RECREATION SPECIALIST - PARKS & REC

To apply for this position visit: www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofpoulsbo

DESCRIPTION

The City of Poulsbo’s Parks and Recreation Department’s vision is to be the heart of a healthy community through sustainable, safe, and diverse programs and open spaces, where all residents and visitors feel inspired to live, play, learn, and thrive. 

The department is supported by a dedicated team of 6.75 full-time employees working alongside an expansive team of over 100 instructors, recreation specialists, facility attendants, and other vital team members. This community-focused workforce operates across four primary divisions: Recreation, Parks and Trails, Special Events, and Administration. These divisions oversee approximately 1,200 annual recreation programs, manage 26 parks encompassing 170 acres of parkland, and over 5.5 miles of trails. They also coordinate over 10,000 volunteer hours each year as well as manage the permitting to support 40 annual special events within City limits. The department’s initiatives have been recognized and received awards from the National Recreation and Parks Association, Washington Recreation & Parks Association, and multiple other affiliated organizations. 

Position Overview:
Under general supervision, plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates a variety of community recreational programs. May specialize in providing overall supervision and operations for a specific program (i.e.: – seniors, sailing, art). Works with the Parks & Recreation team on special events and other programs. Will provide leadership, direction and instructions to other employees and volunteers involved in the program. This is a part time position.

The Senior and Adaptive Recreation Specialist plans, develops, and implements inclusive indoor and outdoor recreation programs that promote wellness, education, and community engagement for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This position ensures programs are accessible, adaptive, and responsive to diverse community needs. Key responsibilities include coordinating program staff, fostering beneficial community partnerships, assisting with budget review and oversight, and collaborating with the recreation team on special events and related programs. Program areas may include, but are not limited to, senior and adaptive enrichment, health, wellbeing, and fitness. The Specialist works closely with administration, participants, families and caregivers, community partners, and other stakeholders to create engaging, inclusive, and meaningful experiences. This role requires a high level of empathy, patience, and creativity, as well as a strong understanding of community resources and partnerships that support inclusive recreation. Additionally, the incumbent will serve as the Parks and Recreation Department's ADA Coordinator to assess and support accommodation requests for programming. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCATIONS

Job Duties:
This job description reflects general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all- inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

• Under general supervision plans, promotes, and implements all components of the assigned program, which includes coordinating, administering, and evaluating recreational programs and rental programs.
• Assist with the development of program plans that include purpose, budget, audience, logistics, schedules, and evaluation metrics.
• Provides on-site leadership and instruction to program participants in programs and activities in assigned areas.
• Assists in scheduling and supervising the work of program staff and volunteers.
• Proactively identifies opportunities to improve systems, processes, and services.
• Maintains records related to program implementation, operations, attendance, and performance measures.
• Inspects program equipment and facilities for safety hazards and recommends or takes corrective action.
• Ensures activities comply with Federal, State, and Local laws, regulations, rules and/or standards, as well as City and departmental policies, procedures, and regulations. 
• Evaluates and recommends new and existing adult and youth community recreation programs, classes, and camps, considering factors such as Department goals and objectives, community need, and industry trends.
• Assists with grant applications and grant reporting.
• All employees may be required to perform emergency response duties in the event of a local emergency or disaster and are required to participate as part of the City's emergency operations. 
• All employees share responsibility for maintaining a workplace culture that promotes respect, dignity, and professionalism toward colleagues, community members, and the residents we serve. 
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Knowledge of ADA compliance and accessibility standards. 
• Knowledge of safety practices with fitness related activities. 
• Knowledge of the programs, preferred practices, and industry trends to effectively plan and implement assigned areas of programming.
• Knowledge and skill in behavior management and understanding of chronic conditions (e.g., dementia, Parkinson's). 
• Ability to adapt activities for varying ability levels. 
• Ability to anticipate and plan for personnel, equipment, facility, material, and other needs to ensure program success.
• Ability to assist with creating and innovating to meet the needs of the community through the development of programs, procedures, and supplies including rentals.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work to meet schedules and timelines.
• Skill in leadership and supervisory skills for managing staff and volunteers. 
• Skill in strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with diverse populations. 
• Skill in leading recreational programs for all ages, gender, economic backgrounds, and cultures, interacting with participants of all ages in a positive and courteous manner.
• Work independently and make critical decisions with minimal supervision; organize and set priorities; accurately proofread and verify data.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers and supervisors. Use discretion, tact, courtesy, and patience in public and inter-office contacts.
• Identifies opportunities and issues, and acts to capitalize on or resolve them for the benefit of the organization’s services.
• Ability to understand and follow policies, procedures, codes and other rules and regulations related to work assignments, including City personnel rules and procedures.
• Effective communication, both written and oral.
• Ability to independently perform all the duties of the position and meet the physical demands of the recreation activity.
• Demonstrated punctuality and reliability in work habits.

• Work is performed in an office environment, recreation facilities, and outdoors at various parks and properties.
• Some work will be performed in settings with exposure to varying environmental and weather conditions.
• The position will occasionally be required to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• This position is expected to work an irregular schedule that includes some evenings and weekends as dictated by City programs and special events.
• This position may require you to work with youth and vulnerable adults with limited or no supervision. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree in Parks and Recreation, Education, Leisure Studies, Occupational Therapy, or related field; OR
• Two (2) years of increasing responsibility of overseeing recreational or community programming; OR
• Any combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job.

• Experience working with Senior populations. 
• Experience working with Adaptive Programs for individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities. 
• Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, Exercise Science, Special Education, Occupational Therapy or a similar filed. 
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). 
• Group Fitness or Personal Training Certifications (e.g., ACE, NASM, ACSM) focus on Fitness. 
• Adaptive Fitness Certifications (e.g., Adaptive Training Academy). 
• Municipal government experience preferred.
• Strong interest and background in Parks & Recreation preferred.

• Certification in CPR, First Aid, blood borne pathogens, and AED (or obtained within 90 days of hire).
• Valid Washington State driver’s license or ability to obtain a license within one (1) month of employment. 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

• All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. However, some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
• While requirements may be representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and abilities to perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
• This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties required by their supervisor.