Recreation Leader/Mentor

About the Position:

The primary function of this position is to support teens and adults with developmental disabilities in community-based recreation programs so that participants may have the opportunity to achieve greater independence, experience personal growth, have fun, improve their health, and build friendships while maintaining a fun, inclusive and safe environment. This is a direct-service position that supports folks in engaging in a wide range of recreational activities. Shifts range from group programs to individual services.

Reports To: Program Manager

Expected Hours: Schedule is flexible and contingent upon availability; ideally averaging around 25-35 hours per week with room for growth as desired. There is a minimum of 25 hours per week. Program shifts run Monday through Saturday; a schedule will be determined collaboratively upon hire. The ideal candidate will be able to work some Saturdays and attend staff meetings held bi-monthly on Wednesdays.

Compensation: This is an entry level position with a pay scale of $18.68-21.66 per hour. New hires typically start at the bottom of the range and are eligible for annual pay and cost of living increases. Paid time off is provided per Max Higbee Center’s PTO Policy, and health insurance is offered to full-time staff. Our positive, supportive workplace includes flexible scheduling, paid professional development time and training, a commitment to accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a fun work environment focused on recreation in all its forms!

Essential Job Functions include, but are not limited to:

• Create and help maintain a welcoming, inclusive, safe, and respectful environment
• Comply with and follow all Max Higbee Center policies and procedures to ensure member safety and organizational compliance with all legal requirements
• Help prepare and lead in-house activities and community outings while ensuring overall group safety and accommodating varying abilities and needs
• Assist with organizing and cleaning the facility
• Research program activities and assist in creation of monthly calendars
• Support and encourage members in participating in planned activities while also respecting their freedom of choice
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with all members, caregivers, family members and staff
• Facilitate activities and interactions with and between members during unstructured program time
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, payments, etc.
• Attend bi-monthly staff meetings
• Demonstrate and maintain appropriate boundaries with members and support members in creating appropriate personal boundaries and relationships both at programs and in the community
• Follow and enforce member support plans
• Write staff notes and incident reports as needed
• Make transportation plans for scheduled activities

Required Qualifications:

• Must be able to carry a heavy (10 lb+) backpack during your shift and cover up to 5 miles in a shift
• Must be able to provide mobility assists to support members on outings, including people who use wheelchairs and walkers or are blind/vision impaired 
• Must be able to pass an annual background check
• Must show or obtain CPR and First Aid certification within three months of hire
• Must be able to work in-person at our Bellingham, WA location
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Self-directed and self-motivated, including the ability to take initiative
• Strong time management skills, including being punctual and reliable
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of staff, volunteers, and participants
• Willingness to grow with feedback, professional development opportunities, and constructive criticism 
• Ability to multitask and work in a dynamic, person-centered recreation environment

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with people with developmental disabilities
• Proficient with basic computer navigation, including applications such as GSuite  

Accommodation

If you are applying for a job or internship at Max Higbee Center and have a disability and need accommodation for the application process or job duties, please contact the MHC Program Director at (360) 398-6669.

Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity

Max Higbee Center does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, genetic information, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. All Inquiries regarding compliance with access, equal opportunity and/or grievance procedures should be directed to the Program Director at (360) 398-6669.

To Apply: 

Submit the following materials to admin@maxhigbeecenter.org  

• Statement of interest or brief cover letter indicating your qualifications and experience
• Resume 
• References (at least 2 professional references)

Applications will be reviewed and interviews held on an ongoing basis until filled.