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SPARC Careers

SPARC empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, transforming their lives through therapeutic recreation activities. We are looking for highly trained,  passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team and help us make a difference in the lives of our participants.

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We offer a rewarding and fulfilling work environment where you can use your skills to help others. 

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SPARC Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Postings

Date Posted: 4/11/2025

Job Title: Program Specialist

Reports To: Program Director

Schedule: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM), with overtime opportunities

Salary Range: $22 - $25 per hour

Location: Primarily in White Plains, Yorktown Heights, and Yonkers

 

Job Overview:

The Program Specialist is responsible for creating and delivering structured, educational programming that fosters growth and engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In this role, you will collaborate closely with Program Assistants to provide tailored support and ensure participants are actively engaged in a safe, interactive, and stimulating environment. You will work under the direction of the Program Director and in coordination with the Program Manager to design and implement activities that meet participants' diverse needs and abilities.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate & Implement Activities: Collaborate with other specialists to develop and lead structured, hands-on learning activities that are tailored to the individual needs of participants, promoting growth in both academic and recreational settings.

  • Participant Engagement: Ensure that all participants, both individually and in small groups, are meaningfully engaged in the program, with activities designed to promote skill development, independence, and social-emotional growth.

  • Progress Monitoring & Reporting: Regularly assess participants’ progress and adjust activities as needed to support individual development goals. Maintain thorough records, including progress tracking, incident reports, and attendance logs.

  • Collaboration: Work closely with Program Assistants to ensure activities are executed safely and effectively. Partner with the Program Manager to adapt curricula based on participant needs and to troubleshoot challenges.

  • Communication: Provide timely updates to parents, caregivers, and team members regarding participant progress. Respond to concerns with professionalism and empathy.

  • Safety & Structure: Maintain a structured and supportive learning environment that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all participants. Address and document incidents in a timely manner.

 

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field, or 2+ years of experience in a human services setting.

  • Previous experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, especially children, teens, and/or adults, is strongly preferred.

  • Passionate about fostering a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all participants, with a “participant first” attitude.

 

Skills & Competencies:

  • Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with participants, families, caregivers, and coworkers.

  • Behavior Management: Knowledge of differentiated instruction, positive behavior interventions, sensory-friendly strategies, and group management techniques.

  • Technology Proficiency: Comfort with Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, and other relevant software.

  • Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, demonstrating initiative while supporting shared program goals.

  • Organizational Skills: Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and maintain accurate records.

  • Adaptability: Flexibility and creativity in adapting to the needs of participants and evolving program requirements.

  • Activity Planning: Ability to design and implement engaging and effective activities based on guidance from the Program Director and Manager.

 

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds regularly.

  • Capacity to perform physical tasks such as standing, walking, bending, and lifting for extended periods.

 

Benefits:

  • A competitive benefits package, featuring health insurance with the employer covering 50% of healthcare expenses, paid holidays, and a 403b plan.

  • Dental and vision is 100% employee paid.

  • Generous time-off benefits, including paid sick, personal, and vacation time.

Date Posted: 4/11/2025

Job Title: Program Assistant (Full-Time)

Reports To: Program Manager
Schedule: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM)
Salary Range: $19 - $21 per hour
Location: Westchester County, NY (White Plains, Yorktown, Yonkers)

 

Job Overview:

In this role, you’ll play a vital part in creating enjoyable and meaningful experiences for participants in our day program. Your commitment to ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of participants will positively impact their physical and emotional health. This position offers excellent experience for graduate students studying special education, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and recreational therapy.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Providing hands-on support and guidance during various recreational activities.

  • Ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of participants, prioritizing safety in every interaction.

  • Collaborating closely with our team to facilitate engaging recreational activities that promote participants’ physical and emotional well-being.

  • Maintaining thorough and accurate records to track participant attendance and dismissal.

  • Offering support as participants work toward achieving milestones, fostering personal growth, and building self-confidence.

