Recreation Specialist I

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR RECREATION SPECIALIST I IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

• Bachelor’s degree in a child-related filed such as Early Childhood Education, elementary education, etc.
• Licensed child care supervisor
• Must meet current minimum program director staff qualifications as listed in the Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers document. Click the link below for details. https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title8/agency20/chapter780/section190/

THE P&R EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE

At Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, our success is because of our dedicated employees. We are intentional about creating an employee experience where you are empowered to reach your full potential, are supported through strength-based initiatives, and are confident in your abilities. We champion a workplace culture built on our cultural foundations: Professionalism, Respect, Accountability, Integrity, and Citizenship. These guiding principles of behavior cultivate a positive and high performing work environment. Success is recognized and celebrated, and legendary experiences are the core of who we are.

OFFICIAL CITY JOB DESCRIPTION:

https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/virginia-beach-gov-docs/jobs/JobDescriptions/Recreation-Specialist-I-02265.pdf?v=1688158746

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Requires a Bachelors degree in recreation management, therapeutic recreation, exercise science, or a related field; OR any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to four (4) years in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and associated with such positions as recreation leader or recreation program supervisor.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be available to work varied hours, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and overtime when required to meet operational needs.
May be required to have a current and valid driver’s license.
May require a Commercial driver’s license.
This position may require incumbents to wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, or other safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employee’s supervisor based on position assigned.
Alpha I Status: Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City’s operational status.
Special Requirements for Early Childhood Programs Only:
Must be at least 21 years of age and meet the current minimum program director staff qualifications as listed in the Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers document published by the Department of Education, Commonwealth of Virginia.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

DMV Transcript: Required
CDL: Not Required
DOT History: Not Required
CPS Check: Required
Physical: Not Required
Respirator: Not Required
Polygraph Review: Not Required
Psychological Screening: Not Required
Attachments Required:

Site Supervisor duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Supervise and conduct on-site operation of an educational program for approximately 10 to 60 preschool aged children/youth.
• Complete understanding and implementation of Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) licensing standards.
• Understanding and implementation of The Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) Observation Guidelines and Mixed Delivery Program (MDP) Guidelines.
• Knowledgeable of curriculum and able to assess and train teachers in its implementation.
• Develop systems to safeguard the health and safety of the site and children.
• Adeptly incorporate universal programming and behavior support practices as part of a successful classroom management strategy.
• Implement adapted activities to account for the varying learning styles of students and guide teachers through these strategies. Create an environment which is inclusive for all children/youth.
• Sound understanding of early childhood and preschool developmental milestones in children.
• Complete required paperwork and reports – including, but not limited to, staff and participant files, licensing documents, participant sign in/out sheets, participant attendance sheets, incident/accident reports and medication forms.
• Ensure classrooms are set according to ECERS3 Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale and educate teachers to the standards.
• Inventory, purchase, and receive all equipment and supplies necessary to operate the program and site.
• Oversee the arrival and release of all program participants and ensure all Safety Protocol Standards are being upheld at the site. Educate and hold staff accountable to these standards.
• Establish protocols that ensure all program areas are secured and only approved, authorized individuals are able to enter.
• Ensure main program entrance is secured and monitored by staff at all times.
• Follow established protocol in reporting any suspected child abuse and neglect concerns.
• Respond to and follow through in emergency situations.
• Post signs, posters and bulletin boards to promote and publicize program and events.
• Proactively promote a positive work environment.
• Onboard, supervise, coach and evaluate staff and volunteers.
• Handle discipline issues and develop/enforce rules and regulations.
• Provide staff/volunteers with on-the-job training.
• Establish and maintain a cooperative relationship with recreation operations, teachers, parents, and participants.
• Create an environment which is inclusive for all children/youth. Work with Inclusion Specialist to provide support to staff and participants in implementing modification plans for children with diverse needs.
• Request and maintain program supplies, equipment and other necessary materials. Maintain confidentiality of participant/family and staff information.
• Support positive youth development and empower youth.
• Provide basic first aid to staff and children/youth.
• Plan and conduct special events and monthly activities for the program site.
• Attend and participate in all scheduled in-service trainings, staff meetings, and mandatory trainings. Ensure all mandatory trainings/certifications are current and maintained throughout employment.
• May be required to operate motor vehicle in carrying out assigned duties