Correctional Recreation Leader

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About Westville Correctional Facility:
The Westville Correctional Facility is a minimum/maximum security adult facility located on approximately 411 acres near Westville, Indiana in LaPorte County. It currently houses approximately 3,200 offenders.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $42,900.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Assist in the planning, development, performance and review of the facility recreation program including researching, designing, developing and executing strategies to achieve program purpose, goals and objectives.
• Assist in assuring that recreational programming includes components of leisure awareness, self-awareness, decision making, leisure skills, leisure resources, and social interaction.
• Assist in assuring that recreational programming includes activities in the areas of arts and crafts, hobbies and collecting, dance, drama, outdoor recreation, sports and games, music, service activities, social activities, mental and linguistic activities and special events using appropriate professional skills, methods and techniques.
• Work closely with educational personnel, therapeutic personnel, custody personnel and volunteer services personnel to assure that recreational programming reflects and enhances programming from these departments.
• Collaborate with operations, health care, and treatment in order to enhance the leisure environment of offenders.
• Promote positive social values and personal accountability.
• Assist in assuring that all procedures, guidelines, and standards in area of responsibility comply with the American Correctional Association standards and National Correctional Association standards.
• Maintain the accuracy of departmental records including offender evaluations.
• Assist in assessment of student recreational interests and needs.
• Perform duties as assigned by the Recreation Coordinator according to instruction and procedures.
• Respond to and report disciplinary problems arising from recreational events.
• Intervene as per policy in critical incidents preventing injury, escapes, or property damage.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Operate all job-related equipment and tools necessary to perform the job and assure that equipment is maintained.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
What We're Looking For:

• Must test negative on all drug screenings.
• Upon hire, must successfully complete all required training and certificates. This includes requirement of 40 hours in-service certifications such as CPR and First Aid training.
• Must attend and participate in training programs at least 40 hours annually.
• Must possess excellent observational skills.
• The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• A working knowledge of and ability to perform approved self-defense techniques.
• A working knowledge of community social services available and referral methods.
• A thorough knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations and guidelines for the care, treatment, and the rights of the mentally ill.
• Working knowledge of crime scene preservation.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of institutional recreation programming.
• The knowledge and skills to assist development and implementation of recreation program goals and objectives and to develop a well-rounded recreational program.
• A thorough knowledge of recreational issues, leisure planning, policies, and procedures.
• The ability to work flexible hours that could result in working any of the seven days per week and varied hours within those days.
• The ability to work within a multidisciplinary treatment team that provides a holistic treatment approach to each individual offender, providing input on offender recreational needs and progress.
• The ability to adhere to Departments' dress code and grooming requirements. This includes the ability to role model positive, mature behavior to offenders and staff at all times.
• The ability to work under emergency situations, and the ability to recognize crisis situations and react to a crisis situation in a calm, mature manner.

What You'll Need for Success:

• A thorough knowledge of Department of Correction policy and procedure.
• A thorough knowledge of, and ability to engage offenders in recreational activities at several developmental levels.
• A working knowledge of basic street slang and security threat groups.
• A working knowledge of offenders manipulation techniques.
• A working knowledge of community recreational agencies and the ability to supervise and plan the coordination of recreational programs with other related agencies.
• The ability to plan and supervise extra-curricular activities for offenders.
• The ability to interpret and react to behavior patterns and to communicate with tact and understanding in order to promote maximum student recreational development.
• The ability to tailor instructional techniques to individual needs and provide individualized instruction.
• The ability to maintain and control recreational supplies, equipment, and tools.
• Based on the determined learning level of each offender, has the ability to set and help offenders achieve their prescribed recreational and behavioral goals and objectives.
• The ability to recognize and report overt basic systems of illness, dysfunctional, and inappropriate behavior.
• The ability to work within a culturally diversified environment.
• The ability to accept supervision and constructive feedback.
• The ability to provide documentation of each individual offenders recreational performance and progress.
• The ability to positively interact with external agencies and the public.
• The ability to develop, implement, and adhere to facility procedures and Department of Correction policies.
• The ability to identify, react to, and report security concerns.
• The ability to assure that offender's daily recreational needs are being met.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role provides supervision for incarcerated individuals and requires a high level of judgment and care.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) and vision/dental coverages
• Wellness program (offers premiums discount for the medical plan)
• Health savings account (includes bi-weekly state contribution)
• Deferred compensation account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• Group life insurance
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Paid vacation, personal and sick time off
• Competitive leave policies covering a variety of employee needs
• 12 company paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• New Parent Leave
• Free Parking
• Free LinkedIn Learning

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Current Employee? Click here to apply.