Evening Program Specialist - Hourly (20 Hours Per Week)

Job Title

Develops, recommends, and coordinates implementation of recreational, educational, and physical fitness programs for senior center participants, either in-person or remotely; monitors and evaluates effectiveness of programs in meeting established goals and objectives; performs other duties as assigned. Maximum 20 hours per week. Position hours are Monday - Thursday, 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Essential Functions

1. Develops, recommends, and coordinates implementation of recreational, educational, and physical fitness programs for senior center participants;
2. Monitors and evaluates effectiveness of programs in meeting established goals and objectives;
3. Plans and manages a variety of educational and personal development classes and special events and outreach for senior citizens;
4. Leads evidence-based, health promotion programming, both educational and fitness. Training provided;
5. Produces articles for bi-monthly Departmental newsletter, weekly Senior Spotlight, bi-weekly e-news bulletin, and social media;
6. Designs and prepares posters, flyers, artwork and digital promotion/videos publicizing the Center's programs and activities;
7. Purchases materials necessary for carrying out programs planned, following county procurement policies and budget considerations;
8. Updates consumer's Department registration information as needed.
9. Compiles required statistics and/or analytics on program participation by senior activity center participants;
10. Assists with program registration and collects fees using registration software;
11. Works with instructors and volunteers in planning, implementing and facilitating programs and activities for the center;
12. Ensures the center is kept clean and orderly; provides appropriate seasonal or special event decorations; maintains storage areas of activity supplies, and creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the center;
13. Maintains and updates physical bulletin boards, and produces monthly activity calendar;
14. Closes building at the end of the shift;
15. Advises senior citizens of available programs and encourages participation through leadership and direct involvement;
16. Participates in Department, Division and Center meetings and trainings;
17. Performs other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Ability to gain thorough knowledge of St. Mary's County Government policies and procedures;
2. Ability to effectively communicate with other staff and especially senior citizens, in a courteous and caring manner;
3. Expert knowledge of the principles and methods of program planning and development for senior citizens and wide-ranging knowledge of the interests, social and recreational needs of senior citizens;
4. Ability to function skillfully in three or more of the following areas: art, music, crafts, humanities, or physical activity instruction;
5. Ability to work independently or with a small team;
6. Ability to operate audio-visual equipment and to use computers and standard computer software;
7. Ability to provide group leadership and to deal effectively and successfully with program participants and co-workers, other professionals, and the general public;
8. Expert knowledge of government and community programs and services available to the elderly;
9. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records;
10. Ability to plan, organize, and execute essential tasks with minimum instruction or review;
11. High levels of resourcefulness and an energetic approach to conceiving and implementing a day-to-day program of activities and events which will appeal to and attract senior citizens of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds;
12. Good physical condition required; capable of providing participative leadership in activities such as exercise, dance, fitness, sports, crafts, etc.

Education and Experience

1. Associates degree in activity therapy, art, music, dance, recreation, or related discipline;
2. Or equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience

Additional Requirements:

1. Must have CPR certification or become certified within (3) three months of employment.
2. Must successfully pass background investigation with favorable results;
3. Must pass a pre-employment drug test.

Physical and Environmental Conditions: Work requires light physical effort e.g. continual standing or walking of 60%+ of the time and moderate physical fitness on occasion when moving boxes, storage, tables and chairs for room setup needed for programming. Environmentally, cleaning and sanitizing on site could be regularly required. Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices or meeting rooms, e.g., use of safe workplace practices with kitchen equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls.