County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

DEFINITION

Under direction, to organize, direct, promote, and provide physical education and recreational activities for all inmates in a correctional institution; to work in conjunction with volunteers and other Sheriff’s Office personnel, and to perform related work as required.


DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Recreation Assistants are assigned to the Glenn E. Dyer Detention Facility or the Santa Rita Jail. This is an entry-level class, located in the Sheriff's Office. It differs from that of Inmate Services Program Supervisor in that the latter has responsibility for the supervision and management of recreational staff and for overall program planning. Recreation Assistants will work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Teaches, demonstrates and leads inmates in a variety of recreational activities.

2. Participates in the planning and conducting of various program activities, including preparation of program content, publicity, scheduling, determining equipment and facility needs, and coordination with groups concerned.

3. Promotes inmate interest and involvement in recreational activities.

4. Performs various administrative tasks as directed.

5. May utilize community volunteers in carrying out recreation programs.

6. Inspects facilities and equipment to ensure their safe condition and readiness for use.

7. Provides basic maintenance of recreational equipment. Assembles new recreational equipment as needed. May utilize small tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches.

8. Supports special events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Education:

An Associate’s Degree in recreation, physical education, social science, public administration, criminal justice or other related field.

And

Experience:

The equivalent of one year of responsible full-time experience providing recreational activities inside a correctional or other institutional setting.

Or II

Experience:

The equivalent of two years of responsible full-time experience providing educational, vocational, or recreational programs inside a correctional facility.

Special Requirements:

A thorough background investigation will be conducted of all prospective Recreation Assistants to ensure they are suitable for employment in a law enforcement and/or correctional setting.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Official sports, games and their rules and regulations, care and control of recreational equipment and supplies and methods for eliciting maximum participation in programs.
• Computer skills such as Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Modern office practices and procedures.

Ability to:

• Provide organized recreational programs within the constraints of a correctional setting.
• Demonstrate and lead recreational activities.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.
• Work effectively with inmates, members of the public, and staff.
• Work in contact with inmates in a custodial setting.
• Work independently with only general supervision.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with others.
• Perform clerical and record keeping duties, including keeping accurate records, collecting statistical activity data, and conducting inventories.
• Communicates with diverse groups of people by demonstrating effective interpersonal skill and sensitivity.
• Adjust effectively to changing work assignments.
• Interact with others in a way that gives them the confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

HC:pb
1/24/89
RE:sw
Revised 3/10/97
Old document: 1109h
New document: Jobspecs/6831
ys/9/01
CSC Date: 4/2/97
EL:jf Revision 4/16/18
CSC Date: 5/9/18

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.