Recreation Specialist Lead

Special Recreation Lead – Part‑time

Salary range: $18.50 – $22.00 hourly.

Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) is recruiting an extra help, part‑time Special Recreation Lead for our Social Services Division. The Specialized Recreation Program provides fun activities for ages sixteen (16) and above with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). The primary goal is to provide opportunities for learning and growth through leisure activities.

• Assist the Specialized Recreation Supervisor and staff with preparing and leading programs and activities.
• Lead both large and small group activities.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and inclusive environment throughout each activity.
• Assist participants with tasks.
• Maintain effective working relationships with staff, parents, and volunteers.
• Follow written and oral directions.
• Perform other work as required or assigned, including monitoring for public health emergencies and disease outbreak investigations.

• Work environment:
  Office setting in Olympia, Washington and various locations for events.
• Schedule:
  
  Part‑time flexible hours, mostly nights and weekends, depending on scheduled events.
• Travel requirements:
  Occasional travel may be required to attend events.
• Customer interactions:
  Interaction with Thurston County staff and the public.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Two years of work experience in parks or recreation programs providing assistance in planning, organizing, or implementing programs.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) / First Aid certification, or ability to obtain before hire date.

• Minimum of 21 years of age.
• Minimum of six (6) months experience working with youth or adults, preferably in a lead capacity.
• Experience leading programs and activities for individuals with disabilities (physical, mental, or sensory challenged).
• Ability to problem‑solve, work with the public in a tactful manner, and possess organizational skills while remaining flexible.
• Ability to exercise mature judgment to ensure safety and enjoyment by program participants.

• Work‑life balance:
  Support for a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.
• Retirement plan, pre‑tax savings accounts, and comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family.
• Paid leave for full‑time employees.
• Robust training program and opportunities to attend professional conferences.
• Flexible work schedules and remote work options.
• Deferred compensation plans.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health care and daycare expenses.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

• Measles/mumps/rubella (MMR).
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap/TD).
• Baseline tuberculosis screening (completed no earlier than three months prior to starting work).

The candidate selected for this position is required to show proof of the above immunizations by their agreed upon start date.

Not represented by a union.

Not eligible for benefits unless mandated by law.

Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Contingent on the ability to pass a criminal background check.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications.

Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at .

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact the hiring team .us or .