Recreation Specialist I

Department:

PARKS AND RECREATION

Compensation Grade:

G20

Compensation Range & Starting Salary:

Pay Range: $44,907.20 - $69,971.20
Starting Salary – Minimum of the pay range

Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):

No

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

About Us:

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.

Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:

Our Commitment

Work with the best – work for Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation! Join our team and contribute to our 60+ year track record of providing legendary experiences! We are dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and protecting our environment. We ensure all residents – regardless of their physical, social, and economic circumstances – can access our programs. By providing enriching and memorable lifelong experiences, we strive to enhance the quality of life for our community by improving the physical and mental well-being of our residents.

Day to Day Job Duties

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.

Perform other job duties requiring skills, knowledge and physical requirements as demanded by those duties described or less. Individual assignments will be determined by the supervisor based on the current workloads and department needs.

This position requires that the candidate meets the Virginia Department of Education licensing department Program Director qualifications

This position provides direct childcare licensed by the State Licensing standards. Convictions of any barrier crime set forth in Virginia Code 63.2-1719 shall be automatic disqualification for employment for this position.

Requires a current and valid Driver’s license

Preferences

In addition to the minimum requirements, the ideal candidate for this position will have experience listed in the preferences below. Candidates with the preferred experience should ensure the information is provided in the application.

Bachelor's degree

Experience supervising and/or managing an early childhood program

 Experience with direct simultaneous supervision of 2 or more classrooms/sites

Experience with direct supervision of 3 or more staff to include performance management

Experience and background working in licensed childcare

Knowledge and experience working w/children with disabilities/behavioral issues

 Possess a good working knowledge of the Virginia Quality Birth to Five Rating System or similar rating systems (eg: NAEYC).

Schedule

Our programs operate Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM with occasional weekend work for training and special events. However, this position may work shifts that require the possibility of beginning work at 6:00 AM or ending after the last child is picked up at the end of programs, with the possibility of working split shifts. Additionally, supervisors are expected to be available as needed to meet the needs of staff and customers.

The individual selected for this position will be housed at a primary site but may be scheduled between other park sites/facilities. Schedules will be adjusted seasonally and will vary weekly based on events, facility coverage, and weather.  All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours, overtime, splits shifts or maybe be relocated to another location or job assignment in response to short- term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies including weekends, evenings and holidays.

As a condition of employment, all employees must attend P&R Connection (Department Orientation). If selected for the position, you will be provided an approximate training date at the time of hire. Training is held from 8:30am-5:00pm, every other Friday, at the Parks & Recreation Administration Building. When an exemption is permittable, a hybrid version of the training is available, but will require training attendance on a weekend.

Alpha I

The position you are applying for is designated as Alpha I, requiring the selected candidate to work, regardless of the City’s operational status. All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

The Perks

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

Annual Leave and Sick Leave

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)

Basic Life Insurance

Optional Life Insurance

Wellness Programs

Employee Assistance Program / Work-Life Services

Paid Maternity/Paternity/Parental Care Leave

Additional requirements
• DMV Transcript: Yes
• CDL: No
• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No
• CPS Check: Yes
• Physical: No
• Respirator: No
• Psychological Screening: No
• Polygraph: No
• At Will: No

This position is being advertised as a pool, and applications could be used to fill current vacancies and any other similar Recreation Specialist I  position that become available within six months from the closing date of this posting.

Application Deadline Notice: Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on the day before the advertised end date. The system automatically closes the requisition at 12:01 a.m. on the listed end date, and no applications can be submitted after that time.

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications: Requires a Bachelor’s 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. May be required to have a current and valid driver’s license. May require a Commercial driver’s license. Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Must be available to work varied hours, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and overtime when required to meet operational needs. 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 Aquatics Only: Must possess valid certifications in American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. Occasionally to frequently required to lifeguard during times of staff shortage. Lifeguarding duties include providing a safe swimming environment, enforcing rules, rescuing anyone in danger of drowning, administering first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, oxygen and use of AED. 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. Special Requirements: for Therapeutic Recreation Only: Must possess a national certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist - Professional level. Special Requirements: for Group Fitness Only: Must possess a current national level Group Fitness certification from ACE, NASM, or comparable. Certification must be recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Special Requirements: for Personal Training Only: Must possess a current national level Personal Training certification from ACSM, ACE, NASM, or comparable. Certification must be recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Skills:

Working Conditions:

Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business. 

The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile.  Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.

https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/P8009.pdf

Official Job Descriptions:

To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=E

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.