Recreation Specialist - Youth Programs (Zanewood Recreation Center)

Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks Department is looking for highly motivated, team-oriented and enthusiastic individuals who have a desire to make difference in youth programs to help increase participation and eliminate barriers. Youth programs for youth 5 – 12 years old. A Recreation Specialist is responsible for assisting with the implementation of youth mobile recreation and outreach programs and will work under the general supervision of the Recreation Program Supervisor and Youth Programs Specialist.

A Recreation Specialist will assist with implementing youth, teen mobile recreation, special events in the community, supervision of participants and staff and outreach opportunities in the community. We are looking for team members who enjoy being outside, working in a fast-paced environment, interacting with youth, and teens. As a team member of the Recreation and Parks team you will work together to develop innovative programs focused on quality partnerships and achieving successful results.

Application Deadline:  This job posting will be open until filled.  If you have interest in this position, it is highly recommended that you apply as soon as possible upon seeing the announcement as the vacancy may close without notice.

• Engage youth in sports, arts, science, literacy, nature, team building and events
• Engage existing and potential community partners in youth programs
• Implement, plan, and evaluate recreational activities for youth under 13 years old
• Implement programs at various special events in the City of Brooklyn Park
• Assist in supervision of youth program locations and participants 
• Recruit and register youth to participate in youth programs
• Assist in reporting deliverables to Recreation Supervisor and Youth Programs Specialist
• Assist in evaluation of youth program locations, participants and staff  
• Assist with duties in youth programs such as data entry
• Attend all staff development/training programs and staff meetings
• Assist with building and park clean-up after each event
• Work collaboratively with all team members to establish a welcoming, engaging and supportive environment for youth, parents and community members 
• Maintain order and assure participants are following set policies
• Understand and implement Center of Disease Control and Minnesota Department of Health guidance 
• Understand policies and procedures to ensure safe environment exists for all participants; complete required reports
• Report any accident and assist with completing the required reports
• Appropriately handle and report incidents to the Prevention & Intervention Specialist and Youth Services Manager and/or police officer
• Participate in First Aid and Emergency training when provided
• Other job duties as assigned

Education
High school diploma or equivalent

Experience
18 years of age or older

Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to interact with youth in a caring, responsible and professional manner
• Ability to maturely and appropriately respond to any emergency or incident that may arise
• Ability to communicate effectively and respond with tact and courtesy
• Ability to load and unload supplies and recreation equipment 
• Ability to maintain order and security
• Ability to effectively work with youth and others
• Ability to be a strong and positive leader with the youth, families, partners and peers
• Ability to make rational decisions based on established policy and procedure
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Prepare for, lead, and clean-up after program activities and events
• Ability to relate and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets/exceeds customer expectations
• Embrace and engage in cultural shift toward Continuous Improvement

Desired Qualifications

• Coursework, classes or training leading to a college degree in Recreation, Education, Human Services, or related field
• 21 years of age or older
• Experience supervising seasonal staff and volunteers
• Experience in leading arts, sports, team activities, outdoor games and science activities
• Experience working with young people with disabilities  
• Experience working with at risk youth from a variety of cultural backgrounds
• Experience working in youth development activities with teens and/or youth
• Experience working with mobile recreation/outreach, youth sports, camps, clinics or sports leagues
• Previous successful experience working with the public and providing customer service
• Previous experience working with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Laotian or Vietnamese language(s)
• A valid driver's license

Background Check
The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.
 
About Brooklyn Park
Brooklyn Park is a thriving northwestern suburb of Minneapolis and the sixth largest city in the state with over 86,000 residents and 30,000 jobs. As the 11th fastest growing city in Minnesota, the city has become even more vibrant because of our remarkable racial and cultural diversity. Fifty-four percent of residents are people of color, 22 percent are foreign-born, and more than a quarter speak a language other than English at home.
Our Vision, Values and GoalsDepartment/Division: 
Recreation and Parks Department/Zanewood Recreation Center
 
Anticipated Work Schedule: 
This is a seasonal non-benefited position; may work up to 39 hrs. per week; work shifts will primarily be between Monday – Friday 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and may include some evenings, and some weekends.  Summer Hours - Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and may include some evenings, and some weekends.

Anticipated Hiring Wage:  $15.39 starting wage with no experience.  With additional desired qualifications, pay is up to $24.40 per hour, depending on qualifications

Limited Benefits:  

• Earned Safe & Sick Leave mandated by the state - Employees earn one hour of Sick Leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 48 hours of Sick Leave per year.  This specific leave applies to all employees (including temporary and part-time employees) performing for at least 80 hours in a year for the City.  

Salary : $15 - $24