Adaptive Recreation and Programming Intern

Distinguishing Features of the Class:

Are you entering the fields of occupational therapy, recreational therapy, special education, or related fields? Do you want to be part of an exciting reopening of a fully accessible ADA park in the Des Moines metro? Then this internship may be for you. 

Under the direction of a specified Unit Manager, assists in performing duties as assigned in accordance with the student’s educational program and the needs of the unit to which the student is assigned; and to perform related duties as assigned. Assists in varied assignments such as technical/professional work, research, analysis, and other duties as assigned.

Illustrative Examples of Work

1. Performs routine work pertinent to the subject area to which assigned such as administration, natural resources, environmental education, community outreach, parks advocacy, parks planning, construction and maintenance, equestrian, and leisure services.
2. Under the direction of the Program and Outreach Coordinator, intern will assist with the following operational and programming components at the Athene North Shore Recreation Area:

• Administration- data entry; meeting attendance and documentation; correspondence development; operating office equipment and computer software.
• Environmental Education- development and implementation of public education programs for all ages; field trip assistance; special event assistance.
• Community Outreach- content creation for websites, social media, and print materials; digital asset management; special event assistance.
• Leisure Services- day to day contact with venue/event participants; event planning and execution; marketing and communications; hospitality.

3. Performs related duties as assigned.

• Assists seasonal staff with delivery of rental and concession services as needed, including maintenance of equipment, facilitation of transfers, and ensuring optimal fit and use of adaptive outdoor recreation equipment.
• Fosters partnerships and assists with programming with community agencies that serve Veterans and persons with disabilities.
• Maintains records and prepares reports related to equipment usage, persons served, programming outcomes, etc. as needed.
• Contributes to the creation and delivery of oral and print presentations and community outreach efforts to local, regional, and national audiences.
• Maintains all quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of the concepts of the field to which the internship applies.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to apply knowledge gained through formal education to situations encountered in the work setting.
• Ability to operate adaptive outdoor recreation equipment, computer/software, office equipment, etc. as needed.
• Previous experience working with persons with disabilities, adaptive outdoor recreation, and/or outdoor education.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

Training and Experience:

Enrollment at a post-secondary school in coursework relevant to the duties of the unit to which assigned. ·        Preferred educational experience in the field of occupational therapy, recreational therapy, special education, or related field.

Special Requirements:

• Candidate must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and physical capacity testing (dependent on assigned unit) to ensure the candidate meets the essential physical requirement of the position.
• A drug screen is required.
• A criminal background check is required.
• A valid Driver’s License is required.
• CPR/First Aid certification is required prior to the start date.