Park Authority

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-8700 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Jai Cole
Executive Director

Adapted Recreation Jobs

Do you have a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others? Are you interested in working with youth and adults with disabilities in a fun recreation environment? If you are interested in gaining experience to prepare you for a full-time position with Fairfax County, then join us in the Access and Inclusion Branch of the Fairfax County Park Authority. The positions include opportunities to work at a variety of locations with our summer camps, Rec-PAC, and classes. Teach new recreation and leisure skills, build relationships, gain experience for full-time work, and increase networking opportunities.

These opportunities are ideal for individuals interested in pursuing a career in therapeutic recreation, adapted physical activity, adapted physical education, special education, social work, and recreation management.

View our open positions below.

Department Resources

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Job Opportunities

Position Title: Adapted Aquatics Specialist
Location: Varies across Rec Centers throughout Fairfax County as well as Park Authority Headquarters
Hours: Approximately 10-40 hours per week; some weekend work required but flexible
Salary: $19.00-$24.00/hour.  

Overview: The Adapted Aquatics Specialist is responsible for facilitating self-contained classes for children with disabilities at our Rec Center facilities.  This includes initial assessment, written goals, placement, evaluation and volunteer training.  In addition, the specialist may be required to provide one to one assistance (leisure coaching) to children mainstreaming in general recreation aquatics classes; and develop an adapted aquatics staff manual.  

  • Work collaboratively with the Park Programmer to plan, lead, and support classes, camps, and special events.
  • Lead interpretive programs and field trips focused on natural and cultural history, outdoor recreation, kayaking, and environmental education.
  • Develop and implement new program plans and lesson outlines.
  • Engage with the public, answering questions and providing excellent customer service.
  • Assist with park events, including setup, operations, and cleanup.
  • Provide operational support to all programs and camps as needed.

Duties:

Documentation:

  • Demonstrates the ability to write an accommodation plan.
  • Ensures all assigned participants and parents agree to and sign off on accommodation plan and pre-inclusion survey; modifies plan as needed.
  • Complete weekly progress notes.
  • Documents and completes incident reports accurately and timely.
  • Submits accurate time and attendance reports on assigned payroll dates.

Behavior Management:

  • Provides effective interventions and/or strategies for problem solving behavioral issues.
  • Effectively communicates with all site staff, volunteers and Program coordinator and are consistent with the implementation of strategies.
  • Initiates training, support, and models intervention techniques for other staff and volunteers.
  • Consistently provides positive reinforcement to participants/team members.

Programmatic:

  • Implements appropriate modifications and adaptations to activity as needed.
  • Empowers participants to participate to the best of their ability.
  • Provides sensitivity training for other participants/volunteers as needed.
  • Update new client/volunteer marketing plan, FCPA information packet and database.
  • Attend and assist hands on with various aquatic classes.
  • Keeps supervisor abreast of staff or participant issues.
  • Conduct session evaluation revising current evaluation form for volunteers and students.
  • Develop aquatic game manual to be used in group classes.
  • Assists in planning program schedule for each session.
  • Supports sensory-friendly events.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Hold a sophomore standing in a four-year degree program majoring in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation, Psychology, Education and have a "major" grade point average of at least 2.5.  
  • Must attend training and orientation.
  • CPR/First Aid training.
  • 100% attendance for the duration of the program.
  • Demonstrate effective teamwork skills (give and receive feedback).
  • Proficient Computer Skills.
  • Must provide at least 2 references

To Apply: Send resume to FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov

Necessary Special Requirements: 

  • The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer. 

Note: This position may not exceed 900 hours per calendar year. Individuals in these positions are not eligible for benefits and are not eligible to earn leave or receive holiday pay.  

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY. 

Fairfax County Park Authority prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.  

Position Title: Leisure Coach

Location: Multiple locations in Fairfax County, Virginia

Hours: Varies; evenings and weekends based on customer needs

Salary: $41.00/hour

Position Type: Part-time; Year-Round

Job Description: Leisure Coaches provide individualized support to customers with disabilities who are enrolled in general recreation programs offered by the Fairfax County Park Authority. Leisure Coaches support customers, families, and on-site staff by developing and implementing accommodation plans, providing in-person support during programs as needed, and fostering skill development toward increased independence.

Leisure Coaches collaborate closely with instructors and site staff to model and implement effective accommodations, adaptations, and communication strategies. This role also includes mentoring and training staff on inclusive practices and positive behavior supports to ensure a team-based approach to inclusion. Leisure Coaches communicate regularly with parents or caregivers before, during, and after programs to ensure continuity of support and successful participation.

