Neighborhood Center Leader

Description

Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a dynamic Neighborhood Center Leader, who helps to build strong neighborhoods by working with a team of staff and volunteers to provide services, spaces, and connections for community members.

Duties include: performs professional work responsibly with general knowledge of the goals, principles, methods and techniques of the broad field of recreation; evaluates recreation needs, plans, organizes, advises, and administers programs which promote the health and wellness of participants; develops and delivers all aspects of programming, including budgeting and supervising staff/volunteers. Neighborhood center services focus on three primary areas: support for families, education, and career development. Work is performed as part of a division team, under the general supervision of the Neighborhood Centers Manager.

Essential Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leads Change

• Conducts program evaluations and participates in program and departmental planning initiatives;
• Actively seeks participant feedback to determine effectiveness of programs;
• Researches and routinely introduces new program opportunities to meet needs of citizens.

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with City Policy and applicable laws;
• Recruits and provides leadership and supervision to subordinate staff, seasonal workers, instructors, interns, and student workers, assigning and directing work for a variety of programs and populations;
• Periodically assumes additional supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the Neighborhood Centers Coordinator;
• Evaluates staff – appraising performance, including disciplining, as appropriate; addressing complaints; and resolving problems;
• Works with the Volunteer Coordinator to recruit and supervise volunteers, community work program staff and tutors;
• Plans, promotes and provides a wide variety of programs for citizens of all age groups and interests, including classes, activities, clubs, after-school programs, camps, fitness/athletic activities and special events, primarily incenters, parks and trails;
• Ensures the safety of citizens and staff by maintaining order and enforcing policies. Maintains a welcomingenvironment by upholding department values and enforcing rules. Administers routine First Aid and CPR as needed;
• Oversees the daily operation of a public recreational facility, including the efficient use of personnel, fiscal resources and space. Opens, closes and secures facilities. Inventories equipment and ensures proper maintenance and storage. Oversees and performs established custodial responsibilities. Inspects facilities and equipment for condition, cleanliness and safety, prevents supply and facility vandalism and reports facility maintenance problems immediately.

• Directs registration of participants in classes, camps and programs. Utilizes software to manage the registration process;
• Prepares budget requests for equipment/supplies, personnel and services. Prepares financial reports and program documentation to assist with the preparation of program budgets. Develops resources to support programs. Receipts, deposits and reports collection of monies. Procures supplies and services to support programs;
• Works with department staff to coordinate program publicity and preparation of marketing materials, including preparing and distributing information to the community, preparing monthly calendars and newsletters, preparing articles and public service announcements, designing flyers, appearing on radio and television shows, speaking to community groups, taking photographs and preparing displays, and providing program information for the website;
• Performs and directs general administrative tasks, including preparing reports, completing time sheets, processing payroll, maintaining files, photocopying, performing data entry, preparing correspondence, answering telephone, responding to requests for information, using data base software for management of recreation programs;
• Maintains and Develops Business Acumen;
• Incorporates health and wellness principles into center operations. Coordinates nutrition programs, including snack and lunch service, produce distribution, and education sessions;
• Maintains and develops professional and comprehensive knowledge of neighborhood services and program management.
• Skilled in public relations and public service experience;
• Thorough knowledge of the philosophies and practices of community recreation;
• Attends training meetings to include supervisory training and other professional seminars for professional development.
• Thorough knowledge of operation and daily activities of a neighborhood center;
• Ability to instruct others in group activities;
• Ability to plan and implement programs and successfully work on multiple programs simultaneously;
• Must have general knowledge of the principles of supervision.

• Works with other recreation program staff to plan, provide and evaluate special activities/events that reach a City-wide audience;
• Works collaboratively with other City staff and community partners. Creates, establishes and manages partnerships with clubs, Neighborhood Watches and Associations, community groups, schools, churches, colleges and partner organizations to identify and address citizen needs. Acts as department liaison to these groups, speaking before groups as needed. Prepares and writes agreements, memorandums of understanding for partner groups;
• Establishes and maintains positive relationships with program participants and neighborhood residents. Encourages neighborhood and community participation in programs through good will, local marketing and networking. Resolves problems involving participants, volunteers and staff;
• Periodically works in conjunction with schools and other partners in developing and supervising programs outside of the center environment;
• Communicates effectively using Microsoft and email applications.

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with City Policy and applicable laws;
• Provides leadership and supervises subordinate staff, seasonal workers, instructors, interns, and student workers assigning and directing work; processing payroll; appraising performance including disciplining as appropriate; addressing complaints and resolving problems;
• Recruits and assists with the management of work program employees, volunteers and coaches and class instructors;
• Periodically assumes additional supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the Neighborhood Centers Manager.

• When unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery.
• Assists with the Emergency Management Plan and implements as needed.

Minimum Education and Experience Required

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communication, education, parks and recreation, physical education or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. Some experience working in a recreation setting developing programs, supervising and leading staff. Some knowledge and experience in the administration of recreation programming.

Additional Requirements

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS

• Possession of valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and acceptable driving record according to City criteria.
• Must have the ability to transport themselves to and from various events, meetings, other relevant appointments and to various locations.
• Must be able to drive a vehicle at all times of the day or night.
• Ability to drive city vehicles including a 15-passenger mini bus or 12-passenger van.
• Prior to employment satisfactory checks on the following must be obtained: criminal record, Child Protective Services, driving record and employment reference checks.
• Must obtain CPR, First Aid within 6 months of employment.
• Successful completion of IS 100 and IS700 National Incident Management System (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.
• Must be able to maintain good relations with all staff, participants and other concerned groups. Must have the ability to work with and cooperate with participants, associates, and the general public.
• Must be able to manage time effectively, show work initiative and work independently.
• Must be available to work a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing and have ability to prepare written reports.
• Reliable, consistent attendance is essential to this position.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand; and walk both indoors andoutdoors for extended periods; sedentary tasks minimal; walk up and down several flights of stairs daily; reach withhands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk orhear. Must have the ability to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move equipment and supplies customary and reasonable in a recreation environment and up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Visual acuity is required for depth perception, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Vocal communication is required for conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly.
• Hearing is required to receive detailed information through oral communication and/or make fine distinctions in sound.
• Must be able to work outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather and in hot and cold outside temperatures.