RECREATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Job Specifications

 

Class Code:

GT4

Analyst:

MB, JS, TC, CJS

Date Originated:

12/85 

Dates Revised:

1/96, 10/01, 5/10 

 

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

 

DEFINITION

 

Under general supervision, coordinate and supervise recreation programs at an assigned facility in one of the following program areas: Recreation, Park Facilities, Cultural Services or Sports. Perform other duties as required.

 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

 

This class works with considerable independence as a program specialist or site supervisor and differs from the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Worker series in that the latter is assigned to various recreation, cultural, and facility functions on a non-permanent, part-time basis.

 

The Recreation Program Specialist differs from the higher class of Recreation Coordinator, in that the former serves as a specialist or coordinator for a recreation or facilities program, while the Recreation Coordinator coordinates multiple programs at multiple facilities, and supervises assigned staff including Recreation Program Specialists.

 

TYPICAL TASKS

 

Recreation: At an assigned location, plans, schedules, implements and supervises a recreation program or activities including: arts and crafts projects, sports and games, drama, music, cooking, science projects, outdoor activities, field trips, and therapeutic recreation; maintains order; ensures the safety and well being of program participants; enforces and follows policies and procedures; communicates with parents of program participants; sets up and cleans up program activities; writes and maintains program records; collects and accounts for fees; transports supplies; notifies supervisor of unusual problems disturbances and emergencies; attends meetings; may administer first aid; supervises volunteers and seasonal staff; trains and evaluates performance; operates computer registration system; and may make oral presentations to commissions and public organizations.

 

Park Facilities: Schedules and provides routine information concerning park usage and operations in person and over the phone; operates the computerized reservation system; collects and accounts for fees received; resolves scheduling problems; informs staff of maintenance problems; coordinates seasonal staff assigned to park facilities; notifies supervisor of unusual problems, disturbances and emergencies; attends meetings; maintains records; may assist in the implementation, organization and development of promotional, cultural and historical interpretive programs; may supervise volunteers and seasonal staff, including training and evaluating performance.

 

Cultural Services: Assists with a variety of projects and programs related to cultural services; prepares graphics and basic design materials for fliers or posters; prepares routine publicity materials; assists in the production of special events; maintains the information base regarding local arts organizations and event schedules; organizes data in the Artists Slide Bank; hangs art shows in County government facilities; rotates the County Art Collection; insures the safety and condition of the collection; organizes and attends meetings; may supervise volunteers and seasonal staff, including training and evaluating performance; and may make oral presentations to commissions and public organizations.

 

Sports: Coordinates and supervises sports programs; plans and conducts program activities such as men's, women's and coed leagues and tournaments; officiates sports programs; prepares program and activity descriptions; assists in the preparation of brochures, flyers and other publicity materials to promote program participation; supervises program participants to maintain discipline and order; inspects facilities and equipment to ensure a safe environment for participants; maintains and periodically distributes team standings; supervises and schedules sports officials; documents games worked by contracted officials and submit invoices for compensation; attends monthly softball organization meetings; maintains inventory records; and orders sports supplies.

 

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

 

Knowledge of:

 

Working knowledge of:

 

·        The program area to which assigned.

 

Some knowledge of: Supervision and training.

 

Ability to:

·        Communicate effectively and tactfully with those contacted in the course of business including participants, staff, parents, and the public.

·        Write clearly and concisely.

·        Maintain a professional demeanor.

·        Accept constructive criticism and direction from supervisors.

·        Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

·        Maintain a clean and orderly work site.

·        Supervise, evaluate, and train lower level staff and volunteers.

 

For some assignments:

 

·        Administer first aid.

·        See program participants in need of assistance from near and far distances.

·        Provide leadership and motivate staff.

·        Independently make decisions.

·        Read, understand and explain County policies and procedures.

·        Maintain records and periodic reports.

·        Perform simple arithmetic calculations to make change.

·        Motivate program participants.

·        Effectively deal with stressful and emergency situations.

·        Successfully complete all training provided by the department.

 

Some positions may require ability to:

 

·        Perform tasks requiring physical strengths and/or stamina to effectively rescue victims, administer first aid, and CPR;

·        Hear and distinguish a variety of sounds in a noisy environment such as participants in need of assistance, fire alarms, whistles, and approaching vehicles or equipment which might pose a danger;

·        Speak loudly in order to warn program participants of impending danger.

 

Education and Experience:

 

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

 

The full-time equivalent of nine months experience that demonstrates the required knowledge and abilities for the particular assignment/ program. Prior supervisory experience may be required for certain positions.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS:

 

License/Certificate: Some positions may require possession of a valid California class C driver license. Some positions may require possession of the equivalent to a valid First Aid Certificate and Infant and two person CPR certificates, to be obtained within the first six months of employment. Some positions may require certification as an Amateur Softball Association umpire.

Background Investigation: Fingerprinting is required for some positions.

Special Working Conditions: Some positions may involve exposure to variable temperatures and weather conditions; strong and unpleasant odors and fumes; noise from children; allergens such as poison oak, pollen, and bee stings; ; and the possibility of administering first aid, which may involve exposure to infections that might cause chronic disease or death.

Other Special Requirements: Availability to work variable schedules including early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays.

 

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: None

Bargaining Unit: 41

EEOC Job Category: 08

Occupational Grouping: 30

Workers' Comp Code: 1160