Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:
Activity Specialist (Salary: $20.80 per hour):

• Must be at least 18 years of age with a High School diploma/ GED , and no experience required.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Appropriate certifications as specified for the assignment.
• May require certification in CPR , First Aid, Water Safety Instruction, or other areas as specified for the assigned class.
• Texas Class "C" Driver or Commercial Driver license if required for the assignment

Notes to Applicants
The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department ( PARD ) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The Inclusion & Adaptive Programs Activity Specialist is a temporary/seasonal staff position scheduled to work between 20 and 40 hours per week in a recreation programs setting specializing in adaptive programming for special needs students and participants.

Recreation Center locations include:*
North Austin Work Sites:

• Gustavo "Gus" L Garcia Recreation Center
• Hancock Recreation Center
• Northwest Recreation Center
• Virginia L Brown Recreation Center
• Pickfair Community Center
• Alamo Recreation Center
• Dottie Jordan Recreation Center

Central Austin Work Sites:

• Austin Recreation Center
• Metz Recreation Center
• Givens Recreation Center
• Oswaldo A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center
• Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center
• Turner-Roberts Recreation Center
• Delores Duffie Recreation Center
• Lorraine "Grandma" Camacho Activity Center
• Danny G McBeth Recreation Center

South Austin Work Sites:

• Dittmar Recreation Center
• Dove Springs Recreation Center
• Montopolis Recreation Center
• South Austin Recreation Center

Please note your location preference in the supplemental section of your application. Location requests will be honored on an availability basis and the hiring manager will make the final decision on work site location.
Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as "See Resume" will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
• Driving Requirement: This position requires a Texas Class C Texas Drivers License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin's Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) requisite . To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
• Military/Veteran Preference for Interview Process: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
• Physical Requirements : Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant's needs and safety issues. Possess the ability to work outdoors in any and all types of weather and/or inclement conditions.
• Work/Location Schedule Notes: May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays. Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs. May be required to work at various work locations.

Other Information:

• Application Status Communication: Please note that you will be contacted if you are selected to move forward in the hiring process. Once the department is no longer hiring for this position, you may receive a notification informing you the position is closed and the hiring process is concluded.
• Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
• All PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Experience implementing adapted recreational activities to individuals and groups of individuals with disabilities from ages six (6) years old to adult.
• Experience in leading and/or instructing one or more of the following types of recreational programming:
  • Recreational Games and Activities (Outdoors)
  • Sports/Athletic Programs
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Team Building
  • Therapeutic Recreation/Inclusion/Special Education.

Preferred Skills/Knowledge:

• Ability to fluently communicate (reading, writing, speaking) in English and Spanish.
• Knowledge of games, arts and crafts, sports, dancing, cooking, swimming, etc.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Develops, markets, schedules, implements, conducts, and coordinates Citywide activities, programs, and special events.

Coaches and officiates sporting activities.

Ensures all events and activities conform to appropriate safety rules.

Modifies classes and workshops to accommodate individuals with a variety of disabilities.

Prepares and reviews payments, cash receipts, billing, or other accounting transactions by verifying documentation and accurately completing transactions.

Coordinates with other organizations. Solicits donations.

Transports and/or accompanies program and event participants.

Provides participants and the general public with information.

Completes and maintains forms, records, and reports.

Ensures proper facility and equipment set up and maintenance.

Maintains inventory of supplies, tools, equipment, trophies, prizes, and mementos.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed..

• Knowledge of recreational programs and activities.
• Knowledge of City practices and policies and Local laws and procedures.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Ability to plan, market, and promote programs.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the City and the public.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.