For Students

The Special Recreation Association (SRA) model is unique to the state of Illinois and leads the nation in inclusion and accessibility for residents with disabilities. The model represents a cooperative formed by two or more local Park District with Municipalities, Villages and Townships joined together to provide recreation programs and services for individuals with disabilities.

Where are the SRAs located and who do I contact?

Click on “Find my Services” on the home page of the SRANI website and look up a community alphabetically. All of the Special Recreation Associations (SRA) and the communities they serve are listed along with the address, phone number and web address of each SRA. Simply call or connect with a Special Recreation Association using their web site for detailed information. If you do not find a specific community listed, check other communities near the community you are searching to find.

I’d like to gain some experience working with people with disabilities. How can I get started?

Pursuing part-time employment or volunteer work at a special recreation association is a great way to get started! SRAs provide therapeutic recreation services to a variety of age groups, in a variety of settings and to a variety people with disabilities.

What are the qualifications needed to work at a Special Recreation Association?

For those looking for part-time employment, experience is always helpful, but not necessary. Volunteering at an SRA is a wonderful way to gain experience. Having the desire to work with people with disabilities and to work in a team like environment is desirable. Staff must be able to provide their own transportation to and from programs. You will be required to complete an application form, attend an interview, an orientation and additional training to work part time or volunteer at a SRA.

What kind of experience would I gain?

As a part-time leader, assistant or volunteer you will gain experience working with a variety of disabilities in a number of different recreation activities at various community locations. You will work as a team with other staff members to provide enjoyable, safe therapeutic recreation and recreation programs. You will learn about organizational skills, leadership skills, problem-solving and behavior management.

What kind of training would I receive?

You will receive training through an orientation required prior to the start of the program session and additional training offered throughout the program seasons to address specifics like behavior management, program adaptation and disability specific information. On-going training continues to take place as you gain experience through the observations and modeling the behavior of other staff as you observe ways to handle different situations that arise. Part-time staff and volunteers are supervised by a full-time SRA staff member or a seasoned Part time Program Leader who will provide you with guidance and additional resources.

How many hours are available for a part-time employees and volunteers?

The number of hours a part time staff or volunteer works depends on your schedule and the number of hours that you are available to work. Some staff work as little as one or two hours per week, others work 20 or 30 hours per week. Contact your local SRA to find out what opportunities are available.

When can I get started?

Due to the vast amount of programming going on year-round – most SRAs are continually hiring part-time staff and are always in need of volunteers! You will be required to complete an application form, attend an interview, an orientation program and additional training. Once that is completed, you will have the tools to get started!

Part Time Opportunities

What are the qualifications to work part-time at an SRA?

For those looking for part-time employment, experience is always helpful, but not necessary. Working at an SRA is a wonderful way to gain experience. Having the desire to work with people with disabilities and work in a team like environment is required. Staff must be able to provide their own transportation to and from programs. Those pursuing part-time employment will be required to complete an application form, including a criminal background check, and attend an interview, an orientation and additional training specific to the work they will be hired to do.

What types of part-time jobs are available?

Part-time jobs are available seasonally for recreation leaders and assistants to work in programs and special events. Inclusion aids are hired to support the recreation needs of individuals with disabilities who register for park district/city/village programs. During the summer months, camp staff are needed for day camps. Transportation is provided as a service for the individuals accessing SRA programs and if you are 21 years or older with a valid driver’s license, you may be eligible to apply to be a driver. To find out more about the various positions available at specific SRAs, contact your local SRA. (Click on “Find My Services” at the main menu).

What is the rate of pay?

The rate of pay starts at minimum wage for those that do not have previous experience working with individuals with disabilities. The rate of pay increases with those individuals with prior experience working with individuals with disabilities. Depending on the SRA, the rate of pay may increase for those with current certification in CPR, first aid, lifeguarding, Water Safety Instruction, Special Olympics Coaching Certifications, CPI, and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Contact your local SRA to find out what your rate of pay would be based on your experience.

Volunteer Opportunities

Are there volunteer opportunities?

SRAs welcome individual volunteers, groups, service organizations and businesses to volunteer for programs, special events and fundraising events. Contact your local SRA and ask to speak with the person that coordinates the volunteers to find out the age requirements and opportunities. Volunteers must be able to provide their own transportation to and from programs. Those pursuing volunteer opportunities may be required to complete an application form, including a criminal background check, and attend an interview and orientation as well as additional training, if necessary.

Career Opportunities in Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy

What is Recreational Therapy or Therapeutic Recreation?

Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being. The purpose of the RT process is to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual functioning in order to facilitate full participation in life. Recreational therapy includes, but is not limited to, providing treatment services and recreation activities to individuals using a variety of techniques including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings. Recreational therapists treat and help maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their clients by seeking to reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively.

What else can I do to prepare for a career in therapeutic recreation?

