Recreation Officer (On-Call Contract)

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 Roy McMurtry Youth Centre where you will plan, organize, and implement a balanced program of physical, social, cultural and leisure activities for the facility.

Please note: This position works on an on-call basis between 0 to 40 hours per week, based on operational requirements, and with no guaranteed minimum number of hours per week.

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
• Maintain order and security through relationship custody and dynamic security practices
• 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 case management, evaluate progress of youth and of programs and provide counsel to youth to motivate and encourage positive responses and participation

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
• You have experience working with youth and understand adolescent development and behaviour
• You have basic understanding of the correctional system/environment in order to design recreational programs specifically for youth in custody as well as ensure safety and security

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, 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

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 theOPS 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 application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Tuesday, August 17, 2021 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.