Extra Help Recreation Specialist

County of Thurston•Olympia, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) is recruiting for two (2) extra help, part-time Special Recreation Aides for our Social Services Division. The Specialized Recreation Program provides fun activities for ages sixteen (16) and above with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). The primary goal of the program is to provide opportunities for learning and growth through leisure activities. In the role of Specialized Recreation Aide, you will be working with individuals with I/DD at a variety of activities such as themed dances, bingo, bowling, pizza and movie nights, arts and crafts, and more! This is a part-time position offering flexible hours, mostly nights and weekends, and you will be able to sign up for activities that fit your schedule. If you have compassion and a desire to advocate for those with special needs, you will love this job. Help us bring specialized recreation and socialization opportunities to those who need it most!

Requirements

Minimum of 18+ years of age
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) / First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within one month of hire date.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and experience working with people of all ages with various needs, particularly those with disabilities (physical, mental, or sensory challenged)
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
Respect and Organizational Culture Create an environment where employees and partners can safely express needs or concerns and where employees can make and correct mistakes
Effectively interact with sensitivity while working with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and persons of all ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, and lifestyles
Thrive in a fast-paced, robust organization maintaining a positive work environment
Communication Serve the public in a timely, complete, accurate, and professional manner while ensuring that written and verbal communication is clearly understood by others
Maintain cultural competency to support diverse perspectives in developing, implementing, and evaluating policies, programs, and services that affect the health of the community
Strong oral communication for networking and interpersonal relationships
Excellent written communication including the ability to craft correspondence, reports, and articles or web postings with minimal grammatical and syntax errors
Goal Setting and Accomplishment Use strategic thinking and planning for goal setting and evaluation
Effectively plan, organize, and manage competing priorities and challenges under pressure
Create a sense of mission by articulating and modeling confidentiality, professional values, and ethics with honesty and integrity
Operate with a high degree of flexibility, initiative, attention to detail, and commitment
Delegate and use persuasion and negotiating skills for shared responsibility and acceptance of change

Responsibilities

Assist the Specialized Recreation Supervisor and staff with preparing and leading programs and activities
Maintain a clean, safe, and inclusive environment throughout each activity
Assist participants with tasks
Maintain effective working relationships with staff, parents, and volunteers
Follow written and oral directions
Perform other work as required or assigned, including, but not limited to, a 24/7 response during public health emergency situations and disease outbreak investigations