Description
Now accepting interns for Spring 2026, Summer 2026, and Fall 2026.The intern will report directly to the Therapeutic Recreation Program Manager (ID#86514) and receive guidance and supervision from additional staff in various stages of becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Baltimore City Recreation and Parks is the city’s leading provider of affordable, year-round leisure and recreational activities for residents of all ages and abilities. Beautiful parks, trails and waterways provide the perfect urban oasis. BCRP’s inventory includes 51 recreation Centers, 23 pools, 120,000 trees, 262 parks, 4,700+ acres of parkland, 32 historic structures, and so much more!
What the internship will involve: The internship will utilize the Therapeutic Recreation process as defined by the current NCTRC Job Analysis.
Observe and participate in programs, special events and leisure programs with various disability groups.
Observe and participate in the administrative responsibilities required of a Community-Based Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
Assist in the development of Therapeutic Recreation, adaptive sports programs, and other specialized programs and provide direct leadership/support as needed.
Observe and participate in programs for the 55 and better population.
Act as Support Staff in programs and classes as needed and facilitate social inclusion amongst participants with and without disabilities.
Internship Outcomes
Develop and demonstrate enhanced communication, organization, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Develop professional leadership and confidence in planning, programming, and implementing programs for all groups served.
Develop specific skills necessary to become a CTRS.
Complete a special project. The Internship Supervisor will work directly with the intern to develop a plan to complete a special project. Examples could include the development of an adaptive outdoor recreation/adventure sport program for participants with physical and developmental disabilities (i.e. mountain biking program, adaptive tree climbing, Bocce, Pre-School Nature Program, Sensory Friendly Gardening Curriculum for adults 55+ with disabilities, other); Creation of departmental training videos related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, quality program planning, accessible special event considerations or other important topics.
Supplemental Information: This position is a temporary, part-time position which does not provide benefits. Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening and must be successfully completed.
To apply, complete the application for a Community Aide, linked here. Then email your resume and a cover letter to olivia.miller@baltimorecity.gov. Contact Olivia Miller, MS, CTRS, directly with questions at 410-396-1550 or olivia.miller@baltimorecity.gov
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
Enrollment in a baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in (a) therapeutic recreation (recreation therapy); (b) recreation or leisure with an option in therapeutic recreation; (c) therapeutic recreation, recreation, or leisure in combination with other fields of study (e.g., Therapeutic Recreation and Health Studies; Recreation and Sport Management; Leisure and Tourism); and (d) a major in another field of study with a concentration/emphasis/sub-plan/option/minor/certificate in recreation therapy/therapeutic recreation.
Internship must be completed after the majority of required therapeutic recreation coursework is completed. Verification of the completed internship must appear on your transcript. Must have completed no less than 12 semester or 16 quarter hours of TR content coursework.
A valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's licenses must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of the position.
Important Skills and Characteristics:
General knowledge of Therapeutic Recreation, Inclusion, Adaptive Recreation, and 55+ Programming.
General knowledge of disabilities and disability characteristics.
General knowledge of legislation and regulations affecting individuals with disabilities (i.e., Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Organize work efficiently and effectively.
Ability to solve complex problems involving many variables.
Ability to work with confidential documents and data while ensuring confidentiality.
Deliver exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
Strong communication skills, superb written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
Proficient in MS Office, collecting and reporting data, preparing presentations, researching, document control and performing other computer functions for data management and retrieval.
Ability to communicate in another language a plus.
