Internship Opportunities
Download the Internship Application!
Internship Agency
Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA) located in the far western suburbs of Chicago, is an extension of the Fox Valley, Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, Oswegoland and Sugar Grove Park Districts providing community based therapeutic recreation services for residents with disabilities. Programs are designed to include opportunities that will enhance skill development and socialization, encourage self-awareness and community exploration, promote independence through personal choice of least-restrictive environments, and provide a sense of enjoyment, satisfaction and fulfillment.
Position
The Therapeutic Recreation internship is a significant element in the professional preparation as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. The many tasks and situations to which a student is assigned throughout the internship will have a lasting effect on his/her future endeavors. The FVSRA staff consists of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, a Superintendent of Recreation, the Executive Director, Office Manager, Administrative Assistant and Secretary. FVSRA works cooperatively as a member of multi-disciplinary teams with the educational systems, social service agencies, clinical facilities, hospitals and our Member Park Districts.
Description
Internship objectives will include:
- Administrative The intern will receive a panoramic view of the administrative procedures and policies of the Association, including the agency mission, population served, plan of operation, agency standards, and funding sources.
- Assessment, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation The intern will observe assist and conduct assessments and develop intervention plans as well as implement and evaluate services. The intern will plan, develop and implement individualized plans and selected program offerings. He/She will be responsible for leading and assisting with a variety of programs throughout the internship.
- Documentation The student will record observations and interventions, write summary reports, document accident and incident reports for risk management purposes and maintain all program and budgetary records.
- Service Team The intern will participate in the agency’s TR staff meetings, Transition teams and IEP meetings to provide information on assessment, individual program/intervention planning, evaluation of individual program plans and documentation.
- Management of Services The intern will participate in administrative meetings, prepare financial documents, strategic planning, program design, secure equipment, and supervise volunteers and support staff.
- Public Relations The intern will promote and publicize Association activities (i.e. flyers, seasonal brochure, news releases and public meetings).
- Outreach & Advocacy The intern will network with personnel in community agencies the Association works with cooperatively, advocating for rights to leisure services for individuals with disabilities.
Student’s Wants and Needs There is flexibility to provide guidance and supervision in areas that may not be listed in the above objectives.
Internship Dates:
FVSRA offers three program seasons per year. Internships are offered year round and adhere to a duration of a minimum of 14 weeks, depending on university requirements.
Other Information:
Internship is unpaid, but student may have the opportunity to work in any number of part-time positions during the course of their internship. The availability of part-time positions is dependent on staffing needs and program registration numbers.
Contact:
If you would like to obtain further information about the internship opportunities that FVSRA has to offer, please contact Carolyn J. Nagle, CTRS, at cnagle@fvsra.org or at (630) 907-1114, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.