Programming Volunteer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Purpose:

Contribute to meaningful recreation experiences by supporting program staff in providing safe, inclusive, and engaging activities for individuals with disabilities, promoting participation, independence, and enjoyment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Follow directions of the Program Leader/Coordinator/Site Directors and carryout assigned tasks safely.
• Communicate program updates, concerns, and incidents to supervisory staff in a timely manner.
• Must arrive at program site 15 minutes prior to scheduled activity and be prepared to stay after the program is finished to help with cleanup. 
• Must be able to communicate clearly and respond to needs of individuals with disabilities.
• Support the supervision and engagement of participants, encouraging inclusion and appropriate interactions.
• Assist with small groups or individual participants under staff guidance.
• Monitor participant needs, including safety, behavior and general well-being (e.g., sensory, mobility needs).
• Upon request, be willing to assist participants who may need one-on-one assistance with program skills & daily living skills.
• Must be able to take initiative and help the Program Leader/Coordinator/Site Director with program preparations such as set up, greet parents and participants, collect lunches, decorate for an event, supplies, equipment and serving refreshments.
• Support mobility needs, including the pushing of individuals in wheelchairs when needed.  Assist with the loading and unloading of individuals in wheelchairs in and out of the bus/van.
• Follow all safety policies and report accidents or unsafe conditions immediately.
• Maintain professionalism when interacting with participants, families and the public.
• Understand simple oral and written instructions related to his or her assignment.
• Must follow NWSRA’s dress code policy. 
• Perform other duties related to the Volunteer role when necessary, or duties in the best interest of the Association when requested by the Program Leader/Coordinator/Site Director.

Physical Demands:

The Volunteer must, with or without reasonable accommodation, be able to perform the following functions:

• Frequently stand, bend, stoop, kneel, walk, sit, rotate, or feel; reach with arms and hands.
• Ability to communicate verbally and to hear and visually observe surroundings, participants, and staff both near and far which are necessary to perform job duties safely.
• Gather, load, transport and set-up equipment and supplies.
• Ability to safely lift and transfer a minimum of 75 lbs. per load; or up to 40 lbs. of force constantly to move objects.
• Ability to safely assist participants with physical transfers, including transferring individuals to and from wheelchairs, tables, and other surfaces, using proper body mechanics and approved techniques.
• Ability to lift, support, and reposition participants as necessary to ensure participant safety and comfort, with or without the use of assistive devices.
• Ability to push and pull wheelchairs or mobility equipment and maneuver participants safely within the environment.

Working Conditions:

This job operates in a wide variety of environments. The noise level can range from quiet to loud. When working indoors conditions can include different types of lighting, temperatures, and noises. When working outdoors you may be exposed to different types of weather conditions, heat, humidity, frigid, windy, and wet conditions along with a variety of insects. You may encounter various exposures such as pool chemicals, cleaning chemicals, infectious diseases and a variety of elements when driving and programming for the Associations programs or Foundation events.

Volunteer Qualifications:

• Minimum of 14 years of age required.
• Possess an interest or experience working with children and adults with disabilities.
• Demonstrate confidence, reliability, flexibility, and punctuality.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to support and assist in the implementation of meaningful activities for varying ability levels.
• Exhibit enthusiasm and passion in recreation programming.
• Willingness to learn and accept feedback while keeping a positive and a team focused attitude.
• Ability to attend all orientations and mandatory trainings held by NWSRA.
• Various programs the NWSRA offers may require Volunteers to be of a certain age, meet additional requirements and obtain additional certifications (i.e. Thrive, Special Olympics tournaments, trips, adult social outings, etc.).