Recreation Officer

at  Ministry of Children Community and Social Services

Are you seeking an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Young Persons and are adept at planning and leading recreational activities? If so, picture yourself as a Recreation Officer at the Donald Doucet Youth Centre where you will plan, organize, and implement a balanced program of physical, social, cultural and leisure activities for the facility.
Note:This is an in-person position that requires regular onsite work. The standard hours of work for this position are Tuesday to Friday from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with Sunday and Monday being scheduled days off.

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• You have experience planning, facilitating, and supervising a variety of recreational programs (i.e. physical, social, cultural, educational, etc.)
• You have training in kinesiology, physical education, or recreation leadership
• You have experience with program design, implementation, and evaluation in order to develop recreational programs specifically for youth in custody
• You have experience working with youth and understand adolescent development and behaviour
• You have basic understanding of the correctional system/environment in order to participate in dynamic security and relationship custody

GROUP LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• You can instruct participants and supervise recreational activities
• You are able to interact and connect with youth of diverse cultural, religious, and educational backgrounds
• You have demonstrated counselling, motivational, team-building, and coaching skills in order to encourage participation as well as address behavioural issues
• You have knowledge of verbal diffusing techniques
• You are able to liaise with staff, community groups, agencies, and volunteers

ANALYTICAL AND EVALUATION SKILLS

• You can participate in the design and implementation of recreation program content
• You have planning and organizational skills to coordinate resource and facility availability for programming
• You are able to acquire knowledge of and follow relevant legislation, regulations, organizational policies, and procedures

• Plan, organize, coordinate and manage a balanced therapeutic recreation program of physical, social, cultural and leisure time to meet the individual needs, interests and abilities of the youth, including facilitating recreational events
• Ensure the safety, security and welfare of young persons and staff while they are participating in recreation programs
• Anticipate, de-escalate, and defuse potentially hostile situations
• Give directions in an appropriate manner and develop successful relationships with youth, staff and the community
• Contribute to a multi-discipline team in the case management process
• Coordinate and schedule recreational facilities and equipment
• Evaluate the progress and development of young persons