Adapted Programs Specialist (Park / Rec Specialist III)

Job Announcement

Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals! The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking an Adapted Program Specialist to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With more than 25,000 acres of parkland, nine RECenters, eight golf courses, three lakefront parks, and more, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of and there are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level.

This position performs highly skilled work with individuals with disabilities. Directs and guides the work of professional and paraprofessional staff in the provision of adapted recreation activities for individuals with disabilities. Directs and monitors the planning, coordination, administration, and evaluation of several countywide programs. Researches and develops adapted recreation programs, practices, and protocols. obtains and coordinates the resource requirements of assigned programs. Prepares special studies and reports on various disability issues. Identifies, analyzes, and resolves problems. Assumes supervisor on-duty responsibilities for handling weekend and evening program problems and serves as the department liaison to a variety of project committees, teams, and community groups. Coordinates and obtains resources required for program implementation. develops community partnerships. Conducts ongoing evaluation and quality assessments of programs and analyzes findings. Recruits, interviews, hires, directs, and evaluates the work activities of program staff. Coordinates work schedules and training of all staff. Coordinates facility scheduling. Recommends policy and operational procedures. Tracks program expenditure information and completes administrative reports. Works with the agency's public information personnel in the marketing of programs and services, and performs other work as assigned.

Illustrative Duties

The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

General duties

• Conducts programs and service delivery evaluations using a variety of tools;
• Identifies deficiencies, recommends revisions, and implements recommendations using innovative strategies;
• Develops and maintains community and corporate partnerships and sponsorships or grants to provide services, funding, equipment and / or facilities;
• Develops and implements community outreach plans that target underserved populations to increase overall program participation;
• Recruits, trains, and schedules staff and volunteers;
• Plans, directs, and evaluates the work of subordinate staff;
• Participates in the development of long- and short-term goals, operating objectives, and strategies and implementation plans to improve service delivery and maximize the efficient use of parklands and recreation facilities;
• Completes and evaluates various financial, administrative, and statistical reports from daily operations;
• Develops and submits annual operating budgets and monitors revenue / expenditure levels against approved budget and targeted revenue plans;
• Ensures compliance with financial guidelines and reconciles revenue and expense reports;
• Ensures accountability for fixed assets;
• Ensures that all facilities meet quality standards for housekeeping, cleanliness, and maintenance;
• Ensures that facilities and grounds are free of safety hazards, that appropriate safety measures are implemented, and that all federal, state, and county safety standards are applied and satisfied;
• Develops and implements security guidelines to protect park facilities and the public against fire, vandalism, and other threats;
• Authorizes the procurement of supplies, equipment, or services;
• Interacts with citizens and community organizations regarding park use, maintenance, and operations, and ensures resolution of customer complaints and concerns;
• Acquires and posts all current certificates, licenses, permits, and operating requirements;
• Reviews and makes recommendations on plans for new park or facility constructions;
• Ensures compliance with established operating procedures;
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the public and County staff;

Prepares and reviews contracts for facility use and contractual services.

Operations

Ensures best practices and protocols are followed by staff through training and assessment of work.

Programming

Provides coordination and support of special activities and events.

Management

Coordinates with health, social services, legal, financial, and housing professionals to arrange and conduct special programs.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

Ability to work independently using sound judgment in the execution of the position's duties. If assigned to teen / senior positions :

Knowledge of youth-related risk factors and early identification criteria. If assigned to therapeutic recreation positions :

Working knowledge of general medical and psychiatric terminology.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following :

Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in recreation and park, therapeutic recreation, horticulture, agriculture, cultural and historic resources, or other closely related field as appropriate to the duties of the position; Plus, three years of experience in park or recreation-related work, as applicable to the position, including one year of supervisory experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Previous management experience in the provision of adapted recreation activities for individuals with disabilities.

First Aid certification. CPR certification.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS :

The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED :

Driver's License (required)

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (Required)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Sedentary with walking and lifting less than 5 lbs. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE :

Panel interview and may include exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian / Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and / or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO / AA / TTY.

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