Special Needs Coordinator

This position is responsible for organizing, promoting, conducting, and supervising recreational programs, activities, and related events for special populations, primarily the developmentally disabled and elderly, in a large or multi-faceted activity center or park for all ages and abilities.

Work is normally performed under the general supervision of the Recreation Administrator. This position is responsible for supervising the Special Needs Programs Specialist and Special Needs Aides.

This position is classified as an exempt, full-time position with a 40 hour work-week.

• Plans, coordinates, supervises and conducts specialized recreational programs and activities for special populations, including the developmentally disabled and elderly.
• Plans, organizes and directs the City’s participation in Special Olympics competition and maintains contact with Special Olympics organizations.
• Develops and coordinates an expanding flexible calendar of programs, sports and events for all segments, groups and interest levels in the community.
• Promotes programs and related events at the facility through the development of flyers, newsletters, advertisements, special mailers, press releases, brochures, posters, videos and other forms of publicity.
• Coordinates aspects of programming and related events, e.g. food, beverages, games, prizes, entertainment, public information, operating materials and supplies, facilities and room scheduling, registrations, etc. 
• Researches and responds to community needs/requests regarding creation of new programs, sports and events. 
• Plans and develops programming, and operations budgets for approval and implementation; adheres to approved/established budgetary parameters.
• Assists in the researching, soliciting, and preparing of grants from local, state, and national private or public agencies that support programs and events.
• Assists with the preparation of request for proposals. 
• Solicits instructors, volunteers and support staff necessary to support programs and associated events; performs advertising, recruitment, interviewing, and selection tasks.
• Solicits sponsorship for programming from local business enterprises and similar entities, e.g. corporate sponsorships, private support.

• Promotes good will by interacting with neighborhood and activity interest groups and with other agencies that serve the recreational needs and interest of the community.
• Establishes and maintains contacts with agencies and organizations serving the developmentally disabled and elderly; represents department on committees concerned with compliance with Federal, State and Local regulations and guidelines for serving special populations.
• Serves as staff liaison to Advisory Boards as assigned and adheres to policies based on recommendations made by appointment Board Members. 
• Plans, organizes, coordinates and supervises the work of assigned full and part-time staff; directs the selection process and evaluates the work of assigned staff.

Additional Duties:

• Assists in the actual production of special events, checks, schedules, maintains and oversees use of facilities, equipment and supplies for assigned activity.
• Assists in the planning and execution of all city-wide special events.
• Meets with local schools and civic organizations for the recruitment of volunteers.
• Observes necessary precautions to secure the safety of park guests and maintains discipline during special events and activities.
• Maintains and prepares reports to include information about programs, sports and events, attendance, and property damage and accidents. 
• Provides motivation and training; develops schedules and methods for performing assigned duties.

• Meets with members of the general public to facilitate rental of the facility for private functions.

• Performs high level administrative and clerical tasks.
• Assists with departmental park projects as assigned by the Parks and Recreation Director. 
• Performs other duties assigned by the Parks and Recreation Director.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• A Bachelor’s Degree in recreation administration, leisure services, program management, public administration, business administration or a related field; required. 
• Possess at least two (2) years paid, full-time work experience in planning, organizing, promoting and supervising a wide variety of adult and/or youth programming activities and related events.  
• Must Possess a valid Florida Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS REQUIRED

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to develop and execute a well-rounded program of recreational, cultural and educational special events and activities.
• Ability to get along with others and work effectively with the public and fellow workers.
• Considerable knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Must possess excellent customer service skills and be able to establish good customer relations. Must have an ability to deal with people effectively, courteously and enthusiastically.
• Must be computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Word, WordPerfect or a similar work processing program.
• Ability to perform several tasks at one time.
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Must be fluent in the English language.  Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus.
• Must be non-smoker.
• Applicants must also complete all requirements established by the City of Doral for employment.  This may include, but is not limited to, a written examination, a psychological exam, a polygraph examination, a comprehensive background investigation and a job-related medical examination including a drug screening test.

• The minimum requirements may be waived by the City Manager.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to balance, climb, crouch, feel, finger, grasp, handle, perceive sound, make rational decisions, pull, reach, make repetitive motions with the hands, express ideas through talking; use visual acuity to perform activities such as viewing a computer terminal or operating heavy equipment.
• Ability to walk from one work site to another.

Salary : $59,768 - $92,641