Recreation Leader – Specialized Programs

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Specialized Program of Seattle Parks and Recreation offers year-round activities for people with disabilities ages 4 and older. Our goal is to provide recreation opportunities for people who choose to participate in activities designated and conducted by trained staff.

This position organizes, plans, implements and leads recreation activities such as fitness, health, drama, music, camping, field trips, aquatics, special events and athletic sport teams. This position coordinates seasonal programs or special activities for City-wide recreation programs for people with special needs.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides quality recreational opportunities for people with disabilities in a Parks and Recreation setting.
• Collaborates with department staff, outside agencies, schools, and the public to offer programs and explore partnership opportunities.
• Recommends new programming ideas or program improvements to better meet the needs of people with special needs.
• Plans, coordinates and leads indoor/outdoor recreational activities, special events, and social activities.
• Candidate will have knowledge and applied skills in adaptive physical education, organized games, therapeutic exercise,
• Special Olympics sports & tournaments, after-school programs, weekend programs, with the primary focus on developing life skills through recreational activities for individuals of all ages with disabilities.
• Assists participants in wheelchairs and/or with dressing, feeding, toileting; operating adaptive equipment as needed.
• Secures and maintains all materials and equipment for assigned programs. Supervises program participants in facilities or in public, maintaining the department’s quality and safety standards and maintains order and discipline.
• Assists in the development and monitoring of the program’s budget and cash handling.
• Collects program information such as participant applications, personal data, program records, statistics, receipts, and other records.
• Assists in developing partnerships with outside agencies and volunteers that will benefit the program.
• Solicits information from participants and communities on recreation needs/desires.
• Supervises youth and adult sports activities and maintains order and discipline.
• Monitors performance of volunteers, coaches, Recreation Attendants, and sports officials during these activities.
• Responds to comments, questions, and complaints from program participants.
• Collects program applications and fees as needed; prepares receipts and records payments. Observes necessary precautions to secure the safety of recreation participants and spectators, and renders routine first aid in cases of minor injury.
• Maintains such records as attendance, program activities, and volunteer participation.
• Prepares weekly report of all activities.
• Prepares promotional materials for the program such as brochures, fliers, and posters.
• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications: 
Requires one year experience in a community-based recreation program and an associate degree in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, or related field (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).
A current, valid Washington Driver’s License is required and First Aid and CPR Certificates required within six months of hire.

Desired Qualifications: The most successful candidates will have:

• Experience working with people with a variety of disabilities; including physical and cognitive, in a recreation or educational environment.
• Two years of experience in planning, implementing, and leading recreation programs for youth, teens and adults with disabilities.
• Two years of experience working in a special needs recreation setting (Camps, Community Centers, Boys and Girls Clubs etc.)
• One year of experience working with staff and volunteers.
• One year of experience providing excellent customer service, and ability to communicate information clearly in written and oral styles.
• Basic computer skills including competence in MS Word, Excel and MS Outlook.
• Candidates must possess the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple tasks, changing priorities and attention to detail with excellent organizational skills.
• Experience in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Candidate should possess the ability to work effectively as a team member and excellent problem solving skills.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Toileting / changing diaper / cleaning up participants, male or female.
• Feeding participants unable to feed themselves
• Some participants are in wheelchairs and may need to be transferred.
• Ability to intervene if a participant has a behavior issues.
• May be required to work evenings, weekends and overnight programs.
• Requires working outdoors in all types of weather.
• Normally required to lift up to 50 pounds.
• May require strenuous physical activity.
• Programs are in multiple Community Centers; transporting equipment to program locations is required.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The Seattle Human Resources Department values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.

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