Therapeutic Recreation Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Position Summary The Recreation Specialist is responsible for the delivery of all recreation, aquatic, leisure and sport programs, leagues and activities in order to provide opportunities that encourage and promote a healthy lifestyle for all Rio Rancho City residents (including those people 55+ and those with special needs). The Recreation Specialist is responsible for researching and developing quality sport, recreation, aquatic, and leisure programs for implementation in the community. Responsibilities may also include completing needs assessments to determine the unmet needs for various programs and also for identifying the resources required to create and implement the most appropriate programs.

The Recreation Specialist will ensure that a wide range of sports, recreation, and cultural programs are provided and is also responsible for: promoting programs; volunteer and leadership opportunities; and providing training as required. This is a Safety Sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing. If position is assigned to SENIOR SERVICES: On a day-to-day basis, the Recreation Specialist develops and implements all of the Center's services and activities.

Depending on the activities and requirements of the Division or Recreation Facility/Program assignment, the Recreation Specialist's duties, responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and other qualification or certification requirements will vary accordingly for each assignment. Education, Training, Experience, Certifications, Licenses and Registrations Education / higher education: Associates Degree For required college degrees, applicable field(s) of study: Recreation, therapeutic recreation, social work, physical education, gerontology or related field. If position is assigned to AQUATICS: Applicable field of Study - Physical Education, Exercise Science or related field.

Minimum number of years of directly related experience: Two years in coordinating and planning recreational programs or social/community projects of the type handled by that Division or Facility. In lieu of a degree incumbent must possess 4 years of experience. Education and/or experience preferences: If position is assigned to SENIOR SERVICES: Prior experience working with older adults, and adult programming philosophies, trends, and practices are highly desirable.

If position is assigned to AQUATICS: Prefer Aquatic experience. If Position is assigned to KIDZONE: Additional requirements- this position serves as the Kidszone Assistant Director: Obtain National Administrator Credential (NAC) - 40 hrs of training. Take 45 hours of training in NM Early Care, Education and Family Support.

Complete competency courses in Early Childhood Education (24 hours of training annually in one of 7 required areas) Take 8 hours of training in CPR annually. Driver's License requirement: Frequent Driver -- Regular Driver's License Required Endorsements: none Note -- For any driver, driving record must always meet City driving and insurability standards. Required certifications, licenses or registrations: Depending on the work location, one or more of the following may be required: Standard First Aid, basic C.P.R., defensive driving and defibrillator certification or training; Possession of current Certified Pool Operator Certificate; current Water Safety Instructor's Certificate; current Lifeguard Instructor's Certificate; current Standard First Aid Instructor's Certificate; current Jeff Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Certificate (includes first aid)

If position is assigned to AQUATICS: In addition to the above certifications, licenses or registrations: Recreation Specialist may be required to swim with proficiency and endurance and meet standards of swimming competency as may be established by the City of Rio Rancho, LGI certification. Time given after hire/promotion to obtain certification or licenses: Standard First Aid and basic C.P.R. certification must be obtained within 6 months of date of hire for all Recreation Specialist positions

Preferred certifications, licenses or registrations: National Recreation and Parks Association Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification or therapeutic recreation certification preferred. If position is assigned to AQUATICS: In addition to the above preferred certifications, licenses or registrations: ACE, TRX, Aqua Zumba, NASM, ACSM, AFAA Fitness Trainer certification. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge: Depending on the work location, one or more of the following may be required: Recreational development, program planning and implementation of activities, and operations (including ability to schedule and coordinate activities).

Basic budgeting, program evaluation, fiscal principles, and supervisory practices; First aid and proper response in an emergency situation as applied to accidents in a pool environment or other recreation activity settings (e.g. Water hazards, rescue methods, lifesaving techniques); Instructional techniques and methods for recreation and/or aquatics programs for a variety of skill and ability levels and participant age ranges; ADA guidelines and accessibility and disability assistance standards; Federal, state, county, and local health regulations as they pertain to the operation of public pools or other recreation facilities; General facilities maintenance and operation and uses of a variety of maintenance tools and equipment; basic office practices. Skills: Communicate effective orally and in writing; Operation of standard office equipment, including personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet and database software; Customer service skills; Cash handling and related basic recordkeeping

Abilities: Demonstrate leadership in effectively managing program activities and operations; Ability to adapt a program to specific and immediate circumstances; Follow written and oral instructions; Read and interpret recreation manuals; Adhere to program standards and objectives outlined in city policy and by supervisors; Ability to set priorities, coordinate projects and meet critical deadlines; Establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with program participants, staff members, volunteers, and the general public; Work occasional evenings, weekends and possibly some holidays. IF ASSIGNED TO SENIOR SERVICES: Must be able to multi-task and prioritize in an environment made up of constant flow of distractions such as phone calls, visitor drop ins, and frequent customer requests. Ability to de-escalate and resolve customer issues including working with difficult customers; dealing with grief, death, dying and coping with other stressful situations.

Ability to positively market the Senior Services programs and to attract new members. Interaction with Groups/Agencies/Entities: Internal: Works with division supervisors or managers on planning and implementing programs and soliciting volunteers. External: Works with program participants and community organizations and sponsors to generate support for programs.

Essential Functions The following functions are typical for this position. The omission of specific functions does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Assist in developing and monitoring an operating budget for specific recreation or education programs. Assists in conducting research on available recreation and education programs based on community needs and interests. Coordinates and prepares all materials, supplies, equipment and facilities needed for implementation of recreation programs, including facility/room set-up and break-down.

Maintain and order supplies, repairs of program equipment/facilities and maintains inventory control over programs. Coordinates utilization of recreation leaders, volunteers, and support staff for programs. Coordinates with city agencies for volunteer resources, sponsors, and financial donations to recreation and education programs.

Solicits community input for program development needs and to evaluate programs. Develops, implements, monitors and evaluates diverse and comprehensive recreation programs, classes and special events of a recreational, educational, social and cultural nature. Oversees preparation of monthly data and evaluation reports of recreation and education programs.

Develops operational manuals, promotional materials and public presentations in support of programs. May promotes programs through use of a marquee or other signage. Develops and conducts staff training on recreation programs and activities, ADA guidelines, emergency care for disabled and non-disabled populations, and related topics.

In addition to the above, and if position is assigned to AQUATICS: Conducts instruction and fitness classes, water classes. Identifying and rescuing persons in distress or in danger of drowning. In addition to the above, and if position is assigned to SENIOR SERVICES: Enforce and adhere to health and safety regulations; May transport participants in City vehicles; May assist with inquiries for rental of facilities.

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