Recreation Manager at Distinction LLC – St. Louis, Missouri

About Distinction LLC

Distinction, LLC is a small, Mississippi-based business that was recently awarded operation of the St. Louis Job Corps Center. We are looking for qualified applicants who are enthusiastic, energetic, and purpose-driven.

Working with at-promise youth on a Job Corps Center is both rewarding and fulfilling. We offer competitive pay and a positive work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth and development.

About the role

• Responsible for the operation and direction of the recreation program and assigned staff. Demonstrates on-going commitment to preparing young people for the workforce by modeling, mentoring, and monitoring excellence in the eight Career Success Standards of: workplace relations and ethics; information management; communications; multicultural awareness; personal growth and development; career and personal planning; interpersonal skills and independent living.

What you'll do

• Works together with students to develop a program for their leisure time.
• Supervises all recreation and evening program staff, ensuring that students receive instruction in the safety aspects of all activities, i.e., water safety, athletic field safety, etc.
• Conducts in-service staff training sessions as needed.
• Plans and arranges for all on-center activities, including provisions for cultural and creative activities, sports, and other leisure-learning programs.
• Maintains recreation supplies and equipment, and orders replacements, as necessary.
• Submits timely reports on recreation and leisure-learning activities.
• Formulates and recommends new or revised recreation and leisure-learning activities to the Social Development Director.
• Ensures that all programs comply with DOL and PRH requirements.
• Maintains ongoing community contacts with directors of recreational facilities to create a favorable impression, develop rapport and increase recreational and social opportunities for students.
• Coordinate with Health & Wellness and Food Services to implement an effective HEALS Program.
• Publishes an advance recreation schedule on a monthly and weekly basis and posts it in areas frequented by students.
• Assists with the planning and directing of community service projects.
• Supervises and gives direction to volunteer personnel assisting in the recreation/non-vocational and leisure-time learning program.
• Maintains a daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly participation record.
• Assesses personnel needs and works with Human Resources department to screen and interview potential staff members. Approves promotions, transfers, and merit evaluations within the department. Prepares and conducts performance appraisals.
• Attends required staff training sessions.
• Cultivate and maintain a climate on Center that is free of harassment, intimidation, and disrespect to provide a safe place for staff and students to live and learn.
• Clearly communicates and consistently models appropriate CSS and employability skills including personal responsibility and computer fluency.
• Maintains accountability of staff, students, and property, adheres to safety practices in all areas of responsibility.
• May assist with other tasks as needed.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in physical education or related field preferred, or combination or education and experience.
• Two years of experience in supervising recreation/non-vocational programs, including athletics, sports and crafts, music, and drama.
• Prefer experience working with disadvantaged youth.
• Valid State driver’s license in the state of employment; CDL license holder with passenger endorsement preferred.

Additional Requirements:

Knowledge of a variety of recreation/non-vocational activities. Must be able to obtain and maintain valid CDL license with passenger transport endorsement. Ability to obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid certification. Ability to communicate effectively and relate to trainee population. Ability to inspire and motivate trainees. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Excellent organizational skills. Position requires an ability to operate office equipment. In addition, individual must be able to interact with team members and maintain an effective working relationship with all facility staff and departments.