization prioritizes diversity, employee wellness, professional development, and the overall well-being of its clients. It achieves these goals through supportive and collaborative team environments, flexible work schedules, and mission-inspired work. St. David’s Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. New employees are required to provide proof of being fully vaccinated or have an approved exemption.

Job Description: Therapeutic Recreation Intern

This is an unpaid, seasonal internship ranging from 14-16 consecutive weeks, requiring 40 hours per week. The internship is sourced from a job board.

Program Summary:
The Therapeutic Recreation Intern assists in all aspects of TR Programming under the supervision of a Nationally Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). The role involves providing program leadership and development in alignment with the department’s mission, vision, and strategic plan. Interns help create a safe, structured environment that fosters friendships, encourages physical and social activity, promotes community involvement, and embraces health and wellness. Key duties include assisting with activity calendar planning and implementation, managing participant caseloads with accurate documentation, and collaborating with partnerships, families/caregivers, community advocates, and St. David’s Center peers to ensure optimal participant care. The intern is supervised by the Therapeutic Recreation Program Coordinator. Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be requested.

Position Overview:
The internship focuses on enhancing the physical, cognitive, social, and affective development of individuals through personalized Therapeutic Recreation goals. Interns are a critical part of the team and are actively involved in all programming. They work alongside Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) to learn, support, and eventually plan and facilitate therapeutic interventions targeting social and emotional development. Interns gain experience in creating individualized goals and plans of care. They also contribute to refining program procedures and administrative duties to enhance service quality for clients, families, and staff.

Responsibilities Include:

• Assisting with the planning, coordinating, and implementing activities for various programs such as After School, Release Days, Adventure Night Out, Summer Adventure, Venture Forward, and Destination…Anywhere!
• Collaborating with families, school staff, and community partners to ensure programming meets unique participant needs and to secure program support (space, facility use, hours).
• Assisting with monitoring and reviewing client plans of care to ensure they are current and accurate.
• Seeking opportunities for leadership, collaborative teamwork, and innovative ideas, including refining program procedures and administrative duties.
• Providing for the care and monitoring the safety of participants, ensuring their individual rights are maintained.
• Integrating participants into group social settings and assisting with community involvement by actively participating in all activities with them.
• Encouraging and motivating participation in group settings and the community, promoting developmentally appropriate activities, positive behaviors, and peer interactions.
• Ensuring participant safety in the community, along with active communication and emotional regulation.

Schedule:

• 40 Hours/Week
• Seasonal Internship (14-16 consecutive weeks)
• Specific hours by season:
• Fall (Sept-Dec): Monday-Friday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Spring (Jan-Apr): Monday-Friday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Summer (May-Aug): Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
• Weekend hours: 1-2 weekends during Fall and Spring internships; None during Summer.
• Preferred Application Windows:
• Fall: April & May
• Spring: September & October
• Summer: February & March
• Applications are accepted at any time, but openings outside preferred windows are not guaranteed.

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• 2 Letters of Recommendation (required upon interview)

Pay:
This is an unpaid internship.

Internship Qualifications:

Required:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and an acceptable driving record.
• Currently enrolled in a university earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation, or other related fields (Psychology, social sciences, education, health care, and/or human services).
• *Note:• If other majors can use paid-support staff positions for internship/practicum hours, St. David’s Center can be flexible with additional supervision or evaluations. Interested candidates for paid positions should apply to DSP of Therapeutic Recreation roles.
• Ability to use clear and understandable written and verbal English.
• Ability to monitor the safety and well-being of participants by managing, both verbally and physically, active or behaviorally involved individuals.
• Ability to learn and perform procedures for the care of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal).
• Demonstrates good organizational skills and problem-solving skills.

Preferred:

• First Aid and CPR Certification.
• While no prior experience with people with disabilities is required, a desire to work with people and a willingness to learn are essential. Experience with individuals with disabilities is highly desired.