Recreation Aide (Therapeutics)

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE RECREATION AIDE or PART TIME RECREATION AIDE POSITIONS, YOU MUST COMPLETE SEPARATE APPLICATIONS FOR EACH POSITION.

This is a full-time position responsible for assisting with Therapeutic Recreation Programs to include planning activities, supervising children and adults, transporting participants in city vans/buses, providing support as needed and participating in the maintenance of assigned facilities; and assisting in the implementation of assigned leisure services programs. 

• Assists with registering, organizing, and conducting special population programs and City special events.

• Provides transportation via van or bus daily for center participants.

• Operates a variety of grounds maintenance equipment; mows grass, cuts weeds, repairs landscaping, and collects litter, leaves, and debris; maintains assigned equipment.

• Plans or assists in planning recreational programs and social activities for special populations to include yearly dances, summer camps, Special Olympics, and out-of-town trips.

• Assists with the preparations for a variety of programs, tournaments, programs, and special events.

• Instructs, officiates, and supervises Special Olympics sports programs.

• Performs custodial maintenance duties; cleans and restocks restrooms; sweeps, mops, polishes, and waxes floors; empties trash receptacles; maintains inventory of janitorial supplies.

• Supervises facilities usage; enforces policies and procedures; resolves problems.

• Assists with supervision of personnel.

• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of a variety of sports and athletic recreational programs, their rules and conduct, and ways to adapt these activities for special populations.   

• Knowledge of department policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of computers and job-related software.

• Skill in the operation and maintenance of grounds maintenance equipment.

• Skill in the custodial maintenance of public facilities.

• Skill in planning.

• Skill in decision making and problem solving.

• Skill in interpersonal relations and dealing with the public.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

• Ability to supervise and assist the special populations within the center or while on special program trips.

• Ability to communicate with athletes of various ages for Special Olympics, parents, and the public.

• Ability to coordinate recreational activities involving several participants.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The supervisor assigns work in terms of detailed and specific instructions. The supervisor spot-checks work in progress and upon completion for accuracy, adequacy, and adherence to instructions and established guidelines.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include safety regulations, Health Department Guidelines, city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are clear and specific.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of planning and facilitating recreation programs, events, and social activities such as art, music, crafts, games, field trips, and related maintenance duties.   

• The work consists of related program development and implementation and maintenance duties.   The variety of tasks to be performed contribute to the complexity of the position.

• The purpose of this position is to help provide events, etc. for the special needs’ population. Successful performance contributes to the efficient, effective, and safe delivery of recreational services to the public.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, other city personnel, participants, parents, and the public.

• Contacts are typically to give or resolve problems and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, stooping, bending, crouching, or walking. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects up to fifty (50) pounds, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color.
  
  
• The work is typically performed in athletic facilities and outdoors, occasionally in cold, hot or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts. Work may require the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position assists with supervision of assigned personnel.

• Graduation from standard senior high school or GED, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

• Six (6) months recent work experience using lawn mower and trimming equipment preferred.

• Six (6) months recent work experience with special needs participants in a group setting preferred.

• Four (4) months recent (within the last two years) seasonal or part-time employment with the City of Dothan performing responsibilities in recreational, educational, and/or athletic programs preferred.

NOTE:  In order to receive the preferred credit, the experience must have been part time or more (20+ hours/week) in a paid work environment.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A valid driver license and an acceptable driving record.  (PBA 09/10/01)

• An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.  

• An applicant for this position is subject to a criminal history background check pursuant to the following statutes:   §§38-13-1. Ala. Code (1975) et seq., as amended by the Child Care Safety Act (Act of Alabama #2018-278), Act of Alabama 2019-322, or §41-27-10, Ala. Code (1975).

• Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 08/13/12).

• Must meet the City of Dothan's employment physical standards which include drug/alcohol testing.

Qualified applicants will be evaluated on training and experience as documented on their application.  This evaluation will comprise 100% of their final grade.

Applicants with a disability who feel they need accommodation should contact the Personnel Department on or before the closing date by emailing jobs@dothan.org.
 An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer