Youth Program Specialist I

Youth Program Specialist I

Monitoring of high school, middle school, and elementary school participants and assist in the development and implementation of after school, summer programming, and other student learning programs, activities, and experiences, including organizing and conducting recreational activities, events and tutoring that will safely meet the needs of the community.

Works 50% inside and 50% outside in recreational settings. Frequently exposed to heat, sun, dusts, and noise; occasionally exposed to wet conditions, odors, and poor ventilation. Rubber gloves and first aid equipment provided.

Occasionally moderately physical work involving the set-up of special events involving lifting a child weighing up to 70 pounds from the floor and carrying up to 50 pounds (water jugs), climbing, crouching, and push/pull strength to 10 pounds moving ball carts 20-50 feet. During non-event work schedule, light physical effort is required to complete the organizational elements of the above functions. Includes writing and carrying 10 pounds regularly. Ability to communicate verbally and by demonstration with participants. Hearing ability to communicate with participants and parents and to identify volatile or safety issues during activities.

Program hours vary, and include, but are not limited to 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm Monday through Friday when public schools are in session; hours vary during the summer months and non-session school days, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm Position may include evenings, weekends and extended hours on special event days. Regular attendance is an essential function of the job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

First consideration may be given to current City of Las Cruces employees who meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

This recruitment will be used to fill a part-time, contract, non-exempt position in the Parks and Recreation department, but may be used to fill other part-time or full time Youth Program Specialist I positions in other City Departments. This position is graded at CN07

Duties and Responsibilities

• To monitor, participate, and create a fun atmosphere for high school, middle school, elementary aged participants during after school and summer program activities to safely meet the recreation needs of the community.
• Responsible to organize, promote and develop interest in social recreation and special events for participants by making events and programming fun for the participants.
• Cooperates with other staff members to conduct tutoring and other educational activities.
• Responsible to gather and submit reports on daily attendance, inventory, accident and program records and reports.
• Assists with planning, directing, and supervising a general program of recreation at an assigned program site, includes sports and educational programs, music, dance, and arts and crafts.
• Follows City-wide policy and practices and adheres to responsibilities concerning safety prevention, reporting and monitoring as outlined in the City's Policy Manual.
• Responsible to administer first-aid to injured children in the case of injury according to established procedures and standard first aid protocol.
• Refers any issues to the assigned supervisor immediately.
• Attends and successfully competed Standard First Aid and CPR training as scheduled by the Supervisor unless previously certified.
• Monitors the facility to insure safety to patrons and visitors and reports all incidents or disruptive behavior to the assigned supervisor.
• Assists in special events during the fall and spring sessions of school.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent PLUS three (3) months experience in recreation activities. A combination of education, experience and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Valid driver's license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, standards and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to: perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

Skills in: reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.