Recreation Specialist - Templeton Center for Seniors

Essential Duties

• Develop, implement, lead, and evaluate recreational and educational programs for adults and seniors
• Aid in creating and maintaining program schedules
• Manage program fees and revenue, including calculating cost-recovery pricing and collecting registration payments
• Recruit, onboard, and evaluate program instructors
• Lead classes and activities for groups of varying sizes and interests
• Prepare and maintain program spaces to ensure safe, clean, and organized environments
• Track attendance and complete required reports
• Plan, coordinate, and drive trip-based programs (up to 1–3 hours travel time)

Community Involvement, Support, and Outreach

• Assist with outreach efforts, including creating and distributing flyers, calendars, and newsletters
• Represent the center at community events and build connections with community members
• Identify and connect with local resources to expand services and opportunities
• Build and maintain relationships with program participants
• Collaborate with department staff to support community needs beyond the center

Customer Service

• Process registrations, fees, and financial transactions accurately
• Address customer questions and support daily program operations
• Resolve conflicts and provide support to participants as needed
• Enforce policies and procedures to ensure a safe, welcoming environment

Supervisory

• Serve as site supervisor in the absence of the Senior Recreation Specialist
• Provide guidance and direction to volunteers
• Enforce policies and procedures with instructors and participants

Minimum Education and Experience

• Completion of two years of course work from an accredited college or university preferred
• Considerable experience in a recreation setting, developing, implementing and supervising programs or equivalent education and experience

Knowledge

• Proficient in computer applications, including Microsoft Office or similar, email systems, and online basic design software such as Canva or similar
• Knowledge of community-based recreation principles, practices, and programming
• Familiarity with recreational and cultural resources in Central Virginia
• Understanding of programming and service delivery for adult and senior populations, including the needs of an aging population

Skills and Abilities

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions in written, oral, or diagram form
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate recreation programs
• Ability to prepare clear and accurate written reports
• Ability to supervise staff and volunteers effectively
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with staff, volunteers, participants, and the public
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Ability to work with diverse age groups and populations
• Creativity in program development and implementation
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule, including evenings and weekends
• Ability to learn and use recreation database and management software systems
• Ability to safely operate city vehicles, including 12-passenger vans or minibuses
• Reliability and consistency in attendance
• Trustworthiness in handling finances, keys, and other sensitive materials

Additional Requirements

• CPR and First Aid certification required within six months of employment
• Valid Virginia driver's license and acceptable driving record according to City criteria
• Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment