Recreation Program Specialist; Seasonal Dept. Of Public Works

RECREATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST (SEASONAL) DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS

Plans and supervises recreational activities for children; performs directly related work as required.

The principal function of an employee in this class is to facilitate recreational activities for children participating in City summer camps. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of the Recreation Specialist, but some leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, other City employees, and the public.

The principal duties of this class are performed at indoor and outdoor parks and recreational facilities.

• Provides supervision to youths participating in the City’s recreational programs;
• Plans recreational activities such as arts and crafts from available resources to keep children active and entertained throughout the day;
• Maintains accurate attendance records at all times;
• Provides a safe and secure play environment for children participating in the programs;
• Meets with parents to discuss special needs of child and develops methods to accommodate any special needs;
• Provides first aid to injured children;
• Resolves conflicts, complaints, and public relations issues;
• Provides guidance and demonstrations to new employees in similar positions;
• Keeps supervisors informed of work progress, issues, and potential solutions;
• Attends meetings and training to stay current on relevant practices and developments;
• Responds to citizen inquiries courteously and promptly;
• Coordinates regularly with others to enhance interdepartmental efficiency; and
• Performs additional duties as required by the classification.

• Substantial knowledge of current principles and practices involved in recreational activities for children’s programs;
• Ability to create games to keep children entertained and actively participating in the planned recreational activity;
• Ability to relate to children;
• Ability to accurately monitor and keep complete attendance reports;
• Ability to establish and maintain a safe play environment;
• Ability to deal with and resolve conflicts between children;
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions;
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
• Integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

• Graduation from High School or possession of a GED; and
• Zero to two years of experience in planning recreational activities for children; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

• Ability to pass a background check;
• First Aid and CPR Certifications.

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to review a wide variety of materials in electronic or hard copy form;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a personal computer, telephone, and related equipment;
• Sufficient strength and endurance, with or without reasonable accommodation to lift, carry and move objects, through a full range of motion, up to 50 pounds occasionally, 30 pounds frequently and 20 pounds consistently;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to be physically active for long periods of time.