Adaptive Sports Program & Administrative Specialist

Position Title: Adaptive Sports Program & Administrative Specialist

Location: Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, Wallingford, CT

Schedule: Full Time, 32 hours per week (evenings and weekends required based on program needs)

Make a Meaningful Impact Through Adaptive Sports

Join the Gaylord Sports Association, part of Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, a nationally recognized rehabilitation health system, and help deliver life-changing adaptive sports programming for individuals living with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, amputation, visual impairment, and other physical disabilities.

This is a unique opportunity to combine direct adaptive sports leadership with the administrative systems and logistics that support high-quality program delivery. If you are passionate about adaptive recreation and thrive in a role that blends organization, communication, and hands-on program leadership, this position offers the opportunity to make a measurable impact every day.

Learn more about our programs at: gaylord.org/sports

Position Summary

The Adaptive Sports Program & Administrative Specialist plays a dynamic dual role within the Gaylord Sports Association, combining direct adaptive sports leadership with the administrative systems and logistics that support program delivery.

This position works across a wide variety of adaptive sports and recreation programs serving community members ages 16+ with physical disabilities or visual impairments. Programs may include archery, boccia, cycling, golf, kayaking, paratriathlon, pickleball, rock climbing, skiing, sled hockey, fitness, waterskiing, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis, yoga, and veterans programming.

The Specialist provides essential administrative functions to ensure safe, organized, and efficient program operations including participant intake and onboarding, registration systems, data entry, communications, marketing support, scheduling, and event logistics. In addition, the Specialist independently leads designated clinics, practices, and events, modifying instruction, sport techniques, and equipment to support each participant’s individual abilities, functional needs, and goals.

This role requires flexibility to work a non-traditional schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and occasional extended program days based on seasonal programming and special events. The position transitions between office-based administrative responsibilities and active indoor and outdoor program environments.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative & Operational Coordination

-Serve as a primary point of contact for participants, families, and community partners
-Manage participant intake, onboarding, registration, and documentation compliance
-Develop and maintain online registration forms and digital enrollment systems
-Maintain accurate participant records and database systems
-Support scheduling, logistics, and event preparation
-Prepare documentation for purchase orders and assist with financial tracking
-Prepare and distribute e-newsletters and targeted e-blasts
-Perform basic webpage updates and support social media communications
-Assist with outreach and program promotion initiatives

Program Implementation & Leadership

-Lead adaptive sports clinics, practices, special events, and seasonal programming
-Adapt instruction, techniques, and equipment based on individual abilities, functional needs, and goals
-Collaborate with staff to deliver programs aligned with established goals and standards
-Support volunteer and student recruitment, scheduling, and coordination
-Provide direction to volunteers during program implementation
-Ensure adherence to safety protocols and organizational policies
-Assist with equipment setup, transport, loading/unloading, and maintenance
-Safely operate program vehicles including 15-passenger vans and truck/trailer combinations

Qualifications

Skills & Competencies

-Strong organizational and time management skills
-Ability to balance administrative responsibilities with hands-on program leadership
-Excellent verbal and written communication skills
-Ability to adapt to changing schedules and program demands
-Proficiency in standard office software and database systems
-Ability to collaborate effectively within a team-based environment

Education & Experience

-Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Parks & Recreation Administration, or related field required
-Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) preferred
-Experience working with individuals with physical disabilities
-Experience coordinating recreation, sport, or adaptive programming

Certifications & Licensure

-Valid Connecticut Driver’s License required
-Ability to obtain Public Passenger Endorsement within 3-months of hire
-Ability to safety operate 15-passenger van with wheelchair lift.
-Ability to operate truck and trailer combination.
-CPR & First Aid

Physical Demands

This position includes both administrative and physically active responsibilities. Administrative duties require extended periods of sitting, computer use, and documentation. Program responsibilities require standing, walking, bending, lifting up to 50 pounds, assisting with equipment setup and breakdown, and supporting participants in adaptive sport environments. The role requires stamina to work evenings, weekends, and occasional extended program days in varied weather conditions.

Work Environment

Work is performed in both office-based administrative settings and indoor and outdoor program environments including gyms, recreation fields, pools, trails, snow-based and water-based locations, and community facilities. The position requires flexibility to work a variable schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight or extended event days based on program needs. Local and occasional out-of-state travel may be required. Exposure to varied weather conditions and active program settings is expected.

About Gaylord Specialty Healthcare

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is a nationally recognized Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) dedicated exclusively to medical rehabilitation. We operate our main hospital campus in Wallingford and six outpatient locations across Connecticut.

Our clinical experts specialize in treating complex conditions including spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, and other medically complex diagnoses. Patients receive intensive Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy alongside dedicated physician services within an interdisciplinary rehabilitation model.

Gaylord is the region’s trusted leader in advanced rehabilitation, focused on enhancing health, maximizing function, and transforming lives.

Our Mission: To enhance health, maximize function, and transform lives.
Our Values: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.

Why Join Gaylord?

Top 100 Workplace in Connecticut
Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
Tuition assistance and professional development
Supportive, mission-driven team culture
Opportunity to make a measurable difference in adaptive sports and rehabilitation

Learn More: www.gaylord.org

Apply: https://www.gaylord.org/careers

Contact: Katie Joly, Gaylord Sports Association Program Manager, kjoly@gaylord.org