Corrections Leisure Activities Specialist I

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice is seeking a motivated candidate to step into a rewarding role as a Corrections Leisure Activities Specialist I (UMP), at our IYC Chicago facility. This position contributes to youth development and rehabilitation every day and has meaningful impact on the youth we serve by planning, organizing, and leading engaging recreational and leisure programs that promote positive behavior, teamwork, and personal growth. As a mentor to the youth, this role models pro-social skills and creates a structured environment that supports emotional and physical well-being. The ability to use creativity and leadership to design activities that reduce idleness and encourage constructive use of time provides endless opportunities for a creative and motivated applicant. Come collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to support individualized treatment goals of youth in our care. If you are passionate about making a difference, this position offers hands-on experience in behavior management, program coordination, and youth engagement. Join a team of professionals where your energy, creativity, and commitment can truly change lives. IDJJ encourages all interested and qualified applicants to apply!

Requirements

Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years college, with a bachelor's degree in leisure studies, recreation, physical education, art education, fine arts, studio arts, graphics, color and design, therapeutic recreation, music, theater, or speech and communications.
Requires ability to pass the IDOC/IDJJ background check.
Requires ability to pass a drug screen.
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of the methods, techniques, and purposes of leisure activities.
Elementary knowledge of leisure activities programs and skills development tailored to individual needs.
Working knowledge of arts and crafts instruction.
Elementary knowledge of corrections regulations, policies, and proper channels of communication as applied to the leisure time programming.
Elementary knowledge of the attitudes, problems and behavior of individuals and groups in a correctional security setting.
Ability to prepare pertinent records and reports.
Ability to stimulate interest of institution residents in leisure time activities.
Ability to carry out leisure activities and teach leisure skills.
Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups.
Ability to express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

Provides instruction in skills and techniques, and supervision for youths engaged in leisure activities.
Provides direct supervision to youth participating in activities and youth workers.
Provides recreational programming for special units.
Plans activities in conjunction with the facility schedule.
Secures and inventories all equipment and supplies.
Monitors special events and entertainment.
Participates in youth staffing meetings, evaluations, and assessments of youth treatment needs.
Reports unusual incidents.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.