  • Implementing a variety of pre-planned activities that meet the needs of the participants in our programs.

  • Exemplifying the core values and mission of the organization.

  • Assisting with administrative tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

 

Qualifications:

  • Experience in athletics, the arts, film, or recreational therapy. Knowledge of the Special Olympics is a plus but not required.

  • Preferred (but not required): Hands-on experience working with people with disabilities or in a related field.

  • Passionate about fostering a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all participants.

  • Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

  • Ability to travel within the Westchester County area.

 

Skills & Competencies:

  • Self-motivated, punctual, and responsible for collecting payments for participants’ food and drink.

  • Exceptional organizational skills and a professional demeanor.

  • Proficiency in computer use and effective communication, both written and verbal.

  • Ability to provide support to the program specialist and other team members as needed.

  • Must possess physical abilities relevant to the safe facilitation of specialized programs, including emergency evacuations.

  • Ability to meet these requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

  • Strong problem-solving skills in response to issues with participants or program logistics.

  • Commitment to adhering to the organization’s core values and ethical standards.

 

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds regularly.

  • Capacity to perform physical tasks such as standing, walking, bending, and lifting for extended periods.

 

Benefits:

  • A competitive benefits package, featuring health insurance with the employer covering 50% of healthcare expenses, paid holidays, and a 403b plan.

  • Dental and vision is 100% employee paid.

  • Generous time-off benefits, including paid sick, personal, and vacation time.

Date Posted: 4/11/2025

Job Title: Program Associate (PT)

Reports To: Program Director

Schedule: Part-time, flexible schedule mostly evenings and weekends

Salary Range: $22-$25 per hour

Location: Various locations throughout Westchester County, NY

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Job Overview:

In this role, you’ll play a vital part in creating enjoyable and meaningful experiences for participants through a variety of recreational activities, including but not limited to bowling, tennis, art, and weekend trips. Your commitment to ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of participants will have a positive impact on their physical and emotional health. This position offers excellent experience for graduate students studying special education, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and recreational therapy providing a valuable opportunity to build their resumes and gain practical skills working with people with disabilities. This position offers a unique opportunity to earn additional income outside the typical 9-5 workday, while having fun and providing meaningful experiences to people with disabilities.

 

Responsibilities:

As a Program Associate focused on empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, your key responsibilities will include:

  • Provide hands-on support and guidance during various recreational activities, such as bowling, tennis, golf, weekend trips, and other various programs.

  • Ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of participants, prioritizing safety in every interaction.

  • Work closely with our team to facilitate engaging recreational activities that promote participants’ physical and emotional well-being.

  • Maintain thorough and accurate records to track participant attendance/dismissal.

  • Offer support as participants work toward achieving recreational and therapeutic milestones, fostering personal growth and self-confidence.

  • The Program Associate provides a variety of pre-planned activities that meet the needs of the participants at our programs.

  • Supports overall strategic plan of the organization.

 

Qualifications:

  • Experience in sports, the arts, film, or recreational therapy. Knowledge of the Special Olympics is a plus but not required.

  • Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable form of transportation.

  • Must be willing to travel within the Westchester County Area.

  • Self-motivated, punctual, and responsible for collecting payments for participants’ food and drink.

  • Exceptional organizational skills and a professional demeanor.

  • Proficiency in computer use and effective communication, both written and verbal.

  • Preferred (but not required): Hands-on experience working with people with disabilities or related experience.

  • Provide support to program coordinator and other team members as needed.

  • Must possess ability to sit, stand, walk, see, climb stairs, and lift weight of up to 30lbs.

  • Possess physical abilities relevant to safe facilitation of specialized program. (i.e Emergency evacuations)

  • The employee must be able to meet these requirements with or without reasonable accommodation

  • Staff should possess the ability to problem-solve quickly in response to any issues that may arise with participants or the logistics of a program.

  • Ability to adhere to our organization’s core values and commitments

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