Recreation Specialist - Youth Programs (Zanewood Recreation Center)

Brooklyn Park Recreation And Parks Department

Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks Department is looking for highly motivated, team-oriented and enthusiastic individuals who have a desire to make difference in youth programs to help increase participation and eliminate barriers. Youth programs for youth 5 – 12 years old. A Recreation Specialist is responsible for assisting with the implementation of youth mobile recreation and outreach programs and will work under the general supervision of the Recreation Program Supervisor and Youth Programs Specialist. A Recreation Specialist will assist with implementing youth, teen mobile recreation, special events in the community, supervision of participants and staff and outreach opportunities in the community. We are looking for team members who enjoy being outside, working in a fast-paced environment, interacting with youth, and teens. As a team member of the Recreation and Parks team you will work together to develop innovative programs focused on quality partnerships and achieving successful results. Application Deadline: This job posting will be open until filled. If you have interest in this position, it is highly recommended that you apply as soon as possible upon seeing the announcement as the vacancy may close without notice.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Engage youth in sports, arts, science, literacy, nature, team building and events
• Engage existing and potential community partners in youth programs
• Implement, plan, and evaluate recreational activities for youth under 13 years old
• Implement programs at various special events in the City of Brooklyn Park
• Assist in supervision of youth program locations and participants
• Recruit and register youth to participate in youth programs
• Assist in reporting deliverables to Recreation Supervisor and Youth Programs Specialist
• Assist in evaluation of youth program locations, participants and staff
• Assist with duties in youth programs such as data entry
• Attend all staff development/training programs and staff meetings
• Assist with building and park clean-up after each event
• Work collaboratively with all team members to establish a welcoming, engaging and supportive environment for youth, parents and community members
• Maintain order and assure participants are following set policies
• Understand and implement Center of Disease Control and Minnesota Department of Health guidance
• Understand policies and procedures to ensure safe environment exists for all participants; complete required reports
• Report any accident and assist with completing the required reports
• Appropriately handle and report incidents to the Prevention & Intervention Specialist and Youth Services Manager and/or police officer
• Participate in First Aid and Emergency training when provided
• Other job duties as assigned

Minimum And Desired Qualifications

Education High school diploma or equivalent Experience 18 years of age or older Equivalency An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to interact with youth in a caring, responsible and professional manner
• Ability to maturely and appropriately respond to any emergency or incident that may arise
• Ability to communicate effectively and respond with tact and courtesy
• Ability to load and unload supplies and recreation equipment
• Ability to maintain order and security
• Ability to effectively work with youth and others
• Ability to be a strong and positive leader with the youth, families, partners and peers
• Ability to make rational decisions based on established policy and procedure
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Prepare for, lead, and clean-up after program activities and events
• Ability to relate and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Ability to provide a level of customer service that meets/exceeds customer expectations
• Embrace and engage in cultural shift toward Continuous Improvement

• Coursework, classes or training leading to a college degree in Recreation, Education, Human Services, or related field
• 21 years of age or older
• Experience supervising seasonal staff and volunteers
• Experience in leading arts, sports, team activities, outdoor games and science activities
• Experience working with young people with disabilities
• Experience working with at risk youth from a variety of cultural backgrounds
• Experience working in youth development activities with teens and/or youth
• Experience working with mobile recreation/outreach, youth sports, camps, clinics or sports leagues
• Previous successful experience working with the public and providing customer service
• Previous experience working with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Lao or Vietnamese language(s)
• A valid driver's license

Working Conditions: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to fully and safely perform the essential duties. This is a seasonal, non-benefited position that will work an an average of 15-38 hours per week . Works shifts are primarily in the evening hours Monday - Friday from 1pm-9pm and possible weekend shifts available between 9-7pm; may work daytime shifts during week Lifting and carrying equipment and supplies weighing at a minimum of 10 lbs. to a maximum of 30 lbs. Ability to set up recreation equipment (i.e. portable basketball hoops, speakers, folding tables,) and arts and supplies Ability to work independently with participants Ability to verbally communicate to participants, parents and staff promptly and effectively Ability to make rational decisions and comprehend written instructions to deliver program plan