Recreation Officer

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.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code.

Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

• 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

How do I qualify?Mandatory

• Current First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Heartsaver Certificates with AED (or ability to obtain upon hire)

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

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