Volunteer

At NSSRA, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to play. Formed in 1970 with that goal in mind, we were the first Special Recreation Association in the country, offering programs and services for children, teens and adults with disabilities. We are similar to a park district, however we only serve residents in our partner communities with special needs.

Fifty years later, we serve approximately 1,600 individuals with disabilities throughout the year in the northern suburbs of Chicago. We’re all about creating an environment of belonging through play, and we want you to be a part of our team!

NSSRA offers programs and events during the year and serves approximately 1,800 different individuals with disabilities in creative arts, sports, drama, dance, cooking and other areas.  Participants include preschoolers, youth and teens through young adults, adults and seniors.  Programs are offered at park district, schools, and other locations throughout the northern suburbs.

ABOUT BEING A VOLUNTEER

The Volunteer is responsible with assisting with the implementation of recreation programs for children and adults with disabilities.

Essential Functions:

• Gathering, loading, transporting, and setting up equipment;

• Active participation in recreation programs;

• Supervision of individuals with disabilities including behavior management;

• Transferring individuals;

• Pushing participants in wheelchairs;

• Assist in self-help and daily skills for the participants, including feeding and changing, when necessary;

• Communicate with other staff during the transition between activities;

• Know the whereabouts of participants at all times;

• Supervision of participants in the water during swim time.

• Attend mandatory orientation, meetings and in-services as scheduled and required;

• Demonstrate dependability, punctuality and promptness; and

• Maintain and provide quality customer service towards parents, staff, participants and the general public.

ABOUT YOU
Volunteers is at least 12 years of age or older and is required to complete a background check to work any NSSRA program. A basic knowledge and understanding of recreation programming is desired. An individual who is highly motivated and enthusiastic is preferred in order to provide quality experience for those participating in the programs.

THE FINE PRINT
Scheduling is assigned by program season, and hours are flexible and can be adjusted per season. Reliable transportation is required to ensure attendance at all scheduled programs. When committing to work a program you must be able to attend all meeting dates for the entire season.