Recreation Services Program Specialist

Richmond, an “Employer of Choice,” offers a thriving job market with an equitable cost of living. Our city is located on the heart of the James River – providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and biking. The city is close to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Virginia Beach, offering even more opportunities for outdoor recreation. Richmond is known for its rich, cultural, and historical heritage. It is home to notable landmarks such as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), the American Civil War Museum, and the Virginia State Capitol. Our unique corner of the commonwealth offers a special blend of diverse and equitable opportunities for residents and businesses. As a team member of the City of Richmond, you can enjoy access to services, support, and recreation, which make the city a world-class place to live, work, play, and raise a family. We invite you to explore our many vibrant communities and discover all that we have to offer…Are you Richmond R.E.A.D.Y?

The Recreation Services Program Specialist will work under the direction of the full time Recreation Services Supervisor, to assist with the day-to-day operation of after school program locations, out of school time programming, and community center facilities. These tasks may include but are not limited to daily supervision of site staff, hiring, disciplinary action, payroll, email correspondence with staff and families, file management, research, training/development, facilitating staff training, inventory of support materials, etc. The position will work directly in programs to provide support to participants with disabilities (physical, cognitive, social/emotional).

Duties include but are not limited to

.

• Attend and participate in all required trainings and staff meetings?
• Establishing enrollment, participating and attendance protocols
• Assist Recreation Services Supervisor and Recreation Services Manager with research, planning, and other administrative functions
• Assist full time Recreation Services Supervisor and Recreation Services Manager with development and facilitation of trainings, etc.?
• Model appropriate strategies and coach other staff on how to implement
• Complete appropriate documentation (observation forms, behavior documents, accident reports, etc.)
• Providing customer service to patrons, including handling escalated complaints and issues
• Supervise participants for safety, engage them in program activities, etc.?
• Incumbents provide professional recreation programming by planning, implementing, and supervising recreational programming and events
• Other duties as assigned?
• Some evening and/or weekend work may be required?

Qualifications, Special Certifications and Licenses

Minimum Qualifications:???

• Two years of recreational program experience ?
• Excellent leadership skills?
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency in computer skills (database software, spreadsheet software, word processing, etc.)?
• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to parks and recreation, fitness, physical education, business or another directly related field
• A valid driver’s license is required?
• Knowledge of behavior management strategies and how to implement?
• Professional, flexible, mature attitude
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification
• CPR/First Aid Certification

Qualifications, Special Certifications and Licenses
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS , AND ABILITIES:
Have some knowledge of parks and recreation policies and practices, youth-related risk factors and early identification criteria. Understand the use and care of facility equipment. General knowledge of business principles, basic mathematics, experience with software such as RecTrac, Microsoft Office Suite, and RAPIDS, City population and their needs. Have the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Be able to coordinate and prepare accurate documents, demonstrate professional customer service to internal and external customers, manage a diverse staff and encourage a team environment, manage projects, develop thorough and accurate reports, resolve conflicts and maintain relationships. Operate equipment such as, City vehicles, cell phones, computers, copiers, scanners, printers, rulers, picture ID makers, projectors, and scissors. Ability to create program schedules for a wide- ranging audience, monitor expenditures and allocate funds, adapt or modify programs and activities based on participant needs, organize, manage time effectively, multi-task, make sound hiring determinations, work independently with limited supervision, develop community relationships and communicate with a variety of individuals from a range of backgrounds.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• A valid VA driver's license.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.
• Bachelor's degree in education, childcare, parks and recreation or another directly related field.
• Two years of recreation program experience.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Some assignments may require an in-depth background check.
• Some assignments may require First Aid/CPR certifications.
• Some assignments may require a valid Virginia Commercial Driver's License.
• Some assignments may require a valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record and a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Three to five years of experience as a lead staff or program supervisor/director with children’s programs
• Ability to work in a team setting and have a friendly but firm demeanor.

With over 4,000 employees, the City of Richmond is an "Employer of Choice" among cities throughout the nation. The City strives to hire and retain employees who bring dedication and talent to the workforce. Offering a competitive, cost effective, and quality benefits package is one element of an "Employer of Choice".

The City offers a full range of benefit programs from initial hire through retirement. Please visit our Web site for details.