Activities Specialist

Elizabeth Richardson Center Inc

Activities Specialist

Mission Statement: To enhance the opportunities, outcomes, and lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities

Department

• Development
• Reports To:
• Development
• Director
• Supervisory
• Responsibilities: None.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Activities Specialist to help enrich the social, emotional, and physical well-being of individuals participating in ERC programs. The ideal candidate has a passion for working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and enjoys creating meaningful opportunities for social interaction, community involvement, personal growth, and overall wellness.

The Activities Specialist works closely with the Activities Coordinator to develop, organize, and support recreational, educational, and community-based activities. This role is responsible for preparing activity plans, ordering and organizing supplies, creating detailed instructions for staff implementation, and helping ensure activities and events run smoothly. The Activities Specialist also assists with community outings and special events, helping create engaging experiences that promote inclusion, connection, and independence.

The Activities Specialist serves as a positive role model and mentor, encouraging confidence, personal growth, and meaningful participation in activities and community experiences.

Essential Functions

• Activity Planning and Coordination
• Assist the Activities Coordinator in planning, organizing, and implementing recreational, educational, wellness, and community-based activities.
• Create activity plans, supply lists, and detailed instructions for Care Service Workers to facilitate activities during evening and weekend programming.
• Research, order, organize, inventory, and maintain activity supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Prepare activity kits, schedules, and resources to support successful program implementation.
• Assist with planning and coordinating Special Olympics activities and events.

• Community Outings and Events
• Assist with planning, organizing, and attending community outings, recreational events, and special programs.
• Help coordinate event logistics, supplies, registrations, schedules, and participant needs.
• Support the Activities Coordinator during outings and events to ensure a safe, positive, and well-organized experience for participants.

• Program Support
• Assist volunteers, staff, and peers in implementing activities and events.
• Monitor participant engagement and provide feedback regarding activity interests and participation.
• Work collaboratively with ERC staff to support participant goals and quality programming.

• Mentorship and Participant Engagement
• Build positive relationships with participants and encourage involvement in activities and community experiences.
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating professionalism, patience, respect, and encouragement.
• Support participants in developing confidence, social connections, life skills, and independence.

• Required Qualifications
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Reliable transportation and valid Arkansas driver's license.
• Successful completion of required background checks and drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Experience in recreation, caregiving, education, or nonprofit settings.
• Coursework or degree in Human Services, Recreation, Special Education, Social Work, or a related field.

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Positive, patient, and encouraging attitude.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Adaptability and flexibility in changing environments.
• Commitment to inclusion, dignity, and person-centered support.

• Physical and Work Requirements
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and active participation in activities.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Local travel for community outings and special events.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required.
• Work is performed in ERC facilities, community settings, and outdoor environments.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Elizabeth Richardson Center (ERC) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.