Principal Therapeutic/Inclusion Specialist (12913, Grade 26)

Salary: $68,912.00 - $122,285.00 Annually
Location : Hyattsville, MD
Job Type: Career
Job Number: R03744
Department: PGC Parks and Recreation
Division: Special Program Division
Opening Date: 03/21/2025
Closing Date: 4/20/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Description

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George's County seeks a Principal Therapeutic/Inclusion Specialist to work for the Northern Area Operations Division.

The Principal Therapeutic/Inclusion Specialistprovides modifications and supports in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) following the APIE process (assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation) and provides or arranges for the provision of supports to facilitate participation in inclusive program settings (recreation classes, before/after school childcare, camps, and/or special events).

Examples of Important Duties

Designs, implements, and evaluates disability modifications and support services, provides on-going support to program participants, families and staff through regular program visits, conversations, personal contacts, and correspondence.

Highly experienced and regarded as an expert in the disability field. Responsible and able to perform all aspects of an assigned service area including analyzing situations, conducting onsite observations, applying appropriate standards, and ability to supervise full-time (career staff) and intermittent seasonal employees, and volunteers. Recruits, interviews, selects, background checks, hires, and trains Inclusion Support staff.

Manages service area records. Maintains records, of expenditures, inventory of supplies and equipment, personnel forms, registrations, and program participants information (i.e., confidential health, assessment, and disability documentation).

Writes periodic administrative reports. Develops goals and objectives for programs and services. Acts as a liaison and/or resource with other area personnel within the department on a regular basis. Reviews Commission policies and procedures and serves on committees to ensure that Commission facilities and programs provides equal access and enjoyment for people with disabilities.

Observes, develops, and implements behavior management plans where applicable. Provides appropriate documentation, any policy modifications, and supports provided. Works with facility staff, group leaders, support staff, and families to evaluate the progress of participants with disabilities. Also includes full responsibility for program administration by defining goals and objectives and setting standards.

Plans, schedules, and assigns staff work. Evaluates performance and coaches employees as needed regarding performance. Recommends disciplinary action, writes supervisory notes, and maintains records of communications. Approves timecards and leave requests.

Publicizes programs. Writes articles, newsletters, flyers, news releases, and ads to publicize programs and services. Represents M-NCPPC at professional conferences. Makes presentations. Sends promotional materials to news media and maintains mailing lists of individuals and groups interested in special recreation programs. Meets with citizens, community groups, Board of Education staff, advocacy groups, and professional organizations to identify needs, plan programs, solve problems, and answer questions about Therapeutic Recreation. Handles inquiries and complaints from the public.

Prepares and maintains records of budget, and monitors revenues, and expenditures. Controls expenditures in accordance with the approved budget. Provides information for reports to include the annual reports. Prepares purchase requests, check requests, and initiates contracts. supplies and equipment, timecards, personnel forms, registrations, and program participants. Writes periodic administrative reports.

Coordinates internally. Assists in developing goals and objectives for programs. Acts as a liaison and/or internal resource with other area personnel within the department regularly. Reviews Commission policies and procedures and serves on committees to ensure that Commission facilities and programs provide equal access and enjoyment for individuals with disabilities.

Provides internal and external customer service. Includes case coordination with cooperating agencies/facilities. Initiates formal agreements with other agencies and stakeholders. Refers participants to outside services (i.e., employment, educational, medical, etc.). Meets with citizens, community groups, schools, and other governmental agencies to identify needs, plan programs, and answer questions about programs and services. Investigates complaints.

Important Worker Characteristics

A. Considerable knowledge of: (1) Therapeutic Recreation; (2) disabilities; (3) legislation and regulations affecting individuals with disabilities i.e., American with Disabilities Act (ADA); (4) aquatics, recreation, and leisure programming (5) behavior management; (6) assessment tools; (7) conflict resolution; (8) disability advocacy organizations.

B. Ability to: (1) Read and write technical and complex reports and correspondence; (2) make effective presentations to large groups; (3) communicate effectively and have strong analytical skills; (4) possess an attitude of enthusiasm and commitment in providing recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities; (5) respond to crisis intervention situations; (6) establish and maintain good working relationships with the public, other agencies, and coworkers.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy or any related field.

Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in therapeutic recreation or closely related experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.

A valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's licenses must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of the position.

Obtain and maintain all applicable certifications.

Pass Commission medical examination.

Certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist is preferred.

Supplemental Information

Class Specification: Principal Therapeutic/Inclusion Specialist -2027

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT:
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.
Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1) M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.
THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION

2025 BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR MERIT SYSTEM EMPLOYEES

The following benefit summary is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor should be construed as an employment agreement with the M-NCPPC, implied or actual. It is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. Benefits listed are extended to all Merit System employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). All plans are optional except the Defined Benefit and Long-Term Disability plans.

Eligibility
You have 45 days from your hire date to elect your benefits. Your coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment forms and required documentation.

Retirement Programs

• Defined Benefit Plan (Mandatory Participation) - Plan E excludes FOP members.

PlanEmployee ContributionPlan C9.5%* of base salary (FOP members only)Plan E4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB.

• Deferred Compensation ICMA-RC 457 plan (Optional)
• Traditional and Roth IRAs (Optional)

Health Insurance Plans (FOP Members Pay 23% for Medical, Prescription and Dental and same as all other employees for Vision.) All other employees pay percentage below.

• Medical
  • Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) with Prescription Plan - (15%)
  • UnitedHealthcare Select Exclusive Provider Organization Health Plan (EPO) - (20%)
  • UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Point of Service (POS) - (20%)
• Prescription - CVS Caremark - (15%)
• Dental - Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA HMO - (20%)
• Vision - EyeMed - (80% of Low Option plan paid by Commission. Any balance paid by employee.)
  • Low, moderate, and high options are available. Frequency of covered services differs.

Flexible Spending Accounts (Employee Pays 100%)

• Medical Account - Maximum annual contribution: $3,200
• Dependent Care Account - Maximum annual contribution: $5,000

Long-Term Disability Insurance (Mandatory Participation)

• Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80% (FOP Members Pay 100%)
• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary, maximum of $6,000/month

Supplemental Long-Term Disability Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary that exceeds $108,000; capped at $216,000

Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80%)

• Two (2) times base salary; maximum benefit is $200,000 for each
• Automatic coverage with opt-out provision

Supplemental and Spouse/Dependent Life Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• Supplemental - 1,2,3,4, or 5 times base salary; maximum benefit is $750,000
• Spouse/Dependent Combination - $10,000/$5,000, $20,000/$10,000, or $30,000/$15,000

Sick Leave Bank (Contribution and Benefit hours prorated for part-time employees)

• Employees have 60 days from date of hire to enroll.
• Employee contributes 8 leave hours each year
• Annually covers up to 688 hours for own serious medical condition, and 480 hours for parental responsibilities (birthadoption or foster care), and 80-160 hours for serious medical condition of an immediate family member

Leave Programs

• Annual: 15 days per year
• Personal: 3 days per year (12-month waiting period)
• Sick: 15 days per year
• Holidays: 11 days per year

Other Benefits

• Credit Union
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Legal Services Plan
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Work-Life Program

For a more detailed description of benefits, please contact the Commission's Health and Benefits Office at or 301-454-1694.