Accessibility Manager

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of its people through intentional and sustained stewardship of over 10,200 acres of public land and waterways, as well as through hundreds of safe, stimulating recreation, environmental, and cultural centers. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the City’s residents by connecting them to the natural world around them, to each other, and to fun, physical, and social opportunities. PPR is responsible for the upkeep of historically significant Philadelphia events and specialty venues and works collaboratively with communities and organizations in leading capital projects and the introduction of inventive programming. To learn more about Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, visit us at www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr.

 

Job Description

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation is dedicated to ensuring parks and recreation centers are inclusive spaces where individuals of all abilities belong. The Accessibility Manager will work closely with the engagement and program divisions, site leaders, seasonal staff, the inclusion team, community stakeholders, and partner organizations to strategize and oversee services for all community members.

The Accessibility Manager will plan, coordinate, and evaluate operations related to inclusive design and implement actions informed by PPR’s Rec for All: A Plan for an Inclusive and Adaptable Recreation System. This leadership position will support recreation leaders with program design by coordinating and hosting trainings, developing and implementing an inclusion inventory at all recreation centers, and cultivating a network of community stakeholders and partners. This position will serve as a resource regarding inclusive practices, for language, and accommodations. Job Description Revised 3.5.2024

Essential Functions

• Create an inventory of materials and equipment that allow for greater accessibility; this may include center-based tools that are sensory friendly, as well as a greater scale of supporting the spatial design of new construction for all capital projects, particularly play spaces and recreation centers.

• Create, update, and manage a resource guide and database on inclusive practices and tools for Recreation Leaders.

• Create and train staff on lesson plans and activities that celebrate people of all ages and abilities within all programming and operations.

• Strategize and collaborate with community organizations, professional organizations, and universities to implement PPR’s Rec for All: A Plan for an Inclusive and Adaptive Recreation System.

• Plan and implement training curriculum (accessibility, creating empathetic settings using a trauma-informed approach, elements of neurodiversity, managing unique behaviors, interactions across abilities and cultures, and community partnership) to be used for existing staff and new hires, as well as continued professional development and growth.

• Recruit, organize, steward, and train community partner organizations and volunteers, as well as student interns, to support ongoing programs and encourage inclusivity across other aspects of system planning. Build and maintain partnerships with local universities and colleges that can support these efforts.

• Raise community awareness about the mission of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation in reference to inclusion through newsletters, community outreach, and social media.

• Express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing, for diverse audiences (rec leaders, community members, public).

• Collaborate with Risk Management, Law, and PPR Safety Officer to implement city policies related to formal accommodations for people with disabilities in the PPR system.

• Implement planning, meetings, and organization of material/curriculum using a virtual platform.

• Articulate/train staff on the importance of trauma-informed care practice. • Support departmental language access activities and capacity building within PPR.

• Build partnerships with community groups, disability advocates, cultural organizations, and city agencies.

• Other duties as assigned. Job Description Revised 3.5.2024 Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of inclusive principles and accessible design of physical space and programming.

• Knowledge of principles, methods, and techniques of organized recreation.

• Exceptional organizational skills.

• Ability to communicate at all levels verbally and in writing.

• Ability to facilitate community conversations and partnership gatherings (small groups to large community gatherings).

• Knowledge of group leadership techniques.

• Knowledge of program development best practices.

• Knowledge of partnership development and stewardship best practices.

• Knowledge of current research and developments in the field of recreation and educational practice.

• Knowledge of community and person-centered techniques for individuals with disabilities.

• Knowledge of current industry best practices related to programming, strategies, and practices that focus on inclusive practice, behavior management, and self-regulation methods.

Qualifications

• Completion of at least a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university with a focus in the social service field (special education, occupational therapy, recreation therapy). An advanced degree is preferred.

• At least five years of job-related experience with a focus on education, community building, organizing, and supporting a neuro-diverse population. This experience should incorporate direct work with individuals with disabilities, as well as training of others (small and large groups) on inclusive practice and programming, behavior support, and disability awareness/knowledge. Ideally, experience is across settings— school-based, community settings, and leadership/administration.

• Previous experience with grant writing applicable to recreation programs to advance network and resources preferred. Licenses, registrations, and certificates:

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment.

• Recommended: Behavior specialist certificate, as well as training certificates related to Social Thinking, Zones of Regulation, Responsive Classroom, and trauma-informed care practices

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a resume.

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

Client-provided location(s): Philadelphia, PA

Job ID: 05fd807b-cff3-4261-9190-194e58378be1

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-01-15T19:22:51