Title: Recreation Specialist

State Role Title: Direct Service Associate III

Hiring Range: $62,581 - $64,587

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Department of Juvenile Justice

Location: Bon Air JCC

Agency Website: https://www.djj.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) protects the public by preparing court-involved youth to be successful citizens. DJJ is committed to excellence in public safety by providing effective interventions that improve the lives of youth, strengthening both families and communities within the Commonwealth.

We are hiring a Recreation Specialist to coordinate, monitor, and maintain the behavior management program, reinforce components, and assist in the planning and implementation of recreational activities for the residents of at the Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center. The roles directly impact the residents’ quality of institutional life and foster rehabilitation. The Recreation Specialist will be responsible for leadership of recreational programs, including resident relations; supervising operations, safety, and overseeing facilities; and promoting new programs. Implement large muscle activities of juveniles in a correctional setting, to provide residents with a safe recreational environment conducive to growth and change. Oversee and monitor all recreation activities, maintaining security and control to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.

Essential Skills (not limited to):

• Event planning and organization.
  
• Ability to communicate and build positive rapport with residents.
  
• Ability to gauge the needs and interests of residents.
  
• Ability to facilitate physical activities.
  
• Familiarity with standard office practices and procedures
  
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and effectively direct staff performance
  
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, facility management, central office staff, and other departments
• Proficiency in the use of computers and common software applications

Core Responsibilities (not limited to):

• Facilitate weekly recreation activities and submit weekly activity reports - Plan, organize, and facilitate weekly planned recreational activities for assigned units. Supervise assigned unit activities. Ensure appropriate supervision and safety of the residents during their recreation activities.
  
• Water Safety, Vigilance, and Incident Prevention - Develop and supervise special activities during the week, on non-school days and on the weekend, you are scheduled to work. Obtain and maintain the required certification in pool operations, lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid, and AED with renewal courses scheduled and completed prior to the expiration date.
  
• Implements PBIS Behavior Management Program - Provides indirect supervision of residents in the PBIS incentive areas and events
  
• Maintain recreation areas and equipment inventory - Complete paperwork as assigned. Ensure that all indoor and outdoor recreation areas are safe and functional.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience supervising a team
  
• Working knowledge of adolescent development (cognitive, physical, and social)
  
• Knowledge of procurement processes and procedures
  
• Working knowledge of inventory control practices
  
• Experience planning and organizing recreational activities
  
• Knowledge of security procedures and emergency response procedures
  

Additional Considerations

• Certification in CPR/AED, First Aid, Lifeguard, and Physical Restraint
  
• Experience planning or supervising recreational activities in a secure setting
  
  

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Application Process:
Individuals desiring to be considered for this position must submit a completed employment application or you may attach a resume before the position’s closing date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Applications sent through postal mail, email, or fax will not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to be specific regarding job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities.
You will be provided an email confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application. Status updates will not be provided via telephone or email.

Background & Pre-employment Screenings:
Selected applicants are subject to a background investigation and pre-employment drug screen. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (if required and relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.

Pre-employment medical screenings are required for some DJJ positions.



Reference Check: At least two references' names and contact information will be required from all finalists who advance in the selection process.

Driver License: A valid driver’s license is required of DJJ employees to operate a state-owned or leased vehicle.

Supplemental Questions:
You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information may help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.

Lay off Policy 1.3:
If you have been impacted by the DHRM Policy 1.3 layoff and have a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), it is necessary to submit the card before the closing date for this position. You can include the Card as an attachment with your state application.

DJJ Welcomes Veterans:
DJJ is committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified Veterans and their spouses. Veterans who are hired into state positions may be eligible to receive additional leave accruals based on their total years of service in the military, National Guard, or Reserve. If applicable, please submit form DD-214 with your state application.

The Commonwealth of Virginia welcomes all applicants authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not provided; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work.

Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable Accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact our Human Resources Department for further assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Department of Juvenile Justice practices fair and equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is our goal to foster a culture that demonstrates the principles of civility, diversity, opportunity, and inclusion.

Contact Information

Name: DJJ Talent Acquisition Team

Phone: Please email your questions to Porsha.Lewis@djj.virginia.gov

Email: Porsha.Lewis@djj.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.