Recreation Specialist

DEFINITION

To plan, organize, publicize and conduct outreach programs and recreation activities for various age groups; to supervise and monitor children indoors and outdoors.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management recreation staff.

May exercise functional and technical supervision over temporary/part-time employees.

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS -- Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Two years of experience in planning, organizing and implementing recreation programs.

Training:

An Associate's Degree in recreation, social services or a related field is preferred.

License or Certificate

Possession of a valid, appropriate California Driver's License.

Possession of a First Aid and CPR certificate.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions may vary from day-to-day but will include working in an office environment,

working outdoors in sun, heat, fog and rain, at night and on weekends and some holidays. Subject sitting

in an office environment for prolonged time. Occasionally subjected to long periods of standing and

walking outdoors, and occasional exposure to the outdoor elements in a park or recreational environment.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CHARACTERISTICS

Essential and marginal functions may require physical, mental and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; manual dexterity sufficient to write, use telephone, computer, business machines, and assemble games, toys and other small pieces of recreation equipment as required; vision sufficient to detect and distinguish between different colors, read fine print and visual display terminals; hearing sufficient to conduct conversations occasionally over the noise of groups of people, in-person and using the telephone; speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversational distance, occasionally in crowds of people and for addressing groups; physical agility to push/pull, squat, leap, jump, run for short distances, twist, turn bend stoop, and reach overhead; physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment, control a group of young children, walk on uneven surfaces; physical strength to lift 20 lbs. from the floor and occasionally up to 50 pounds, of boxes containing equipment and recreation materials; physical stamina sufficient to stand, walk and/or sit for prolonged periods of time; mental acuity to collect interpret and analyze data, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions.

Essential Functions :

1. Assist in the development of a comprehensive recreation activities and services program.
2. Assist in planning, scheduling and coordinating logistics for programs, events, and activities.
3. Assist in publicizing programs, to include writing public service announcements and press releases, designing, ordering and distributing flyers and/or newsletters; assist in the preparation of program correspondence and advertising materials.
4. Provide assistance to customers at the front desk; respond to inquiries, requests, and complaints concerning City and recreation programs; accept payments for recreation programs, classes, and rentals; balance cash and create daily deposits.
5. Develop and maintain contact with individuals, schools, and organizations that serve youth for networking, referrals and joint program planning.
6. Assist in a variety of recreation and social programs planned for various ages.
7. Meet and work with community groups to promote and stimulate recreation programs in the community.
8. Maintain up to date records on program expenditures.
9. Assist in the hiring, training, supervising and evaluating temporary/part-time employees and volunteers.
10. Coordinate contracted instructor class schedules, submit warrants for payment for program instructors, contracted services, and facility deposit returns.
11. Prepare, type, word process and proofread a variety of documents; , including general correspondence, forms, agendas, reports, memoranda, resolutions, purchasing records, staff logs, time sheets, and monthly statistics from rough draft or verbal instruction.
12. Create, design, and proofread a variety of advertising materials for programs, activities, and events.
13. Prepare, maintain, and verify a variety of files and records; develop and monitor various logs, accounts, and files for current and accurate information.
14. Assist in the development of assigned recreation program budget.
15. Collect and record registration fees and maintain accurate balances; post and receive registration for recreation programs.
16. Assist in maintaining facility schedules; accept payments and organize staffing and maintenance for facility rentals.
17. Perform and/or oversee the set-up and breakdown of equipment for activities; organize volunteers to assist with programs.
18. Set up supplies and equipment for all programs and classes at assigned facility; clean up facility as necessary following each activity.

Marginal Functions :

1. May establish continuing dialogue with young people; identify at-risk youth; gain trust through advocacy; provide information and referral on peer support groups and other resources available in the community.
2. May directly supervise a recreation facility.
3. May participate in neighborhood activities such meeting and special events.
4. May be assigned special administrative projects, reports, or duties.
5. Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of :

Recreation Division rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Principles and practices of planning and promoting recreational and educational programs.

Operations and usage of recreation facilities and parks.

Methods of networking with local community resources.

Techniques used in public relations and customer relations.

Recreation and social service programs and activities for young people.

Basic business letter writing and basic report preparation techniques.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Principles and procedures of record keeping and filing.

Basic bookkeeping principles and practices.

English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Ability to :

Effectively organize and coordinate large numbers of people and multiple events.

Train, coordinate and direct assigned staff.

Express initiative and patience in encouraging participation.

Perform basic mathematical calculations.

Respond calmly and effectively to emergency situations.

Work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.

Be responsible and reliable in leading activities.

Successfully interact with a wide variety of people and personalities.

Assist with program and event planning.

Follow applicable policies and procedures when implementing recreation programs.

Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.

Operation of a personal computer with proficiency using word processing and spreadsheet programs.

Create and edit letters, advertisements, flyers, brochures, guides, forms, and reports.

Maintain a variety of records and reports.

Deal with problems using understanding, tact and patience.

Organize activities and games.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.