Recreation Therapy InternshipsAt — AbilityFirst

Opportunity Summary 

AbilityFirst provides programs and services for children and adults with disabilities. Established in 1926 as the Crippled Children’s Society of Southern California, our mission is to help people with disabilities realize their full potential throughout their lives. AbilityFirst is an approved Therapeutic Recreation Internship site through the California Board of Recreation & Park Certification. Under the supervision of a Certified Recreation Therapist, the RT intern can gain practical experience in community-based non-profit therapeutic recreation programs. Assignments may include but are not limited to, hands-on care with both children and adults, which includes hand-over-hand activities, toileting, swimming, feeding and diapering, program planning, implementation, evaluation: client assessment, developing an individual program plan, other documentation, developing a program proposal and program budget, developing community resource file, assisting with a major special event, assisting staff and volunteers, attending trainings, implement adaptive activity training and community meetings.

Opportunity Learning Outcomes 

RT interns will have knowledge and experience in all aspects of the NCTRC job analysis task and be eligible to sit for their National and State Certification in Recreation Therapy.

Opportunity Training 

New hire orientation, Onboarding and shadowing training that go over each individual's needs, person-centered training, mandated reporters, CPR/First Aide, Hoyer and transfer and lifting, personal care (changing diapers and feeding) and safety trainings

Additional risk specific to this opportunity 

They will be working in small groups with individuals with disabilities and various needs. They will be trained based on their individual needs. We have a whole safety program and director that does quarterly trainings as well.

Compensation Details 
TypeFrequencyAmountExplanationShow to students?
Hourly Paybi-weekly$17.50Starting rate is currently $17.50 but will change based on the starting pay of our community coachesYes
Opportunity Application Instructions 

Email astover@abilityfirst.org to get application, deadlines, RT internship guidelines and job description. 2 letter of recs and unofficial transcripts will also be needed.

Program 
Internships
Location Type 
Hybrid (combination of on-site and remote)
Location 
United States
Expected Hours 
HoursDuration
600hours per academic term
Students required to have a personal vehicle 
Yes
Fees students may incur with this opportunity 
No Fees will be incurred by students
This opportunity provides some form of compensation 
Yes
Opportunity Availability 
Ongoing