Recreation Specialist I #JR-00436

About the Role

Join our team and contribute to our 60+ year track record of providing legendary experiences! We are dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and protecting our environment while ensuring all residents—regardless of their physical, social, and economic circumstances—can access our programs. By providing enriching and memorable lifelong experiences, we strive to enhance the quality of life for our community by improving the physical and mental well-being of our residents.

Responsibilities

• 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 program supervisors and participants/parents/caregivers to develop Modification Plans for individuals with disabilities so they can successfully participate in general recreation programs.
• Conduct Facility & Program Assessments to ensure barrier-free settings exist 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 before/after school programs and summer day camps.
• Recognize and accept differences of opinions, work habits, and learning styles, making adjustments as needed to create win-win working relationships.
• Train 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, classrooms, pool/deck, outdoors, gymnasium, beach, nature trails, lakes/waterways, etc.
• Work with children, teens, and adults with disabilities, which may include intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, and 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 to 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 (e.g., philosophy and attitude, verbal communication, walking with and accompanying, supporting, avoiding, redirecting, releasing, and restraint if needed for safety).
• Maintain a safe environment.
• Take initiative, problem-solve, anticipate concerns, and make decisions.
• Supervise individuals 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 the operation of the recreation center (opening, closing, giving tours/orientations, room set-up) when necessary.
• Perform other job duties as assigned by the supervisor based on current workloads and department needs.

Qualifications

Preferences for the ideal candidate include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, or a related field.
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
• Three years’ experience working with individuals with disabilities, with at least one year in an inclusive environment.
• Experience supervising subordinate staff and/or volunteers.
• Experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating recreational activities (general recreation, aquatic programs, athletics, afterschool programs, and summer camps).
• Experience and knowledge of inclusive programming, program accommodations/modifications, evidence-based practice, assessment, and evaluation techniques.
• Experience with staff development and training.
• Skills in creativity, leadership, organization, communication, and customer service.
• Team player with enthusiasm, energy, sharp critical thinking, and strong problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

Schedule

40 hours per week; varied schedule including early mornings, nights, weekends, and possible holidays to facilitate facility operations and programming needs. Requires a current and valid Driver’s license.

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 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, split shifts, or 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.

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

As a condition of employment, all employees must attend P&R Connection (Department Orientation). Training is held from 8:30 AM–5:00 PM every other Friday at the Parks & Recreation Administration Building. When an exemption is permissible, a hybrid version of the training is available but may require weekend attendance.

Benefits

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).
• Optional Life Insurance.
• Wellness Programs.
• Employee Assistance Program / Work-Life Services.
• Paid Maternity/Paternity/Parental Care Leave.