YOUTH, FAMILY AND RECREATION PROGRAM ASSISTANT

Position is open until Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 4:30 PM EST

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This is responsible professional work involving youth, family and recreational services, which includes programming and intervention services for young people, adults and families.

Duties include assistance with development, implementation, facilitation, evaluation of positive youth development, and recreational programs that respond to the needs of the youth and families in the community. Duties also include direct mentoring of youth and their families, planning, development, implementing, of youth and adult social emotional learning, and recreational programming. This position also has the responsibility for making routine youth, and recreational programming decisions. This work requires that the employee have considerable knowledge, skill, and ability in group processes, program coordination, social services, family dynamics, and the ability to gain and maintain the respect of youth.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Youth, Family, and Recreation Manager or designee.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Participates in the planning, organizing, supervising and directing of diversified youth, family, and recreational programs.

Provides case management, coaching, and mentoring to at-risk young people and their families. Makes referrals for appropriate support services such as employment, education, mental health services, etc.

Organizes and participates in experiential educational activities designed to enhance positive youth development. Teaches life skills curriculum and the proactive application of these skills. Executes a variety of youth programming modalities.

Assists in researching grant opportunities for youth and adult social emotional learning and recreational programming and preparing appropriate applications.

Prepares a variety of reports, including monitoring and evaluation reports. Maintains confidentiality of client files.

Assists in the promotion of youth and adult social emotional learning and recreational programming through social media, flyer and seasonal brochure design.

Assists with youth and adult social emotional learning and recreational programming registrations, collection of fees and other office functions to ensure maximum service to the public.

Maintains liaison with groups and agencies that are concerned with the municipality’s youth and adults.

Contacts organizations to elicit support for ongoing activities; attends meetings and conferences.

Provides crisis intervention responses, including the reporting of suspected abuse or neglect situations to appropriate authorities.

Participates in the planning and facilitation of department sponsored holiday and seasonal special events, which may also require being in attendance when these events take place, e.g. evenings, holidays, weekends.

Keeps up with current professional programs and services through review of literature and publications and attendance at professional meetings and conference.

Addresses civic groups regarding programs and Division activities.

Other duties as may be assigned.

NONESSENTIAL DUTIES

None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of youth counseling principles and practices, family and group therapy.

Considerable knowledge of recreational principles and practices for positive community outcomes.

Considerable ability in oral and written communications. Considerable knowledge of current juvenile diversion trends.

Considerable ability to relate to youth and adults on an individual and group basis.

Considerable ability to plan and implement a wide range of youth and adult-oriented programs and activities.

Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, coworkers, youth, other governmental agencies, and the general public.

QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university in recreation, psychology, sociology, or related field, plus two years of responsible youth, family and/or recreation program experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid Connecticut driver’s license. First aid and CPR certification are required within the first six months of employment.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

General office machines, computer, motor vehicle, telecommunications devices for the deaf, recreational and sports equipment, and a two-way radio.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and listen. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and carry up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to read and interpret standard documents such as written instructions and procedures manuals, profession journals, and government regulations. Must have the ability to write reports and correspondence and effectively represent information in one-on-one and group situations. The position requires the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization may exist.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee will occasionally deal with clients who have mental health or substance use challenges, are hostile, or terminally ill. The noise level in the office environment is moderately quiet. While performing these duties the employee periodically works in outside weather conditions and occasionally is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the field is moderately loud.

Important Information

In order to be considered applicants must demonstrate on their application that they meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the job announcement.

You must reside within the City of Norwich 60 miles from Norwich within one year of appointment.

Examination will consist of 100% written OR 100% oral OR 100% experience and training.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Disclaimer

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.