Specialized Recreation Leader - Temporary

Full Job Description

• This is a part-time, 69 hours a month, temporary position and not eligible for County benefits.
• This is an in-office position. Your work site will vary, depending on the activity you are supporting.
• May be required at times to work evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

Requirements

• This program is part of our Specialized Recreation Program, designed for individuals ages 8 and up with special needs. During the school year, we primarily serve individuals aged 22 to 60. In the summer, we offer camps and programs that cater to a younger age range.
• This role typically has two schedule options, with some crossover to support programming.
  1. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 7 am to 5 pm
  2. Saturday, Sunday, and evening schedule – typically evening hours between 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and varying hours on weekends.

Core Daily Responsibilities

• Assist Coordinator & staff with planning, preparing, implementing, and leading programs and activities
• Participate in staff meetings/trainings
• Maintain a clean, safe, and inclusive environment throughout each activity
• Assist participants with daily tasks onsite and within the community
• Direct family questions and comments to appropriate avenue
• Perform other duties as assigned by the coordinator

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and experience working with people with disabilities in a recreational and/or work setting
• Knowledge and experience working with people of all ages with various needs
• Ability to problem solve, work with the public in a tactful manner, and possess organizational skills while remaining flexible
• Ability to exercise mature judgment to ensure safety and enjoyment by program participants; lead both large and small group activities; maintain effective working relationships with staff, parents and volunteers; follow written and oral directions; shifts vary

Why It's a Great Department:

Pierce County Parks and Recreation manages more than 5,200 acres of parks, trails, and open space, ranging from community hubs to natural areas. We deliver diverse recreation programs and maintain the infrastructure that supports both active play and quiet connection with nature.

Our department is made up of four divisions: Park and Recreation Operations, Business Operations, Volunteer and Resource Development, and Park Stewardship and Infrastructure Delivery, working together to serve one of the most dynamic and fast-growing regions in Washington.

Guided by our mission to create livable communities, we provide opportunities for people to connect with nature, learn about sustainability, live healthy lives, and experience inclusive, thriving public spaces.

Joining Pierce County Parks means being part of a forward-thinking team that values collaboration, innovation, and community impact, where your work truly makes a difference every day.

Learn more about the Pierce County Parks and Recreation Department here.

What is Specialized Recreation?

Specialized Recreation is a program that facilitates a variety of fun, exciting, and safe social and recreational activities for people with disabilities in our community.

Through camps, clubs, sports, Special Olympics, and more, we aim to provide a wide selection of accessible and inclusive opportunities.

Learn more about Specialized Recreation here.

How to be Successful in the Role:

Are you someone passionate about social activities, helping others, and planning and implementing recreation programs?

If so, this may be a wonderful role for you to use your skillset and interests to support our Specialized Recreation participants.

Your knowledge and experience working with people of all ages and various needs will be helpful as you lead programing for people with differing abilities.

Your capacity to problem-solve, work with the public in a tactful manner, and use your organizational skills while remaining flexible, will be critical to your success.

Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older
• High School diploma or GED
• Must have valid driver's license required within 30 days of employment
• Be comfortable driving a 15-passenger bus
• Must have a current CPR/First Aid certification required within 30 days of employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Work or volunteer experience with individuals with disabilities is preferred (experience can be through school, family, camps, childcare, church, volunteering, or job coaching)
• Active or previous participation in a recreation programming setting is preferred (experience can be through school, camps, childcare, church, volunteering, or job coaching)

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Additional Information

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date.

Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step.

We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career.

We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.

Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?