Recreation Program Specialist (#UDCG02)
$65,233.00 Yearly Min / $65,233.00 Yearly Mid / $81,541.00 Yearly Max

This class series uses three levels in the Health and Human Services occupational group, Health Care Support occupational series and describes the implementation of planned recreational activities in a state institution.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Plans, schedules, coordinates and implements a program of recreational athletics and cultural activities for groups or individuals.
   
• Leads groups in athletic and other recreational activities. Instructs participants in specific activities including team play, stimulating participation, maintaining discipline, overseeing activities by security staff and assisting in supervising activities.
   
• Officiates athletic games/contests or matches; trains and directs security staff assigned as coaching or officiating staff.
   
• Prepares or oversees the preparation of facilities for recreational events such as lining athletic fields and setting up wrestling mats in accordance with DSSA rules and regulations.
   
• Coordinates special recreational events with community organizations or schools.
   
• Researches private or public funding, recreational funding sources and grants.
   
• Prepares records and periodic reports of inventories, program schedules, problems, activities and incident/accident reports; recommends program changes.

Recreation Program Leader

This level assists in planning and leading the implementation of athletic and other recreational activities for youth and adults assigned to a large correctional facility.

• Reports to a technical superior.
• Assists in the planning and development of special events and new or revised athletic or other recreational activities; implements or oversees the implementation of approved activities.
• Assists in scheduling recreational events and determining rules and procedures.
• Distributes supplies and equipment, maintains equipment, supplies and inventory; maintains or oversees the maintenance of equipment by repairing or replacing parts. 

Recreation Program Specialist

This level is responsible for planning and implementing a program of recreational athletics and cultural activities for adults at a medium-size correctional facility.

• Reports to an administrative superior.
• Supervises or leads recreational athletic and cultural activities.
• Monitors and recommends security procedures for recreational facilities and activities.
• Supervises recreation aides in the preparation and upkeep of outdoor recreation areas.
• Supervises one Correctional Officer/Recreation position assigned to the program.
• Supervises or participates in the preparation of records and periodic reports.
• Orders/purchases recreation equipment and supplies; supervises the inventory, maintenance and repair of recreation equipment.

Recreation Program Supervisor

This level plans and oversees the implementation of a program of athletics, arts and crafts and cultural activities for adults or of interscholastic and recreational athletic activities and cultural activities for juveniles at a large-size correctional facility.

• Supervision is exercised over at least two or more merit full time positions per Merit Rule 5.1460.  The elements of supervision include planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating, coaching, training, recommending hire/fire and discipline.
• Plans, organizes, supervises and directs athletic and recreational programs of facility population; coordinates programs with facility management to assure conformity with security and safety procedures and goals and objectives.
• Directs the development of schedules for all activities and directs the distribution of security staff.
• Oversees the maintenance and inventory for recreation facilities, equipment and supplies; oversees and participates in the preparation of recreational facilities for competitive athletic events, maintenance of contact with community organizations and schools to schedule athletic and/or special events and to solicit donations of recreational equipment and supplies.
• Develops budgets and oversees the expenditure of funds for recreation supplies and equipment.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA's listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of recreation principles and practices.
• Knowledge of department and institution rules and regulations governing safety/security, inmates, recreation schedules and activities within the institution.
• Knowledge of recreational equipment and supplies.
• Knowledge of group leadership.
• Knowledge of rules for a wide variety of games, athletic and other recreational/cultural activities.
• Knowledge of the means of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of program planning and scheduling.
• Ability to interpret and apply departmental security policies and procedures.
• Ability to organize, lead and instruct groups.
• Ability to oversee and participate in directing organized recreational activities within the structured, restrictive environment of a correctional institution.
• Ability to evaluate effectiveness of recreation activities in meeting needs and interests of participants and recommends changes.
• Ability to recognize dangerous situations quickly and objectively and to determine a proper course of action.
• Ability to promote and coordinate events with organizations, other institutions and the public.
• Ability to maintain and repair recreational equipment.
• Ability to oversee the work of security staff assigned to recreation activities.
• Ability to prepare reports and maintain records.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Recreation Program Specialist requires:

• Knowledge of physical education and recreation principles and practices and group dynamics.
• Knowledge of budgeting, purchasing and maintenance procedures and contracts.
• Knowledge of groundskeeping techniques, equipment, materials and supplies.
• Skill in adapting games and activities available in a security environment.
• Skill in teaching recreational activities to groups.
• Ability to recognize security problems/needs related to recreation programs and to present recommendations.
• Ability to plan, assign, review and evaluate the work of staff engaged in leading recreational activities and coaching athletic teams.

In addition to the above knowledge, skills and abilities, the Recreation Program Supervisor requires:

• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
• Ability to apply recreation principles and practices to the development of a comprehensive program.
• Ability to plan, schedule, organize and direct a recreational program of athletic and/or cultural activities.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Recreation Program Specialist
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Six months experience in planning and implementing recreational activities.
2. Six months experience in using recreational equipment and supplies.
3. Six months experience in behavior management such as understanding, explaining, describing and predicting behavior, studying the connection between behavior and its causes and identifying appropriate behavior modification strategies for individual situations.
4. Six months experience in narrative report writing.
5. Six months experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
6. Knowledge of budget management and control which includes managing a budget for the purpose of keeping expenditures within the limitations of available appropriations and available revenue and maintaining, monitoring, projecting and controlling a budget within set policies and procedures.