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Recreation Program Director

Job Description

The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is an integral part of the City’s evolving criminal justice system, participating in reform initiatives and strategies aimed to move the City towards the smallest jail system possible without compromising public safety. The DOC is solely responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff, visitors, volunteers, and people in custody inside our jails. Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to providing people in custody with the tools and opportunities they need to successfully re-enter their communities. The DOC operates facilities and court commands across the five boroughs with over 7,500 diverse professionals and knowledge experts.

The DOC seeks to recruit Recreation Directors that will assist with the development and implementation of appropriate Enhanced Recreation activities. Selected candidates will participate in organized group activities that develop positive group dynamics, while productively occupying persons in custody with activities of interest. Under supervision of Recreation Supervisor, these Recreation Directors will be responsible for following:

- Conduct Enhanced Recreational programming for men and women in the Department’s care and custody, on housing units and in communal spaces, in city jail facilities (including but not
limited to facilitating sports and games, movement, fitness and conditioning, basketball and other tournaments) and engagement strategies for people in custody.
- Build the DOC capacity to provide Enhanced Recreational programming by determining the needs of targeted groups, presenting programming ideas, and encouraging people in custody to
engage in organized activities, which contribute to increased health and wellness, decreased stress and promote teamwork and collaboration.
- Assist leadership in identifying and connecting with additional community partners.
- Conduct periodic inspections of equipment, materials, and facilities.
- Complete and input daily data collection of the enhanced recreation programming.
- Participate in supervision (individual and team) as scheduled, and complete assigned trainings as required.
- Assist with special projects as needed and perform related duties as assigned

RECREATION DIRECTOR - 60430

Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college including or supplemented by 24 credits in recreation, physical education, dance, fine arts, applied arts (including therapy), group work, group dynamics, and community organization, at least 18 credits of which must be in recreation, physical education, dance, fine arts and applied arts (including therapy); or
2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college plus one year of full-time paid experience in planning, coordinating and supervising recreation programs; or
3. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and a combination of education and experience that is equivalent to five years of experience required in "2" above. College education leading to a degree may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of 30 credits for one year of experience. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience or 24 credits in recreation, physical education, dance, fine arts, applied arts (including therapy), group work, group dynamics, and community organization, at least 18 credits of which must be in recreation, physical education, dance, fine arts and applied arts (including therapy).

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

Average salary estimate

$60000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$50000K
$70000K

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What You Should Know About Recreation Program Director, City of New York

The City of New York is looking for a passionate and dedicated Recreation Program Director to join the Department of Correction in Queens, NY. If you’re someone who thrives on empowering individuals and creating vibrant recreational experiences, this is the role for you! As the Recreation Program Director, you will play a crucial role in enhancing the lives of individuals in the city’s jail facilities through carefully crafted recreational activities. This multifaceted position involves not only facilitating engaging sports and games, but also connecting with community partners to enrich the overall recreational offerings. You’ll work under the supervision of a Recreation Supervisor to conduct programs that fit the unique needs of each group, promoting health, wellness, and collaborative teamwork. You'll bring your creativity to life by developing programming that encourages participation, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of community among participants. Regular assessments of equipment and activity spaces will be part of your routine to ensure safety and effectiveness, alongside data collection to track program success. With qualifications that could range from a degree in recreation-related fields to practical experience in planning and executing recreation programs, this position is ideal for candidates who possess a robust combination of education and hands-on experience. Join us in making a positive impact while enjoying the rewards of working in a supportive and diverse environment that values your contributions!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Recreation Program Director Role at City of New York
What are the main responsibilities of a Recreation Program Director at the New York City Department of Correction?

The Recreation Program Director at the New York City Department of Correction is responsible for organizing and conducting Enhanced Recreational programming for individuals in custody. This includes facilitating sports, games, and fitness activities aimed at promoting health, wellness, and positive group dynamics. Additionally, the Director assists in identifying community partners, conducts equipment inspections, and collects daily data related to programming.

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What qualifications are required for the Recreation Program Director role in Queens, NY?

Candidates interested in the Recreation Program Director position should have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college complemented by at least 24 credits in relevant fields such as recreation, physical education, or fine arts. Applicants can also qualify through one year of full-time experience in planning and overseeing recreation programs, or a combination of high school education and relevant experience equivalent to five years.

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How does the NYC Department of Correction support teamwork and collaboration through recreational programming?

The NYC Department of Correction emphasizes teamwork and collaboration by encouraging participation in organized recreational activities designed to build relationships among individuals in custody. The Recreation Program Director plays a key role in fostering these cooperative experiences, helping reduce stress and enhance community feeling, while simultaneously promoting health and wellness.

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In what ways does the Recreation Director engage with community partners?

A key responsibility of the Recreation Program Director at the NYC Department of Correction involves identifying and building relationships with community partners. This engagement enriches the recreational programming by bringing in additional resources and opportunities that can enhance the activities offered to individuals in custody.

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What kind of recreational activities can a Recreation Program Director expect to oversee?

The Recreation Program Director can expect to oversee a wide variety of recreational activities, including sports tournaments, fitness and conditioning sessions, movement, games, and other engaging activities that cater to the interests of individuals in custody. These activities are designed to promote health and wellness, and to create a positive and structured environment.

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Common Interview Questions for Recreation Program Director
Can you describe your experience with organizing recreational programs?

In response to this question, you should summarize your relevant experiences in planning, coordinating, and leading recreational activities. Highlight any successful events or programs you've implemented and share specific outcomes related to participant engagement and wellness.

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How do you approach working with diverse groups in a correctional setting?

When answering this question, focus on your adaptability and communication skills. Discuss methods you would use to ensure inclusivity and promote positive interactions among individuals with varying backgrounds and experiences.

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What strategies do you use to encourage participation in recreational activities?

It's important to showcase strategies that create engagement, such as tailoring activities to individual interests, utilizing motivational techniques, and showcasing the benefits of participation for health and social interaction.

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How would you evaluate the effectiveness of a recreational program?

Discuss your approach to gathering feedback, analyzing participation rates, and measuring the impact on participants’ well-being. Explain how this data would inform future programming decisions.

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How do you ensure safety during recreational activities?

Your answer should outline your method for conducting safety inspections, ensuring equipment is in good condition, and understanding emergency protocols. Emphasize the importance of participant safety in all planning and implementation stages.

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Can you provide an example of a challenging situation you've faced in a recreation role and how you managed it?

Choose a relevant example that demonstrates your problem-solving skills, ability to adapt to challenges, and effective communication skills with both participants and colleagues.

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What role do you believe team dynamics play in recreational activities?

Discuss the importance of fostering strong team dynamics, explaining how collaborative and supportive environments enhance participation and lead to more successful outcomes in both recreational and personal growth.

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How do you plan to connect with community partners as a Recreation Program Director?

Outline a proactive strategy for identifying potential community partners, initiating connections, and collaborating to enhance programming. Highlight the benefits of these partnerships for participants.

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What hobbies or interests do you believe are important for a Recreation Program Director to have?

Discuss how your personal interests in [insert hobbies relevant to recreation here] can enhance your understanding and delivery of recreational programming and how they tie into promoting engagement and connection within the group.

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How would you handle conflicts that arise during recreational activities?

It's critical to emphasize your conflict resolution skills, focusing on active listening, mediation techniques, and strategies for maintaining a positive environment. Share a brief example if possible.

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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
April 14, 2025

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