Specialized Recreation Leader - Temporary

Pierce County Parks manages over 5,000 acres of open space, trails, developed and undeveloped parks. We provide recreational programs and infrastructure in active and passive parks and along trails. The department consists of four divisions: Recreation, Maintenance, Administration and Resource Stewardship. Our mission is to be a leader in creating livable communities by providing opportunities for people to connect with nature, live healthy lifestyles, enjoy vibrant community spaces, and learn about sustainable practices.

Learn more about the Pierce County Parks Department here.

What is Specialized Recreation?

Specialized Recreation is a program that facilitates a variety of fun, exciting, and safe social and recreational activities for people with disabilities in our community. Through camps, clubs, sports, Special Olympics, and more, we aim to provide a wide selection of accessible and inclusive opportunities. Learn more about Specialized Recreation at Pierce County here.

How to be Successful in This Role

Are you someone passionate about social activities, helping others, and planning and implementing recreation programs? If so, this may be a wonderful role for you to use your skillset and interests to support our Specialized Recreation participants. Your knowledge and experience working with people of all ages and various needs will be helpful as you lead programing for people with differing abilities. Your capacity to problem-solve, work with the public in a tactful manner, and use your organizational skills while remaining flexible, will be critical to your success.

Position Summary:

• This program is part of our Specialized Recreation Program, designed for individuals ages 8 and up with special needs During the school year, we primarily serve individuals aged 22 to 60. In the summer, we offer camps and programs that cater to a younger age range. 
• This role typically has two schedule options, with some crossover to support programming.
  1. Weekday schedule – typically Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
  2. Weekend and evening schedule – typically evening hours between 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and varying hours on weekends.

Note: These are temporary positions and are not eligible for benefits.

Core Daily Responsibilities

• Assist Coordinator & staff with planning, preparing, implementing, and leading programs and activities
• Participate in staff meetings/trainings
• Maintain a clean, safe, and inclusive environment throughout each activity
• Assist participants with daily tasks onsite and within the community
• Direct family questions and comments to appropriate avenue
• Perform other duties as assigned by the coordinator

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and experience working with people with disabilities in a recreational and/or work setting
• Knowledge and experience working with people of all ages with various needs
• Ability to problem solve, work with the public in a tactful manner, and possess organizational skills while remaining flexible 
• Ability to exercise mature judgment to ensure safety and enjoyment by program participants; lead both large and small group activities; maintain effective working relationships with staff, parents and volunteers; follow written and oral directions; shifts vary

Minimum Qualifications

• 18 years of ag or older
• High School diploma or GED
• Must have valid driver's license and be comfortable driving a 12-passenger bus
• Must have a current CPR/First Aid certification required within 30 days of employment
• Work or volunteer experience with individuals with disabilities is preferred (experience can be through school, family, camps, childcare, church, or volunteering)

Preferred Qualifications

• Active or previous participation in a recreation programming setting is preferred (experience can be through school, camps, childcare, church, or volunteering)

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:   www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.  Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?

Salary : $20