Temporary Recreation Leader

“Preserving the Past, while Innovating our Future”

The City of Alexandria is in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter square miles in the city have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Therapeutic Recreation Leader position.

What we do and how we do it is driven by our 4 Guiding Principles:

• Aligning the work, we do with our strategic plan
• Executing against our strategy and ensuring accountability for our results
• Promoting and encouraging a culture of leadership and ownership at all levels of the organization
• Promoting a culture of service excellence, creativity and entrepreneurship

Overview
In pursuit of service excellence, this Therapeutic Recreation Leader position help individuals with disabilities to be included in general recreational programs. Work with participants to develop skills, manage challenging behaviors, foster independent participation. Work with staff to create a positive, inclusive environment. Actively participates in all program activities, assists with the adaptation of activities and helps to facilitate social interaction. Plans, coordinates and lead recreation activities while providing assist to program operation. Plans and evaluates activities including scheduling appropriate groups at designated dates and times, ensuring all materials needed for activities are safe, clean and available. Provide training and direction to temporary staff, volunteers and summer youth employees. An employee in this class performs professional recreation work under general guidelines and initiates program activities with organized groups. Assist supervisor with management of facility, specialized program area including full inclusion and one-on-one services. General supervision is received from a Therapeutic Recreation Manager of higher grade or a Regional Program Director. Incumbents in this class have latitude in implementing programs within their assigned area of responsibility. Monday - Friday available between 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. in conjunction with Alexandria City Public School. Enthusiasm, flexibility, excellent communication skills and phenomenal customer service are necessary to be successful in this position.

What You Should Bring
Each member of our team is accountable for exceptional delivery of services to the community. You will work to meet the recreation needs for our community. You will ensure that all activities are fun, safe and orderly. To best serve in this position, you should have good knowledge of the social and recreational sciences, including the theory, principles, and practices of therapeutic recreation. You must also demonstrate an ability to plan and implement activities and work effectively in a group setting. You should be able to execute programming that meets the highest standards of excellence.

The Opportunity

• Plans, develops and implements quarterly strategic Program Plans for the Therapeutic Recreation Program operation;
• Conduct structured enrichment and group activities;
• Develops measures for each program/activity to evaluate success and adjusts as necessary;
• Lead activities that are inclusive, non-competitive and foster positive engagement;
• Foster peer friendships in an inclusive setting;
• Work with team members to create a positive, inclusive environment for all;
• Be Responsive, Professional, Courteous and Accountable in all interactions;
• Safeguard program participants always;
• Ensures all safety precautions and guidelines are followed;
• Participates in staff meetings, in-service trainings and workshops;
• Good knowledge of RecTrac, Munis, Kronos, and Microsoft Office;
• Performs related work as required.

About the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities
The mission of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities is to promote vibrant, safe and attractive opportunities through the development of effective and efficient recreation programs, facilities and parks for all citizens and residents to enjoy. The City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities received national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). National accreditation requires park and recreation agencies to meet 155 standards representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Two-Year College Degree; Good knowledge of the social and recreational sciences, including the theory, principles, and practices of therapeutic recreation; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities; ability to acquire appropriate certification in CPR and First Aid within the first three months of employment; completion of a minimum 40-hour training program consistent with Department of Medical Assistance Services requirement or Nursing Assistant Certification; employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the State of their residence; pre-employment drug test; criminal records check; and TB test.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in therapeutic recreation, preferably in a community recreation setting or directly related field working with individuals of all abilities; Enthusiasm, creative, flexibility, excellent communication skills and phenomenal customer service; Have flexibility to accommodate a varied work schedule which may include working at short notice, evenings, weekends and around holidays. Have a deep desire and interest in working with a diverse population daily.

Notes

This position requires successful completion of a criminal records background check and drug screening prior to employment. Must have a desire and interest in working with individuals with disabilities.