Recreation Specialist - Youth Programs (Zanewood Recreation Center)

Position Summary

Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks Department is seeking enthusiastic individuals to assist with the implementation of youth mobile recreation and outreach programs. Youth programs for ages 5-12 are included. A Recreation Specialist will assist with implementing youth, teen mobile recreation, special events in the community, supervision of participants and staff, and outreach opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Engage youth in sports, arts, science, literacy, nature, team building and events
• Engage existing and potential community partners in youth programs
• Implement, plan, and evaluate recreational activities for youth under 13 years old
• Implement programs at various special events in the City of Brooklyn Park
• Auxiliary supervision of youth program locations and participants
• Recruit and register youth to participate in youth programs
• Auxiliary reporting of deliverables to Recreation Supervisor and Youth Programs Specialist
• Auxiliary evaluation of youth program locations, participants and staff
• Auxiliary duties in youth programs such as data entry
• Attend all staff development/training programs and staff meetings
• Auxiliary building and park clean-up after each event
• Collaborate with all team members to establish a welcoming, engaging and supportive environment for youth, parents and community members
• Maintain order and assure participants are following set policies
• Understand and implement CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidance
• Understand policies and procedures to ensure a safe environment for all participants; complete required reports
• Report any accident and assist with completing the required reports
• Appropriately handle and report incidents to the Prevention & Intervention Specialist and Youth Services Manager and/or police officer
• Participate in First Aid and Emergency training when provided
• Other job duties as assigned

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience: 18 years of age or older
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Ability to interact with youth in a caring, responsible and professional manner; ability to maturely and appropriately respond to any emergency or incident that may arise; ability to communicate effectively and respond with tact and courtesy; ability to load and unload supplies and recreation equipment; ability to maintain order and security; ability to effectively work with youth and others; ability to be a strong and positive leader with the youth, families, partners and peers; ability to make rational decisions based on established policy and procedure; ability to work independently with minimal supervision; prepare for, lead, and clean-up after program activities and events; ability to relate and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds; ability to provide a level of customer service that meets/exceeds customer expectations; embrace and engage in cultural shift toward Continuous Improvement
• Desired Qualifications: Coursework, classes or training leading to a college degree in Recreation, Education, Human Services, or related field; 21 years of age or older; experience supervising seasonal staff and volunteers; experience in leading arts, sports, team activities, outdoor games and science activities; experience working with young people with disabilities; experience working with at-risk youth from a variety of cultural backgrounds; experience working in youth development activities with teens and/or youth; experience working with mobile recreation/outreach, youth sports, camps, clinics or sports leagues; previous successful experience working with the public and providing customer service; previous experience working with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds; fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Lao or Vietnamese language(s); a valid driver's license

Working Conditions

• This is a seasonal, non-benefited position that will work an average of 15-38 hours per week. Works shifts are primarily in the evening hours Monday - Friday from 1pm-9pm and possible weekend shifts available between 9-7pm; may work daytime shifts during week
• Lifting and carrying equipment and supplies weighing at a minimum of 10 lbs. to a maximum of 30 lbs.
• Ability to set up recreation equipment (i.e. portable basketball hoops, speakers, folding tables,) and arts and supplies
• Ability to work independently with participants
• Ability to verbally communicate to participants, parents and staff promptly and effectively
• Ability to make rational decisions and comprehend written instructions to deliver program plan

Background Check

The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Additional Information

• Department/Division: Recreation and Parks Department/Zanewood Recreation Center
• Anticipated Hiring Wage: $15.85 starting wage with no experience. With additional desired qualifications, pay is up to $24.60 per hour, depending on qualifications
• Benefits: Earned Safe & Sick Leave mandated by the state - Employees earn one hour of Sick Leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 48 hours of Sick Leave per year. This specific leave applies to all employees (including temporary and part-time employees) performing for at least 80 hours in a year for the City.