Recreation Specialist - Institutional (Recreation Specialist)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System • Leavenworth, KS

1d

About The Position

The Recreation Specialist works under the general direction of the Recreation Supervisor and/or Assistant Supervisor of Recreation. The role applies knowledge of the goals, principles, methods, and techniques of recreation to supervise recreation and leisure-time programming for the inmate population. The specialist solicits suggestions from inmates, plans activities based on research, purchases program equipment and supplies, prepares tournament rosters, and ensures activities take place in a timely manner.

The specialist assists recreation supervisors and other recreation and sports specialists with planning, organizing, advising on, and administering activities and programs that promote inmates’ physical, creative, and social development. As with all correctional institution employees, the specialist is responsible for maintaining institutional security. Correctional responsibilities take precedence over the other duties of the position and are performed regularly.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Meet the basic education requirement through undergraduate or graduate study in general recreation or an appropriate recreation-related field, or meet the specialized-experience requirement for positions above GS-5.
• For GL-07, have one year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement, or at least one year of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; a combination of education and experience may also qualify.
• For GL-09, have a master's or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.B. or J.D.; alternatively, have at least one year of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. A combination of education and experience may also qualify.
• Qualifying experience may include supervising team sports, activities, or tournaments; developing and overseeing daily recreation program operations; organizing and directing participants; tracking program participation using a computer program; developing recreational activities and arranging community resources; planning indoor and outdoor activities for an inmate population; preparing financial requests for recreation equipment; or explaining recreation opportunities to groups.
• If qualifying through education, provide transcripts as required; foreign education must meet the stated recognition requirements.
• Meet applicable pre-employment screening requirements, including interview, urinalysis, physical, background investigation, NCIC and credit checks.
• Complete the three-week Introduction to Correctional Techniques training course at Glynco, Georgia.
• Applicants subject to firearm authorization requirements must complete the qualification inquiry regarding misdemeanor domestic-violence convictions.
• Comply with the maximum entry age of 36 for original appointment to a Bureau of Prisons institution, unless an applicable exception is met.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the operation of recreation and leisure-time programs.
• Solicit recreational activity suggestions from the inmate population.
• Plan and create recreational activities based on research.
• Purchase equipment and supplies needed for recreation programs.
• Prepare tournament rosters and ensure recreational activities occur in a timely manner.
• Assist recreation supervisors and other recreation and sports specialists in planning, organizing, advising on, and administering recreation activities and programs.
• Promote the physical, creative, and social development of the inmate population through recreation programs.
• Maintain the security of the correctional institution, with correctional responsibilities taking precedence over other duties.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive access to a comprehensive benefits package for themselves and their families; specific benefits eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level