Assignments may include partial or full program support depending on the customer’s needs and may occur in a variety of settings, including parks, recreation centers, and lakefront facilities. The position may include work done in a swimming pool.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • At least two years of experience working with individuals with disabilities in one or more of the following areas: special education, recreation management, therapeutic recreation, adapted physical education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, psychology, or related field.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating with staff, families, and community partners.
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, and mentoring skills.
  • Must be able to work in the evenings and on weekends.
  • Must have reliable transportation to all Fairfax County Park Authority facilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating accommodation plans.
  • Experience training or mentoring staff on inclusive practices and behavior supports.
  • Education or advanced training in a related human services, education, or recreation field.
  • First Aid/CPR certified

To Apply: Send resume to FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov with the position you are applying for in the subject line.

Necessary Special Requirements: 

  • The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the employer’s satisfaction. Leisure Coaches are expected to attend required staff meetings and complete assigned county training.

Note: This position may not exceed 900 hours per calendar year. Individuals in these positions are not eligible for benefits and are not eligible to earn leave or receive holiday pay.  

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY. 

Fairfax County Park Authority prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.  

Position Title: Inclusion Specialist

Location: Multiple locations in Fairfax County, Virginia

Hours: Summer; Monday-Friday; Hours vary between 8am-4:30pm

Salary: Range $19.00-$25.00/hour (Will be determined upon hire, based on education and experience)

Position Type: Summer – Up to 40 hours/week

Job Description: Inclusion specialist provides support to customers with disabilities who are enrolled in general recreation classes or camps through the FCPA. Inclusion Specialists support on-site instructors and staff, while encouraging the customer’s participation and skills towards independence. They will work with customers and staff to provide positive behavior strategies and interventions, develop and implement accommodations, and communicate effectively with parents. They must have an active driver’s license and personal transportation to get to and from designated work locations every day.  

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • At least 6 months of experience working with youth with disabilities.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must have an active driver’s license and personal transportation to get to and from designated work locations every day.  
  • Be willing to work at outdoor locations during the summer months.
  • Have or be willing to obtain CPR and first aid certification.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • At least 1 year of experience working with youth with disabilities.
  • Experience writing, evaluating, and implementing accommodation plans for customers with disabilities.
  • Education in one of the following related fields: Parks and Recreation, Recreation Therapy, Special Education, Sociology, Psychology, or Adapted Recreation.

To Apply: Send resume to FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov with the position you are applying for in the subject line.

Necessary Special Requirements: 

  • The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the employer’s satisfaction. The position is also responsible for attending staff meetings and completing County training periodically.  

Note: This position may not exceed 900 hours per calendar year. Individuals in these positions are not eligible for benefits and are not eligible to earn leave or receive holiday pay.  

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY. 

Fairfax County Park Authority prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.  

Position Title: Access & Inclusion Intern

Location: Multiple locations in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Hours: Hours will vary depending on programs, including nights and weekends

Salary: $17.00/hour
  
Job Description: The Access and Inclusion intern will provide support to customers with disabilities who are enrolled in general recreation camp programs. They will serve as Inclusion Support Staff, working closely with directors and counselors while encouraging the customer’s participation and skills toward independence. They will work with customers and staff to provide positive behavior strategies and interventions, develop and implement accommodations, and communicate effectively with parents.  They must have an active driver’s license and personal transportation to get to and from designated work locations every day.  In addition to camp programs, the intern will also support customers with disabilities participating in traditional programs, camps, and classes at various times and locations.  They will participate in agency meetings, trainings, special events, projects, and administrative responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • At least 6 months of experience working with youth with disabilities.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must have an active driver’s license and personal transportation to get to and from designated work locations every day.  
  • Be willing to work at outdoor locations during the summer months.
  • Have or be willing to obtain CPR and first aid certification.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • At least 1 year of experience working with youth with disabilities.
  • Experience writing, evaluating, and implementing accommodation plans for customers with disabilities.
  • Education in one of the following related fields: Parks and Recreation, Recreation Therapy, Special 
    Education, Sociology, Psychology, or Adapted Recreation.

To Apply: Send resume to FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov with the position you are applying for in the subject line.

Necessary Special Requirements: 

  • The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the employer’s satisfaction. 

Note: This position may not exceed 900 hours per calendar year. Individuals in these positions are not eligible for benefits and are not eligible to earn leave or receive holiday pay.  

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY. 

Fairfax County Park Authority prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.  

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or status as a veteran in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Fairfax County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

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