Recreation Programs Specialist (Inclusion Unit/Two Positions/Parks And Recreation Department)

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation with an associate degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation or a related field, plus one (1) year of experience related to the development and implementation of the assigned programs.
• Experience may substitute for the education up to a maximum of two (2) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Appropriate certifications as specified for the assignment.
• May require certification in CPR , First Aid, Water Safety Instruction, or other areas as specified for the assigned class.
• Texas Class “C” Driver or Commercial Driver license if required for the assignment.

Notes to Applicants
The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department ( PARD ) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.
The purpose of the Recreation Program Specialist position supports all McBeth Recreation Center programs and activities providing services directly to persons with disabilities or in need of special modifications in order to participate in PARD programs and activities. The Recreation Program Specialist is responsible for developing, scheduling, marketing, implementing, and evaluating youth, adult, senior and outreach programs, sports skills programs, adult trips, and special events. Coordinates with other organizations as necessary to implement programs and activities.
Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
• Virtual Interviews: PARD may conduct virtual interviews.
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
• Driving Requirement: This position requires a valid Texas Class “B” Commercial Driver License ( CDL ) with passenger endorsement or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Other Information:

• Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you will drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
• 90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Pay Range
$22.40 - $25.48 per hour.
Hours
Work/Location Schedule Notes:

• Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
• May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.

Job Close Date 01/12/2024 Type of Posting External Department Parks and Recreation Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 2401 Columbus Dr. Austin, TX 78746 Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Education/Experience:

• Experience working specifically with Youth (5 - 12 years of age), Teens (13 - 18 years of age), adults (18-60) and seniors (60+) with disabilities in a professional recreational setting.
• Experience in recruiting, training, and supervising temporary employees, contract workers, instructors and/or volunteer/volunteer groups.
• Experience creating, editing, and producing promotional/marketing materials such as flyers, brochures, and social media (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook).
• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating inclusive Recreation Programs, adaptive sport activities (i.e., Special Olympics, wheelchair sports, modified swimming, etc.) and community events.
• Experience with RecTrac or other recreation/database management software program.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Currently credentialed by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist ( CTRS ) or have the ability to obtain the certification within six (6) months of hire.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one location.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Develops, markets, schedules, implements, conducts, and coordinates Citywide activities, programs, and special events. Coaches and officiates sporting activities. Ensures all events and activities conform to appropriate safety rules. Modifies classes and workshops to accommodate individuals with a variety of disabilities. Prepares and reviews payments, cash receipts, billing, or other accounting transactions by verifying documentation and accurately completing transactions. Coordinates with other organizations. Solicits donations. Transports and/or accompanies program and event participants. Provides participants and the general public with information. Completes and maintains forms, records, and reports. Ensures proper facility and equipment set up and maintenance. Maintains inventory of supplies, tools, equipment, trophies, prizes, and mementos.
Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of recreational programs and activities.
• Knowledge of City practices and policies and Local laws and procedures.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Ability to plan, market, and promote programs.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the City and the public.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or TTY (512) 974-2445.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* This position requires graduation with an associate degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation or a related field, plus one (1) year of experience related to the development and implementation of the assigned programs. Experience may substitute for the education up to a maximum of two (2) years. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* In reviewing the preferred qualifications section of this job posting, please describe in 500 words or less how you meet those preferred qualifications.
(Open Ended Question)
* Which of the following best describes your proficiency with Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point and Outlook?

• No experience.
• Basic: create/edit simple documents, spreadsheets, emails, and entry-level layouts/designs.
• Intermediate: create/edit a variety of documents & spreadsheets; reformat document features such as color, font style and size of text, change page size/width; filter/sort data fields; and create posters/brochures.
• Advanced: create/edit complex documents & spreadsheets; integrate features such as tables, charts, mathematic formulas, hyperlinks, graphics; data/mail merge, import data from one document to another; and create/design complex designs and booklets.

* The position requires CPR/AED and First Aid certifications. Will you be able to obtain these certifications within 30 days of hire?

• Yes
• No

* Are you currently credentialed by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)? If no, can you obtain the certification within six (6) months of hire?

• Yes, I am CTRS certified.
• I can obtain my CTRS within six (6) months of hire.
• No, I am not able to obtain my CTRS within six (6) months of hire.

* This position requires a Current Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) with passenger endorsement. Do you have a Current Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) with passenger endorsement or if selected for this position, do you have the ability to acquire a Current Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) with passenger endorsement by your hire date?

• Yes
• No

* The City of Austin Driver Eligibility Standards require that External New Hires meet the City’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have the ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation.

Optional & Required Documents
Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents