Employment & Volunteering

Our full-time staff work with a strong group of part-time staff and volunteers, who bring a wide range of talents to programs.

NISRA uses ADP Workforce Now for recruitment and hiring opportunities. Click here to learn about job openings or volunteering, or to apply online Opens in new window. We’re often hiring people to help us fulfill our mission!

We're Hiring!

Part-time Employment

Do you have a talent you would like to share? Do you enjoy helping people?

Individuals, 16 years and older, may apply for a wide range of part-time, paid jobs in our recreation programs. Staff members work together as a team to lead activities, assist participants in developing skills, achieve goals and, most of all, have fun!

Summer, Fall, and Winter/Spring part-time positions include:

  • Recreation Program Leader, Assistant, and/or Driver
  • Special Olympics Coach, sports Official or Referee
  • Lifeguard, Swim Instructor or Assistant
  • Inclusion Assistant
  • Sign Language Interpreter

See available part-time positions Opens in new window.

A NISRA staff member doing an activity with a participant

Summer Camp Employment

Each winter and spring the NISRA full-time staff are securing staff for our summer camps. While many camp staff are eager to come back, there are always openings for new ones! Available summer camp positions may include site director or camp counselor, and can be found on the ADP Workforce Now recruitment site. See available summer camp positions Opens in new window.

Learn more about working in our summer camps by calling the NISRA office or sending an email message to Jordan Miller at [email protected].

Volunteers

Volunteers play a valuable part in NISRA’s programs. With volunteers, we create opportunities where participants can receive more individualized attention. The Association’s recreation program season runs between 6 and 8 weeks in length and we request that volunteers commit for the entire season. Most of our recreation programs meet once a week and are 1–3 hours in duration. In addition to weekly programs, one-day special event opportunities may also be available.

Internships

NISRA offers a 15-week internship program that follows the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) guidelines. Student interns have the opportunity to be part of a wide array of experiences, from planning and implementing programs, to coordinating events, and participating in administrative activities and marketing. See available internship positions Opens in new window.

To learn more about NISRA’s internship program, contact Mia Ross at the NISRA Office at (815) 459-0737 or [email protected]

Full-time Employment

NISRA employs full-time recreation professionals with undergraduate and graduate degrees in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Administration, and related social services fields. Staff maintain professional parks and recreation credentials, a variety of skill certifications, and participate in continuing education. Please refer to any openings listed on the ADP Workforce Now recruitment site to learn more about any current positions that are open. See available full-time positions Opens in new window.

Cultural Arts Instructors

NISRA periodically seeks professional artists and experienced art instructors to lead our visual arts, music, dance and theater programs on a contractual basis. Contact Gabrielle Winkel at the NISRA office at (815) 459-0737 for more information.

My favorite thing about NISRA is knowing that my son is with qualified, trusting, and amazing staff members and that he is getting to experience programs that are well planned and fun.

Parent of NISRA participant

Equal Opportunity Employer

NISRA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. Business activities such as hiring, promotion, and compensation of employees are conducted without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

For qualified people with disabilities, NISRA will make reasonable accommodations when necessary for all employees and/or applicants that comply with applicable laws, provided the individual is otherwise qualified to perform the essential functions of the job. Such individuals are encouraged to discuss their need for a reasonable accommodation with the hiring manager or their supervisor.

This policy is based on sound business judgement and anchored in NISRA’s Vision and Core Values.