Assistant Recreation Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, assists a Recreation Specialist in directing recreational programs and activities for various age groups in Recreation Centers, parks and other sites throughout the City; leads participants in a variety of recreational programs and activities; chaperons field trips, hikes, and other organized activities and games; assists in supervising the activities of children and adults in City recreation facilities; assists in cleaning and maintaining recreation facilities and equipment as necessary.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Organizes and directs recreation programs - Assists Recreation Specialist in planning, organizing and leading a variety of recreation programs and activities; provides instructions to program participants and directs them in the principles, rules, practices, etc. of the specific activity or program in which they are participating; demonstrates methods and techniques to participants as required; researches available materials to learn about or maintain an awareness of developing trends, new techniques or methods, changes, etc., and communicates necessary or useful information to participants.

Monitors program participants – Evaluates the individual needs and abilities of program participants in order to tailor programs to each individual or group; monitors the performance and progress of each individual in order to identify any modifications which might be necessary; observes participants to ensure that activities are properly performed and that equipment and supplies are correctly used; chaperons field trips, hikes, organized games and activities, etc.; renders emergency first aid to injured or stricken participants as needed.

Manages recreation facility – Supervises recreation facility events and activities in order to ensure orderly conduct, resolves disputes, etc.; enforces facility rules and ejects unruly or unauthorized individuals as necessary; patrols facilities to detect damage or needed repair, and reports same to appropriate authorities; supervises exercise/weight room facilities and monitors individual use and safety; checks and maintains exercise equipment for repair, safety, and routine cleaning; assists in cleaning and maintaining facilities; orders and maintains necessary supplies, materials, and equipment; checks in/out recreation equipment/games; opens, closes, and secures facility.

Coordinates recreation facility use – Organizes and schedules events and activities (e.g. tournaments, field trips, etc.), makes reservations for participants, and otherwise coordinates the use of recreation facilities; greets patrons and informs them of activity and event schedules, registration requirements, facility rules, etc.; keeps attendance records or otherwise maintains information regarding facility use and participants; arranges equipment, supplies, tables and chairs, etc. in designated rooms or other areas to prepare for scheduled activities.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Supervision – Assists Recreation Specialist in supervising the activities of subordinates (interns, summer workers, volunteers etc.) in the daily performance of their assigned duties, including monitors the activities of subordinates in order to ensure adherence to departmental rules and regulations, safety procedures, etc.; provides oversight and assistance with recreation programs and facilities. Assists Recreation Specialist in supervising summer youth activities and events.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of recreation program development – Knowledge of the principles and practices employed in defining program needs, and planning, developing, implementing and managing individualized or group programs; knowledge of instructional methods and techniques used in the preparation and delivery of individualized or group programs; knowledge of resources available for the development of specialized programs; knowledge of the techniques and methods used to assess, evaluate and monitor the physical and mental capabilities of program participants, and to tailor programs or activities accordingly.

Knowledge of recreation program rules, concepts, etc. – Knowledge of the rules, concepts, techniques, etc. which apply to a variety of recreation programs and activities, and the physical and mental capabilities required to participate in such activities; knowledge of common recreation activities such as arts and crafts, games, tournaments, physical fitness, etc.

Knowledge of recreation facilities and equipment – Knowledge of the facilities, equipment and supplies required for the effective administration of recreation programs; knowledge of the safe and proper use of required equipment, materials, supplies, etc.

Knowledge of basic safety procedures – Knowledge of the principles and practices for ensuring the safety of recreation program participants; ability to recognize symptoms or situations requiring medical attention; basic knowledge of emergency first aid procedures (e.g., CPR).

Knowledge of supervisory practices and techniques - Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective supervision; knowledge of methods and practices of training subordinates in a variety of areas for the improvement of performance.

Interpersonal skills – Skill in communicating with a wide variety of people to provide general information, recommend activities or programs, offer encouragement, etc.; ability to apply positive reinforcement and motivational techniques and methods in counseling and advising program participants; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with the public and other employees; ability to enforce recreation facility rules and regulations, and to appropriately discipline offenders; ability to resolve conflicts between individuals and/or groups.

Knowledge of record-keeping procedures – Knowledge of the procedures and requirements for the accurate completion of a variety of forms and/or reports; knowledge of the appropriate distribution, maintenance and location of records and reports.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position consists of primarily medium work, requiring the incumbent to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds (or less) of force frequently, in order to lift/carry, push/pull, or otherwise move objects. A description of the specific physical requirements associated with this position is maintained on file in the Human Resources office for review upon request.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

This position uses relevant principles and procedures to solve practical problems and to deal with a variety of concrete variables in situation where only limited standardization exists. A description of the specific mental requirements associated with this position is maintained on file in the Human Resources office for review upon request.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Graduation from a standard high school or equivalent, and EITHER:

OR

Must participate in CPR training and acquire CPR Certification, at the City’s expense, during the probationary period. Must maintain a valid CPR Certification by renewing within the timeframe (annually, bi-annually, etc.) set forth by the certifying organization (i.e. – American Red Cross).

Must be willing to work flexible hours and occasional Saturdays.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

None indicated.

HYBRID WORK ELIGIBILITY

This position is ineligible for hybrid work.