Consider a rewarding career in correctional services and join us in making a difference in the lives of individuals in custody and keeping our communities safe.
As a Recreation Officer, you will contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of a balanced (physical, social, cultural, educational) recreation program for inmates with diverse needs and security requirements.
Please note this position is irregular. on call working up to 40.00 hours per week.
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 the
OPS 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 "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.
What can I expect to do in this role?
• Participate in the planning, design, implementation and facilitation of institutional recreation programs and special events
• Recommend changes to improve existing programs and events
• Provide instruction including lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in recreational activities
• Arrange for facilities, equipment, and materials required for recreational activities
• Ensure security, control, and safety standards are maintained while organizing, coordinating, leading and implementing individual or group recreational activities
• Provide for the care, custody and control of inmates including responding to emergency situations
• Prepare incident/occurrence, accident and injury, and other reports
(Click on the "View Job Description" button for more information)
How do I qualify?
Mandatory
• You have current First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Heartsaver certificates OR you are willing and able to obtain certification upon hire
Specialized Knowledge and Experience
• You have experience facilitating a variety of recreational programs including instructing and guiding participants in physical, social, cultural and/or education recreation activities
• You have training and knowledge in kinesiology, physical education, or recreation leadership
• You have understanding of the correctional system and environment in order to design and plan recreational programs and activities to meet the needs of inmates
• You are able to apply relevant legislation, regulations, institutional policies, and procedures in order to ensure the safety and security of participants during recreation activities
Communication, Facilitation, and Supervisory Skills
• You have interpersonal and influencing skills to encourage inmates to participate in scheduled recreational activities as well as effectively provide program information and instruction
• You have knowledge of verbal diffusing techniques in order to handle behavioural problems and altercations
• You have demonstrated supervisory skills as well as knowledge of motivational and counselling techniques
• You have writing skills and proficiency with computer software to prepare routine reports and activity schedules
Analytical and Evaluation Skills
• You can participate in the design and implementation of recreation program content, including the selection of required equipment/material
• You have planning skills to ensure resources and facilities are available for recreational activities
• You have arithmetic skills to maintain accurate offender counts and equipment inventory
