About the role#
The City and County of Denver Parks and Recreation department offers community-based therapeutic recreation programs for citizens with disabilities. These programs help participants develop physical, mental, emotional, social, and leisure skills. As an intern, you will assist in planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating recreation programs while working alongside experienced professionals. You will join a cohort of peers and have the opportunity to attend professional development sessions throughout your term.
What you'll do#
- Apply educational knowledge in a hands-on environment.
- Conduct 1:1 application of the APIED process.
- Create individual treatment plans using Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and Documentation.
- Support Special Olympics programs and assist with volunteer management.
- Facilitate inclusion in community recreation programs.
- Organize and implement therapeutic recreation programming for participants of all ages and abilities.
- Coordinate special events and lead specific therapeutic activities.
- Complete ad hoc tasks, projects, and assignments as needed.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in an accredited college program leading to a certificate, licensure, associate, bachelor’s, or higher degree, or graduation within the last year.
- Enrollment in a Therapeutic Recreation or Adaptive Recreation program.
- Completed and passed a collegiate-level course in Anatomy or Physiology.
- Ability to intern on-site for the full 15-week, 600-hour semester.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills and a passion for therapeutic recreation.
- Valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship.
Location & details#
- Location: On-site at multiple recreation centers and locations throughout Denver, Colorado.
- Schedule: This role requires availability for day, evening, and weekend hours.
- Term: This is a 15-week internship. The program is anticipated to begin in Summer 2027, with additional opportunities available for Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027, and Fall 2027.
- Compensation: This is a paid position with a target pay range of $19.42 to $21.26 per hour, depending on your level of education.
About City and County of Denver
The City and County of Denver serves as the municipal government for the Denver area. Founded in 1859, the organization manages a wide range of public services including aviation, public works, human services, and parks and recreation. It employs over 11,000 people across various departments and offices. The agency operates out of multiple locations in Denver, Colorado.
How to get in at City and County of Denver
Applying early to the City and County of Denver gives you a distinct advantage before the applicant pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, ensuring you can submit your materials among the first candidates. Getting your application in early often means it is reviewed before the pile grows. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the specific recruiters behind these roles. Reaching out directly to ask about the position or a potential referral often improves your response rates compared to waiting in a standard queue. It is a practical way to navigate a large government organization.
