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Adaptive Recreation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Adaptive Recreation programming utilizes the Denver Parks & Recreation department's expansive network of facilities, parks and amenities to provide a wide variety of adaptive programming and year ...

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Adaptive Recreation Leader

Redmond, WA · On-site

$20.10 - $28.14/hr

The Recreation Leader for Adaptive Programs is an exciting opportunity to support a diverse range of recreation programs and services including sports, fitness, dance, art, and more for Redmond-area ...

Adaptive Aide

Troy, MI · On-site

$14/hr

The Recreation Department offers high quality leisure programs and services that promote healthy and active lifestyles. Our adaptive programming allows individuals and families with special needs the ...

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Adaptive Recreation information

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$10

$17

$23

How much do adaptive recreation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for adaptive recreation in the United States is $17.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is adaptive recreation?

Adaptive recreation refers to leisure, sports, and recreational activities that are modified or specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities. These programs use specialized equipment, techniques, or rules to ensure everyone can participate and enjoy the benefits of recreation. The goal is to promote inclusion, improve physical and emotional well-being, and provide opportunities for socialization and skill development.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in Adaptive Recreation, and how can they effectively address them?

Professionals in Adaptive Recreation often encounter the challenge of adapting activities to accommodate a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities. This requires creativity, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of participants' unique needs. Collaboration with therapists, caregivers, and families is vital to develop safe and enjoyable programs. Staying up-to-date with best practices and being flexible in approach helps ensure that all individuals can participate meaningfully and achieve their personal goals.

What is the difference between Adaptive Recreation vs Adaptive Sports Coordinator?

AspectAdaptive RecreationAdaptive Sports Coordinator
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, adaptive recreation certificationsCPR, First Aid, sports-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, parks, recreational facilitiesSports events, training centers, community programs
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, non-profits, recreation departmentsSports organizations, adaptive sports programs

Adaptive Recreation professionals focus on creating inclusive recreational activities for individuals with disabilities across various settings, including parks and community centers. Adaptive Sports Coordinators specifically organize and manage adaptive sports programs and events. While both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, Adaptive Recreation has a broader scope, whereas Adaptive Sports Coordinators specialize in sports-related activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Adaptive Recreation Specialist, and why are they important?

To excel as an Adaptive Recreation Specialist, you typically need a background in therapeutic recreation, kinesiology, or a related field, often with certification such as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Familiarity with adaptive equipment, recreation management software, and knowledge of disability accommodation standards are important technical assets. Compassion, creativity, and strong interpersonal skills help in designing inclusive activities and effectively engaging participants of all abilities. These skills ensure that recreational programs are safe, enjoyable, and accessible, promoting physical and emotional well-being for individuals with diverse needs.
More about Adaptive Recreation jobs
What cities are hiring for Adaptive Recreation jobs? Cities with the most Adaptive Recreation job openings:
What states have the most Adaptive Recreation jobs? States with the most job openings for Adaptive Recreation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Adaptive Recreation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Adaptive Recreation jobs are:
Infographic showing various Adaptive Recreation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 18% Full Time, 77% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 27% Physical, and 73% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,898 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Adaptive Recreation Instructor

$19.29/hr

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago


City and County Of Denver rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

140th of 832 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

About Our Job

What We Offer

This is a part time position which will work no more than 39 hours per week and is not eligible for benefits. The pay range for this position $19.29 per hour and is eligible to enroll in the City and County of Denver's 457b retirement plan. Part time positions may have routine or variable work schedules. In addition to class time, instructors receive additional paid hours for planning, set-up, and break down time.

Denver Parks & Recreation offers progressive community based Adaptive Recreation programming for people with disabilities at any age. Our team of devoted professionals enriches the lives of people with disabilitiesby developing physical, mental, emotional, social and leisure skills necessary toparticipate in a continuum of activities that will enhance their well-being. Adaptive Recreation programming utilizes the Denver Parks & Recreation department's expansive network of facilities, parks and amenities to provide a wide variety of adaptive programming and year-roundtraining in Special Olympics sports.

