Denver Metro Program Intern

About the NSCD 

We are Colorado’s most comprehensive provider of adaptive outdoor experiences. We offer more programs, in more places, in more ways that change lives. The National Sports Center for the Disabled is a leading provider of adaptive outdoor recreation experiences committed to helping individuals with disabilities, their caregivers and the broader community rethink ability. Through the power of adaptive innovation, recreation and Colorado’s great outdoors, we are transforming lives, families and communities and creating a world that celebrates each person’s abilities. 

Our exhilarating adaptive outdoor experiences help participants make the very most of their passion, their talents and their aspirations. They discover a renewed sense of confidence, reignite the pure joy of play, and find motivation to try new things, meet new people and believe in their own abilities. With industry-leading adaptive equipment, renowned coaches, instructors and volunteers and unmatched mountain and metro programs, we change the perceptions of athletes of all levels and help them, and the world, #RethinkAbility. 

Position Description: 

The Metro Program intern gains a working knowledge of the NSCD programs, administration policies and operational procedures. The intern will gain extensive understanding of Adaptive Sports and Therapeutic Recreation and the populations served. 

Internships in the Metro area are accepted on a rolling basis depending on University and Student need. The commitment is a minimum of 3 months, for 25-40 hours a week, with work days to include weekends and holidays. Program locations determined by activity schedule. 

Duties: 

• Daily interactions with children through adults with a variety of disabilities: physical, mental, and or emotional. 

• Assist with the planning, implementation, and evaluation of adaptive programs including rock climbing, river rafting, kayaking, canoeing, biking, therapeutic horseback riding, camping, and Ability Clinics. 

• Attend in-house trainings. 

• Develop and complete an intern project. 

• Assist with NSCD special events and NSCD fundraising efforts. 

• Assist with the scheduling and transportation of adaptive equipment including driving NSCD vehicles with trailers, or large vans. 

• Consistently follows safety procedures and utilizes appropriate safety equipment. 

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Professional Performance 

• Adhere to all Personnel Policies and Procedures for the Agency. 

• Maintain professional standards of performance, demeanor, and appearance at all times; act as a “role model” both at and away from the Agency. 

• Maintain a creative, team-building approach to job performance and seek to bring a constructive, problem-solving orientation to all tasks. 

• Perform all tasks and responsibilities with attention to detail and in a complete and timely manner, complying with agency policies and standards and conforming to the scheduling requirements of the job and program. 

• Maintain an awareness of the agency’s mission and work to promote the positive individual and social change goals it embodies. 

• Exercise discretion and professional judgment at all times keeping with the responsibilities carried personally and by the agency for the care and welfare of the clients, act with honesty and integrity in all aspects of Agency business. 

• Actively strive to upgrade professional skills through engaging in appropriate professional training and experience. 

• Actively strive to create and maintain a culturally sensitive, and appropriate environment through communication and interaction that demonstrates respect for diversity. 

Other duties may be assigned 

Qualifications: 

• College or University affiliation for direct course credit in Outdoor Recreation, Special Education, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy, Physical Education, Social Work/Social Services, or related field. 

• Knowledge of disabilities. 

• Current CPR and advanced First Aid (summer). 

• Appropriate skill level in seasonal activities. 

• Experience working/volunteering in a service industry or with individuals who have special needs 

• Experience teaching a subject or activity. 

• Ability to swim in moving water. 

• Experience with camping, fishing, hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, and/or kayaking, ability to guide river rafts 

• Ability to handle multiple tasks and to assess and change priorities based upon agency needs. 

• Strategic thinker who communicates professionally and effectively with diverse staff, volunteers, donors, prospects, and community stakeholders. 

• Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy, initiative and exercise personal judgment in a fast-paced environment with a strong sense of humor and integrity. 

• Superior skills to organize, plan, and execute the full scope of required programs. 

• Ability to implement agency vision, mission, values and strategic plan. 

• Candidates must meet background check and criteria regarding clearance to drive NSCD vehicles. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Able to work a majority of the time outside at high altitude in varying conditions including uneven and slick terrain and unpredictable weather and situations. 

• Physically able to assist participants with adaptive recreation equipment, position adjustments, transfers, and movement during activities. 

• Able to lift a minimum of 75 lbs. with assistance. 

• Dexterity, auditory and visual acuity to operate computers and phones or mobile devices. 

• Auditory and visual acuity to interact with guests, students, clients on a daily basis. 

• Able to successfully manage multiple, high priority tasks in a fast-paced and often crowded and noisy environment. 

• Possess a valid Colorado driver’s license and meet criteria to drive company vehicles including 15 passenger vans and vehicles with large towing capacity, snowmobiles, surface and aerial lifts. 

To apply: visit www.nscd.org for link to job description and application.