CPRS Job Listing

Are you passionate about making a difference through inclusive recreation and community programs?

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is seeking a compassionate and energetic Recreation Specialist (Part-time) to join our Recreation & Parks Department! If you enjoy coordinating events, overseeing recreational programs, and working with the public in a dynamic environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

This is a continuous recruitment that can close at any time. Our first review date is May 26, 2025, interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.  

As a Recreation Specialist in the City's Recreation and Parks Department, you will play a key role in planning, coordinating, and leading recreational and social activities specifically for the REACH Program, serving adults and young adults with developmental disabilities. You will also help ensure that activities and facilities operate safely, efficiently, and in alignment with community needs while providing exceptional customer service.

This position is a lead role within the Recreation Services series, responsible for coordinating and overseeing assigned recreation programs, volunteer initiatives, and/or educational activities. Incumbents ensure that City facilities, programs, and services operate safely, efficiently, and in alignment with community needs. Responsibilities include planning, scheduling, and directing daily operations while providing high-quality customer service. This classification differs from the Recreation Supervisor and Administrative Staff Assistant, who hold broader administrative responsibilities, including program approval, staff discipline, and strategic oversight of program areas or sites.

The REACH Program is an adapted recreation program for adults with developmental disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorder meant to provide accessible and inclusive opportunities for recreational social activities. The REACH PROGRAM Recreation Specialist will play a key role in planning and leading adapted leisure activities such as arts and crafts, music, sports, games, dance, and community field trips for City’s REACH program. This role involves a variety of tasks, including assisting with the planning, organizing, and promotion of events, as well as helping with the set-up, operation, and breakdown of event activities to ensure smooth and efficient operations. The Recreation Specialist will also take the lead on securely receiving and storing appropriate medical information of program participants. You will collaborate closely with city staff, vendors, and volunteers to create a fun and welcoming atmosphere for attendees.
 

The Recreation and Parks Department is responsible for managing and operating a comprehensive park system, administering services in the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve throughout the year. The Department oversees recreational facilities, open space, preserve and trails, programs and classes, special events, the REACH program serving the needs of the developmentally disabled community, and support services.
 

Recreation Specialists may be assigned to work at any of the following job sites/programs: 

• Point Vicente Interpretive Center park grounds, museum, gift shop, and event space
• Fred Hesse Community Park grounds and community centers
• Robert E Ryan Community Park grounds and community centers
• Ladera Linda Community Park grounds and community centers  
• Eastview grounds and dog park
• REACH therapeutic recreation program for young adults, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities

For information about the park sites, visit: https://www.rpvca.gov/138/Parks-Facilities
 

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a motivated, enthusiastic individual with a passion for community service and working with individuals with disabilities. Someone that excels in a team environment, communicates effectively, thinks creatively, and approaches challenges with patience, positivity, and professionalism. This position requires strong leadership and initiative.

Essential Job Functions:

The following duties represent a range of responsibilities associated with this role. Other similar or related duties may be assigned as necessary. Please review the Class Specification for a more comprehensive list.

• Program Development & Implementation: Plan, organize, and facilitate adapted recreation and social activities including arts and crafts, music, dance, sports, field trips, and special events for REACH participants.
• Facility & Equipment Management: Open, close, inspect, and maintain assigned program spaces; ensure that supplies and materials are properly stored and available.
• Participant Support: Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment by supporting participants' independence, promoting positive social interaction, and ensuring a safe space.
• Staff & Volunteer Coordination: Provide guidance to part-time staff and volunteers; assist in recruiting and training as needed.
• Community Engagement & Customer Service: Serve as a City representative, delivering excellent customer service to participants, families, and the public.
• Event Support: Assist with event logistics including setup, operation, supervision, and breakdown of event activities.
• Safety & Incident Reporting: Conducts safety inspections, monitors program activities, and ensures a secure environment; documents incidents such as injuries, behavioral issues, vandalism, and property damage.
• Marketing & Outreach: Help promote activities by preparing flyers, newsletters, social media content, and other communications.
• Financial & Administrative Support: Assists with budget monitoring, petty cash distribution, purchase orders, and financial reporting; schedules part-time staff and ensures timely updates to the City’s website, ActiveNet, and quarterly newsletters.
• Emergency Response: Administers basic first aid and adult/child CPR as needed.
• Other Duties: Performs additional tasks as assigned.

Candidates should have a strong understanding of recreation program planning, development, and implementation, with a particular emphasis on adapted recreation and disability awareness, including knowledge of common intellectual and physical disabilities. They should be well-versed in customer service principles, community engagement strategies, and safety practices such as first aid and emergency response procedures. Familiarity with basic administrative functions, record keeping, and the use of standard computer applications is also essential.

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to independently plan, organize, and lead a variety of recreational programs while effectively communicating with participants, families, staff, and volunteers. They must be able to build supportive relationships, maintain confidentiality of sensitive participant information, and operate standard office and recreation equipment. Flexibility is key, as the role requires adapting activities to meet participant needs and working a variable schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Must be able to lift (up to 50lbs), move tables, chairs, and other materials and equipment for event setup.

Must successfully pass a background check and have a valid California Driver's License.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy, Adapted Physical Education/Activity, Special Education, Occupational Therapy, or related field preferred.
• Two (2) years of relevant experience working in recreation, education, therapeutic recreation, or community services required.
• Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is highly desirable.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

• Must possess or obtain within 30 days of hire:
  • American Red Cross First Aid Certificate
  • CPR Certificate (infant, child, and adult)

WORK SCHEDULE

• This is a part-time, year-round, at-will position, working up to 28 hours per week.
• Scheduled hours will not exceed 1,560 hours within a one-year period.
• Variable schedule: days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits to all full-time  and part-time eligible employees. CalPERS is a benefit retirement plan, which provides benefits based on an employee's years of service, age and compensation. The incumbent will be enrolled in the City's CalPERS plan. 

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 544-5332 no later than five (5) business days before the test date.
 

Apply on our careers page at GovernmentJobs.com