If you are interested in pursuing a career in Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy and wish to work in a community–based setting such as an SRA, then there is a lot you can do to get prepared! First, start by becoming involved in a lot of different sports and activities. Learn to swim! Learn to bowl! Learn to roller skate, ice skate and cook! Sharpen your cultural art skills! Go to the SRA web sites and take a look at their seasonal brochures on-line. Note the variety of program selections and begin to receive training in these types of activities. Involvement in Special Olympics tournaments and games is a popular choice for individuals interested in working or volunteering at SRAs, so if you have an opportunity to volunteer in Special Olympics, that is also great experience for you. Next, In addition to learning how to do the recreational activities, you should get started obtaining safety certifications such as CPR, First Aid, Water Safety Instruction and Lifeguarding. Learning sign language is helpful as well. Next, select a college that provides a major in Therapeutic Recreation. This web site provides a list of schools that offer Therapeutic Recreation as a major. Go to https://www.recreationtherapy.com/abouttr.htm. Last but not least, contact your local SRA to receive information about part-time employment and volunteer opportunities.

Education and training requirements

Recreational therapists typically have a bachelor’s degree in the field. Many states and healthcare organizations also require certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist. To become certified, the therapist must have a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy, a related field, or have worked for 5 or more years in therapeutic recreation services.

What are the career opportunities are available with my TR degree at a SRA?

Most students in Therapeutic Recreation who are hired to work at an SRA will start their career in an entry-level position. Job titles vary for each agency, but entry-level staff are typically the staff members that run the recreation programs and are involved in direct leadership. Good, strong leadership skills are desired. Coordinators and manager positions require individuals with some prior full-time experience. Good organizational, time management and public speaking skills are desired. Superintendent and Director positions require several years of full-time experience. To view examples of career opportunities that are currently available, select “Jobs and Internships” at the SRANI main menu. Jobs are posted at the Illinois Park and Recreation web site. Visit www.ilipra.org for career opportunities. (Click on Resources/Job Opportunities). Also, check each SRA’s web site as many post their job opportunities on-line. Viewing these three web sites should give you a good idea of the types of careers that are available. Some SRAs hire individuals with degrees in related fields and may include music therapists, art therapists and special education teachers. Those with marketing and communication, finance, fundraising, grant writing and human resource degrees are available for some full-time positions.

Fieldwork and Internship Opportunities

Is a fieldwork experience or an internship required?

Those that select Therapeutic Recreation as a career choice will be required to complete a fieldwork experience or practicum. The fieldwork and practicum requirements vary with each school. An internship is also required and includes completing a 560-hour supervised internship and passing an exam by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. To learn more about certification in therapeutic recreation, visit www.nctrc.org . Many SRAs accept interns in other fields as well such as music therapy, art therapy, and marketing and communication. Contact the SRA of your choice to learn more about their internship and field work opportunities. You may also visit this web site for listings. Go to the main menu and select jobs and internships.

Does the Special Recreation Association follow the NCTRC guidelines and standards for certification?

All the SRAs follow the NCTRC guidelines and standards required for certification in Therapeutic Recreation. Contact the SRA of your choice for more information. The Internship Supervisors at the SRA will send you information outlining their specific requirements and job duties.

How do I know if the Intern Supervisor is NCTRC certified?

When interns apply at SRAs they should inquire about the certification status of the intern supervisor. You may ask for a copy of their certification certificate and confirm their certification number with NCTRC.

Is housing provided?

Housing is not provided. Some SRAs may provide assistance with finding housing or put you in contact with other interns from other SRAs who are completing an internship at the same time for you to reach out to find a roommate.

Is there a stipend or salary?

Yes, The stipend varies with each SRA, so contact the Special Recreation Association of your choice to inquire about their stipend.

Do I need to provide my own transportation?

Yes. Interns need to have a valid driver’s license and must have a vehicle and may be required to provide transportation during the internship for participants to and from programs.

Can interviews be conducted over the phone or by a virtual platform like Zoom?

In-person interviews are preferred so that perspective interns can meet the people they will be working with and get a good idea of the community in which they will be working. However, a phone interview or virtual interview may be scheduled. Contact the SRA of your choice to inquire more about what they require.

Can I continue working part-time in my current job while completing my internship?

Interns are required to complete 560 hour supervised internship, which amounts to a 40-hour workweek. A full time job! Having a part-time job on the side may prohibit interns from reaching their full potential. Therefore, in most cases, an additional part-time job is not recommended.

What colleges and universities offer Therapeutic Recreation?

This web site provides a list of schools that are offering Therapeutic Recreation as a major. Go to: https://www.recreationtherapy.com/trcollg.htm .

Are there internship opportunities for people in other fields?

Yes. SRAs secure interns in other fields as well and this includes music therapists, art therapists and other related fields that provide services for individuals with disabilities. Interns in marketing and communication, finance, fundraising, grant writing and human resources are also welcome.

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