Recreation Specialist I

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.

As a Recreation Specialist I you will:

• Serve as a role model and resource for all staff, volunteers and customers regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act and how it impacts the programs and services offered by the Department
• Supervise part-time staff, volunteers and contractors including orientation, scheduling, performance management, discipline, training and evaluation in order to provide quality services and programs.
• Work as a part of the "Modification Team" to develop, implement and evaluate individual modifications for patrons who have barriers/challenges participating successfully in general recreation programs
• Conduct/supervise program and facility assessments to assure that a barrier-free setting is established
• Assist staff in problem solving modification issues
• Provide in house, inter-agency and outside groups with expertise training in the areas of inclusion, recreation programming, disabilities and diversity as requested, while coordinating efforts to promote programs and service delivery
• Investigate, collect, compute and compile reports and other data for unit/departmental/City statistical reference and documentation purposes
• Participate on departmental/City committees and teams
• Develop collaborative relationships and assist other units when needed
• Provide quality customer service to all internal and external customers  
• Assist in operation of the recreation center (opening, closing, giving tours/orientations, room set-up) when necessary
• Plans, coordinates, implements, supervises, and evaluates therapeutic recreation programs.

Are you…

Able to keep a positive attitude and foster excellence through your actions, words, and appearance? Personable and genuine with your communication- both written and verbal?

Someone who seeks opportunity to learn and understand the experience of others, creating a collaborative environment for all voices to be heard? Able to embrace differences and individuality to encourage inclusion?  Willing to listen with an open mind?

A problem solver who can work through sticking points and difficult conversations, holding yourself and team members to the highest standards of accountability?

Able to find opportunity in challenges, no matter how difficult, finding creative solutions?

Able to model sustainable practices to ensure an environmental conscious and productive culture (Ex: Recycle, reduce waste, optimize resources, and improve processes)?

Going to take ownership of your time with the department and strive for excellence?

THEN WE WANT YOU TO JOIN OUR TEAM!

Full Time Perks –

Employees who are new to the Virginia Retirement System are eligible for:

•        11 Paid Holidays plus 3 Additional Personal Holidays
•        18 Days of Paid Time Off (PTO)
•        Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Coverage
•        Legal and Identity Theft Protection
•        Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Hybrid Retirement Plan & Basic Life Insurance
•        Commonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan(COV457)
•        Hybrid 457 Cash Match
•        Virginia Local Disability Program (VLDP) – Income Replacement(Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Long-Term Care)
•        Optional Life Insurance
•        Wellness Programs
•        Employee Assistance Program / Work-Life Services
•        Paid Maternity/Paternity/Parental Care Leave

Salary : $43,144 - $66,873