Internship Overview

The Champaign Park District is seeking motivated students interested in gaining valuable experience in special recreation through an unpaid internship with CUSR. This internship provides a hands-on learning opportunity in the field of special recreation services, allowing interns to work directly with staff, participants, and community programs. The internship is designed to fulfill credit or graduation requirements from an accredited college or university.

Eligibility:

• Must be a student seeking internship credit or completing graduation requirements from an accredited college or university.
• Internship options will be assigned based on the student’s strengths, areas of growth, and interests.

Classification:

• Internship - unpaid
• Minimum of 20 hours per week, up to 40 hours per week

Training Provided by the Champaign Park District

• First Aid, AED, and CPR Certification
• Heads Up Concussion training
• Mandated reporter training
• Harassment prevention training
• Bloodborne pathogen training
• Recreation software system training
• Driver training and test
• Facility training

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in planning, organizing, and facilitating special recreation programs and events for individuals with disabilities.
• Collaborate with CUSR staff to support daily operations, ensuring inclusive and safe activities for participants.
• Participate in administrative tasks such as program evaluation, documentation, and communications.
• Work closely with participants, staff, and volunteers to create positive and enriching experiences.
• Shadow and receive mentorship from experienced recreation professionals.

Internship Benefits:

• Gain hands-on experience in the field of special recreation and therapeutic recreation services.
• Access to mentorship and professional development opportunities, including resume and cover letter preparation, interviewing techniques, and job search support.
• Opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios while enhancing leadership and communication skills.
• Work under the supervision of trained Park District staff and develop skills relevant to future career opportunities.

Internship Rights and Responsibilities:

• The internship is for training and educational purposes, benefiting the intern.
• Interns will perform actual work for the department but will not displace Park District employees.
• The internship does not guarantee employment with the Park District upon completion.
• The Park District will not gain any immediate advantage from the intern’s work; the experience is solely for the intern’s education.
• Interns are not entitled to wages for the duration of the internship but are encouraged to apply for paid positions upon internship completion.