About the role#
The City and County of Denver Parks and Recreation department offers community-based therapeutic recreation programs. These programs help citizens with disabilities develop physical, mental, emotional, social, and leisure skills. As an intern, you will work with experienced professionals to plan, organize, lead, and evaluate various recreation programs. You will also participate in professional development sessions and join a cohort of peers to help build your professional network.
What you'll do#
You will apply your educational knowledge in a hands-on environment. Your responsibilities include:
- Organizing and implementing therapeutic recreation programming for participants of all ages and abilities.
- Leading therapeutic recreation activities and programs.
- Coordinating special events.
- Applying the Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and Documentation (APIED) process to create individual treatment plans.
- Facilitating inclusion in community recreation programs.
- Assisting with volunteer management and adaptive programs like the Special Olympics.
- Completing ad hoc tasks and projects aligned with team goals.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a Therapeutic Recreation or Adaptive Recreation program at an accredited institution.
- Completion of a collegiate-level course in Anatomy or Physiology with a posted grade on your transcripts.
- Ability to work on-site for the full 15-week, 600-hour semester.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Critical thinking skills.
- A genuine interest in therapeutic recreation activities.
Location & details#
- Location: On-site at multiple recreation centers and locations across Denver, Colorado.
- Schedule: This is a full-time, paid internship. You will work day, evening, and weekend hours.
- Term: Fall 2026 semester (September through December).
- Compensation: The hourly rate is $19.29 to $21.80, 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.