To learn more about the Adaptive Recreation programming offered by Denver Parks & Recreation, please visitthe Adaptive Recreation webpage.

To learn more about Denver Parks & Recreation with the City & County of Denver, please visitDPR's webpage.

Location

In this position you can expect to work on site at multiple recreation centers and other locations around the City and County of Denver. This position includes working day, evening, and weekend hours.

What You'll Do

Adaptive Recreation Instructors(*On-Call) provide instruction to participants in organized adaptive recreation programs, classes and activities. Instructors have the opportunity to make a positive impact while feeding their passion for helping others. Instructors play an important role in ensuring that Denver's recreation programs are inclusive and enriching to all participants.


Job Responsibilities:

  • Work with full-time staff to plan and implement goal-based adaptive recreation programsaimed at enriching physical, mental, emotional, social and leisure skills

  • Maintain a safe, fun and trusting program environment for all participants

  • Work directly with volunteers to aid in facilitation of programs

  • Develops instructional plan to achieve established objectives

  • Executes instructional plans using prescribed and accepted teaching methods, including coaching and, group and individual instruction

  • Evaluates and communicates student/participant progress to all appropriate staff

  • Reviews completed program participant evaluation tools, using findings to increase program and instructional effectiveness

  • Assists in the organization and administration of special events

  • By position, performs various tasks to maintain a facility and/or provide program administrative support

  • Performs other related duties as assigned or requested

  • Ability to work evenings and weekends

What You'll Bring

We value diversity of ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, sexual identity, gender, religion, language, ability, and experience and exemplify this through the makeup of our team at all levels. You'll be right at home here if you cultivate strong relationships and push yourself, your work, the people around you and Denver to the next level.

Our ideal candidate has some or all the following experience, skills, and characteristics:

  • Experience in planning and implementing adaptive recreation programs for people with disabilities

  • Special training, education or certifications specific to fitness, aquatics and/or working with people with disabilities

  • Instructional experienceworking with a variety of populations, ability levels and age groups

Have a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification? Consider applying for our Certified Adaptive Recreation Instructor position posted now!

Required Minimum Qualifications

We realize your time is valuable so please do not apply if you do not have at least the following required minimum qualifications:

Education requirement: Graduation from high school or the possession of a GED, HiSET or TASC Certificate.
Experience Requirement: One (1) year of experience in assisting in the operation and instruction of organized recreation activities.
Education/Experience Equivalency: Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirements.
License/Certifications: Requires certification in CPR and First Aid within 6 months of date of hire.
Requires a valid driver's license at the time of application. (Employees may be eligible to drive department/city vehicles for transportation and subject to motor vehicle record check and required to pass a city sponsored driver safety training course.)
Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of continued employment.

Application Deadline

Applications for this position are accepted on a rolling basis. Please submit your application as soon as possible to ensure consideration.

About Everything Else

Job Profile

CR2583 Recreation Instructor

To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here.

Position Type

Oncall

Position Salary Range

$19.29 - $26.43

Target Pay

$19.29/hour

Agency

Parks and Recreation

Redeployment during Citywide Emergencies

City and County of Denver employees may be re-deployed to work in other capacities in their own agencies or in other city agencies to support core functions of the city during a citywide emergency declared by the Mayor.

The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact Jobs@Denvergov.org with three business days' notice.

Applicants for employment with the City and County of Denver must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.

For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.


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About City and County of Denver

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

City and County of Denver operates in the government sector, serving the residents of the city and county of Denver, Colorado, USA. It was officially formed when the city and county merged in 1902 to simplify the local government. Under a mayoral structure, the organization provides a wide range of services, including public safety, human services, public works, and more, to Denver's diverse population. Adhering to its core values - Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Customer Service, Safety, and Excellence in Public Service, its mission is to deliver a world-class city where everyone matters. Some of its notable achievements include innovative public projects and continuous efforts to enhance the community's quality of life.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Denver, CO, US

Year founded

1859