Specialized Programs- Recreation Leader

Position Description
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens, and swimming pools. Our mission is to provide welcoming and safe opportunities to play, learn, contemplate, and build community and promote responsible stewardship of the land. We promote healthy people, a healthy environment, and strong communities. We strive to deliver excellent customer service to each visitor and participant. SPR is also deeply committed to advancing the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) by working to end institutional and structural racism.

SPR's Recreation Division eliminates barriers through responsive, exceptional recreation services. We operate over 50 recreation facilities (community centers, teen centers, pools, school-based learning centers, environmental learning centers, boating and sailing centers) and provide opportunities for people to play, learn, and lead healthy, active lives. Our programs and events include fitness and athletics, licensed childcare and preschool, swimming and boating, youth development and job preparation, academic enrichment, and more -- including programs designed for older adults and people with disabilities, as well as grant and partnership programs designed and implemented with communities.

Our commitment: SPR commits to Our City Values, Workplace Expectations , and Racial Equity and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We support and hold ourselves accountable by striving to eliminate barriers to access and provide employees with equitable opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Job Responsibilities
Here is more about what you'll be doing:

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. 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.

Monitor's performance of volunteers, coaches, Recreation Attendants, and sports officials during these activities. Responds to comments, questions, and complaints from program participants. 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 ex perience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Desired Qualifications:

• 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 need's 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. Ability to use basic American Sign Language. Acquire Food Handler's Permit. De-Escalation skills and use of AAC devices.

Licensing/Certification

• Current Washington State driver's license.
• First Aid and CPR Certificate required within six months of employment.
• May be required to work evenings and weekends and overnight.

Additional Information

The full salary range for this position is $20.75to $33.33 per hour.

Application Process
Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Who May Apply : This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle Parks and Recreation 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. Seattle Parks and Recreation encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance , SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3 (Download PDF reader) . A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020 . Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation time, 12 paid holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans .

Want to know more about Parks and Recreation? Check out our web page: Seattle Parks and Recreation - Parks | seattle.gov

SPR's Core Competencies are:

Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making and promoting high-quality standards.

Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City's commitment to workforce equity.

Communication : Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.

Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.

Teamwork : Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
"Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov

Closing Date/Time: 9/5/2023 4:00 PM Pacific