RECREATION LEADER TRAINEE

(Bilingual)

(General)

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is entry-level recreation work. Employees in this class learn to administer a limited program of activities for the public and provide recreational services and facilities for organized groups. Work includes responsibility for the organization and implementation of assigned programs and for participating with other recreation personnel in providing recreation services. Employees in this class may perform recreation program assignments for a large residential institution or correctional system. Determining community recreation needs and interests, promoting programs, learning how to manage funds to support program needs, and motivating participation are of major significance to the work. As the training period progresses, the employee is assigned work of greater complexity and responsibility. Duties require scheduled evening and weekend work and moderate physical effort. Work is performed under the supervision of a recreation center supervisor.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be approved for this class.)

1. Employees in this class must develop, plan, and coordinate a limited program of athletic, cultural, and social recreation activities to meet the needs and interests of the community.

2. Employees in this class must report to a higher-level recreation center supervisor.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

BOTH SPECIALTIES

Under the direction of a recreation supervisor:

Develops, plans and coordinates a program of athletic, cultural and social recreation activities to meet the needs and interests of the community and various age groupings; oversees the conduct of existing athletic, cultural and social recreational activities and plans and develops other activities such as tournaments, competitions, community parties, shows, demonstrations, fund raisers and commemorations; may conduct and develop recreational, cultural and social programs designed to accommodate specific needs of individuals and groups at a residential institution or correctional facility.

Schedules program activities to maximize the use of facilities, grounds and play areas; officiates sports and games; instructs and leads participants in athletic, cultural, and social programs; maintains organization and discipline during center operation; issues and controls the use, care and return of recreation supplies and equipment.

Establishes and maintains contact with community, civic, school, religious and social groups; keeps advised of community interests and events; publicizes the programs for the center through multiple channels including social media; may speak before community groups; advises and assists individuals and groups on the mechanics of community recreation programs; recruits participants and volunteers; assists in the recruitment of seasonal staff to assist with programming; confers with local school officials in using gym facilities for Recreation Department programs.

Prepares and maintains records of requisitions, deliveries, and repairs; requisitions supplies; prepares periodic reports on the center’s activities, accomplishments, and special events.

Performs related work as required.

BILINGUAL SPECIALTY

Performs the duties shown above with members of the English language speaking and designated non-English language speaking communities.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

· equipment and supplies required to conduct recreation activities

· athletic, cultural, and social recreation activities

· current computer software for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation applications

SKILL IN:

· effective conflict resolution approaches

· customer service best practices

ABILITY TO:

· learn the philosophy and objectives of organized recreation

· learn principles and processes for providing customer service

· learn to collect, compile, and analyze data and performance measures as they relate to recreation programs

· learn the principles and practices of first aid and CPR/AED

· learn group leadership as it applies to a varied recreational program

· learn the principles and methods of organization, program funding, planning, and scheduling, and best practices for community engagement and organizing in recreation

· learn to use community engagement to inform program plans

· establish and maintain effective relationships with local recreation advisory councils

· plan, schedule, organize and direct recreation activities upon completion of a training course in departmental objectives and in the basic elements and skills of professional recreational work

· organize, teach, and lead people of any age group in a variety of recreational activities after completion of a departmental training course

· exercise tact and judgment in maintaining good sportsmanship of participants in recreational activity

· establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, local recreation advisory councils and the community and to effectively interpret and promote the objectives of the recreation program to diverse participants and community groups

· publicize recreation program information to the community utilizing multiple channels and social media platforms

· learn and apply departmental rules and regulations and pertinent recreational techniques and methods

· speak, read, and write fluently and clearly in a specified non-English language and the English language for the bilingual specialty

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 4/23.)

EDUCATION

Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in recreation, education, ethnic studies, social work, park management, public administration, childhood development, exercise science, kinesiology, sport and leisure management, and visual and performing arts or a closely related field.

NOTE: Completion of any bachelor’s degree program and the completion of the equivalent of two years of experience or 3 seasons (of at least 6 months each) leading participants in recreation sports leagues, day camps, aquatics, or other organized recreational, environmental, or cultural activities for the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Parks and Recreation meets the requirements.

Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable to the Office of Human Resources which includes a bachelor's degree as an educational minimum.

IN THE BILINGUAL SPECIALTY

Sufficient training and/or experience to be able to understand and speak fluently and clearly in a designated non-English language.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

Class Established:

CSC - 6/97; Ad. Board - 9/97

Spec. Revision:

CSC - 6/03; Ad. Board - 1/04

Spec. Revision:CSC - 12/18; Ad. Board - 2/19

Latest Spec. Revision:

CSC - 3/23; Ad. Board – 4/23