Recreation Specialist I

Recreation Specialist I

Day to Day Job Duties

Serve as a role model and resource for all staff, volunteers and customers regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act and how it impacts the programs and services offered by the Department

Be an advocate for Inclusion & Diversity

Collaborate with the program supervisors and participants/parents/caregivers to develop Modification Plans for individuals with disabilities so that they can successfully participate in general recreation programs.

Conduct Facility & Program Assessments to ensure that barrier-free settings are existing in programs and recreation centers.

Work closely with the Out of School Time programs unit to  develop modification plans and facilitate the inclusion of children with disabilities into the before/after school programs and summer day camps.

Recognize and accept differences of opinions, work habits and learning styles and make adjustments as needed to create a win-win in working relationships.

Trains and supervise part time staff and volunteers to assist with the implementation of modification plans in general recreation programs.

Work in a variety of environments: shared office space of 3-5 co-workers, classrooms, pool/deck, outdoors, gymnasium, beach, nature trails, lakes/waterways, etc.

Work with children, teens, and adults with disabilities, which may include various levels of intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, and various levels of Autism.

Provide in-service training for staff on the principles and practices of community inclusion, therapeutic recreation, activity adaptations, disabilities, behavior management, and program planning.

Provide quality customer service, which includes immediate co-workers, other city employees, participants, parents, and the public.

Make referrals to other programs and services.

Work collaboratively with the department, committees, teams, and other agencies.

Prepare required reports, documents, paperwork, and promotional materials.

Utilize a graded and gradual hierarchy of interventions when interacting with participants who become aggressive, following Mandt Training guidelines (i.e.- philosophy and attitude; verbal communication; walking with and accompanying; supporting; avoiding; redirecting; releasing and restraint, if needed for the safety of all involved).

Maintain a safe environment.

Take initiative, problem solves, anticipates concerns and makes decisions.

Supervise individuals who are off site at various locations

Travel to other recreation centers/sites to ensure modification plans are being followed and to supervise staff.

Communicate both orally and in writing with co-workers, supervisors, subordinates, program supervisors and program staff to foster positive working relationships.

Assist in operation of the recreation center (opening, closing, giving tours/orientations, room set-up) when necessary

Perform other job duties requiring skills, knowledge and physical requirements as demanded by those duties described or less. Individual assignments will be determined by the supervisor based on the current workloads and department needs.

Perform other job duties requiring skills, knowledge and physical requirements as demanded by those duties described or less. Individual assignments will be determined by the supervisor based on the current workloads and department needs.

Preferences

In addition to the minimum requirements, the ideal candidate for this position will have experience listed in the preferences below. Candidates with the preferred experience should ensure the information is provided in the application.

Bachelor Degree in Therapeutic Recreation/Special Education or related field

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Three (3) years' experience working with individuals with disabilities, with at least one (1) of those years in an inclusive environment

Experience supervising subordinate staff and/or volunteers

Experience in planning, implementing and evaluation recreational activities (general recreation, aquatic programs, athletics, afterschool programs and summer camps)

Experience and knowledge of inclusive programming, program accommodations/modifications, evidenced based practice, assessment and evaluation techniques.

Experience with staff development and training.

Skills in creativity; and strong leadership, organizational, communication and customer service skills

Team player, enthusiastic, and energetic with sharp critical thinking skills and abilities

Microcomputer experience/skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams

The individual selected for this position will be housed at a primary site but may be scheduled between other park sites/facilities. Schedules will be adjusted seasonally and will vary weekly based on events, facility coverage, and weather.  All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours, overtime, splits shifts or maybe be relocated to another location or job assignment in response to short- term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies including weekends, evenings and holidays.

Schedule

40 hrs/wk; varied – including early mornings, nights and weekends, and possible holidays to facilitate facility operations and programming needs.

Requires a current and valid Driver’s license

This position could provide direct childcare licensed by the State Licensing standards. Convictions of any barrier crime set forth in Virginia Code 63.2-1719 shall be automatic disqualification for employment for this position.

As a condition of employment, all employees must attend P&R Connection (Department Orientation). If selected for the position, you will be provided an approximate training date at the time of hire. Training is held from 8:30am-5:00pm, every other Friday, at the Parks & Recreation Administration Building. When an exemption is permittable, a hybrid version of the training is available, but will require training attendance on a weekend.

Alpha I

The position you are applying for is designated as Alpha I, requiring the selected candidate to work, regardless of the City’s operational status. All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

The Perks

Employees who are new to the Virginia Retirement System are eligible for:

Annual Leave and Sick Leave

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Coverage

Legal and Identity Theft Protection

Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Hybrid Retirement Plan & Basic Life Insurance

Commonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (COV457)

Basic Life Insurance

Optional Life Insurance

Wellness Programs

Employee Assistance Program / Work-Life Services

Paid Maternity/Paternity/Parental Care Leave

Additional requirements
• DMV Transcript: Yes
• CDL: No
• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No
• CPS Check: Yes
• Physical: No
• Respirator: No
• Psychological Screening: No
• Polygraph: No
• At Will: No

This position is being advertised as a pool, and applications could be used to fill current vacancies and any other similar Recreation Specialist I position that become available within six months from the closing date of this posting.

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications: Requires a Bachelor’s degree in recreation management, therapeutic recreation, exercise science, or a related field; OR any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to four (4) years in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and associated with such positions as recreation leader or recreation program supervisor. May be required to have a current and valid driver’s license. May require a Commercial driver’s license. 

Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Must be available to work varied hours, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and overtime when required to meet operational needs. This position may require incumbents to wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel-toed shoes, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, or other safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employee’s supervisor based on position assigned. Alpha I Status: Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City’s operational status.