Djs Youth Recreation Specialist ; Repost

Introduction

This is a repost. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.

ASTD
11

Western Region – Western Maryland Children’s Center (Washington Co.) Hagerstown, MD 21740

Join Us in Making a Difference at DJS! The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) is committed to transforming young lives, creating safer communities, and fostering equitable systems. We are seeking passionate and dedicated individuals for the role of Youth Recreation Specialist I. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of youth and contribute to a stronger community, we invite you to join our team.

This position plays a lead role in the development and delivery of the facility’s recreation program, aligned with the objectives and policies of the Department. It is responsible for ensuring the care, safety, and positive engagement of youth through structured recreational experiences. The goal is to promote personal wellness, teamwork, discipline, and a stronger sense of self‑worth.

• Schedule, initiate, instruct, and lead indoor and outdoor sports, games, and leisure activities for youth in the facility, including tournaments, sports clinics, intramural athletic programs, and seasonal sports events.
• Assist Group Living personnel in upholding established rules and helping youth develop skills to participate successfully within those rules.
• Meet with staff from other DJS facilities, teachers, case managers, resident advisors, and facility management to plan and coordinate recreational programs.
• Attend in‑service training on topics such as crisis prevention, suicide prevention, emergency medical treatments, and behavioral modification models to maintain current knowledge and required certifications.
• Maintain logs and other documentation of daily recreational activities.

Education:

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate acceptable to the Maryland State Board of Education as described in the Maryland Correctional Training Commission regulation.

Experience:

One (1) year of experience supervising the recreational activities of children or youth in a recreation center, fitness center, or school setting.

Notes:
1. The above educational requirement is set by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission in accordance with the Correctional Services Article, Section 8‑209, Annotated Code of Maryland.
2. Candidates may substitute possession of an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited college or university in a recreational program such as Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies;
Sports and Fitness Administration or Health and Physical Education or 60 credit hours with 30 credit hours in the required areas for the required experience. (Transcripts must be attached if substituting education for experience.)
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non‑commissioned officer in Recreation Aid and Assistant classifications or Recreation Aid Assistant specialty codes in the Social Science, Psychology and Welfare field of work on a year‑for‑year basis for the required experience.

• Experience planning and scheduling recreational programs and activities designed to engage adolescent youth.
• Experience demonstrating the safe and proper use of physical education or recreational equipment.
• Current certification in CPR and/or other First Aid procedures.
• An Associate’s degree or higher in Parks and Recreation, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Sports and Fitness Administration, Health and Physical Education, Kinesiology, or other closely related field.

• Employees in this classification must complete and successfully pass the Entrance Level Correctional Training Course for DJS support staff required for the Maryland Correctional Training Commission certificate during the probationary period.
• Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in…