Recreation Officer

Fonction publique de l'Ontario; Penetanguishene; On-site; CAD 44,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ontario Public Service in Penetanguishene is seeking a Recreation Officer to design and implement engaging activities for individuals in custody, addressing physical, social, cultural, and educational needs.

You will plan innovative programs, coordinate facilities and materials, and help maintain a safe environment while supporting rehabilitation and community safety.

Qualifications

• Current First Aid and CPR Heartsaver certificates, or willingness to obtain on hire.
• Experience in facilitating diverse recreational programs.
• Training in kinesiology, physical education, or recreation leadership.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute innovative recreation programs and events.
• Enhance existing programs to boost engagement and effectiveness.
• Deliver engaging programming through lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities.
• Coordinate logistics, including facilities, equipment, and materials.
• Ensure security and safety during activities.

Skills

First Aid

CPR Heartsaver

Interpersonal skills

Verbal diffusing techniques

Supervisory skills

Writing skills

Computer proficiency

Education

Kinesiology / physical education / recreation leadership training

Job description

$32.16 - $39.85 Per hour*

*Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.

Bring your energy and creativity to our dynamic team and make a real difference!

Join us in enhancing community safety and positively impacting the lives of individuals in custody while experiencing the allure of Penetanguishene a charming town in Simcoe County, known for its rich heritage, vibrant culture, picturesque and well-protected harbours.

We are excited to welcome a passionate Recreation Officer to our dynamic team. In this role, you will design and implement diverse and engaging activities for offenders, addressing their physical, social, cultural, and educational needs.

About the job

• Plan, design, and execute innovative recreation programs and special events.
• Enhance existing programs to boost engagement and effectiveness.
• Deliver engaging programming through lectures, discussions, and hands‑on activities.
• Coordinate logistics, including facilities, equipment, and materials.
• Ensure security and safety during individual or group activities.

Mandatory requirements

• 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

• Experience in facilitating diverse recreational programs.
• Training in kinesiology, physical education, or recreation leadership.
• Understanding of the correctional system to design effective programs.
• Ability to apply relevant legislation and policies for safety and security.

Communication, Facilitation, and Supervisory Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills to motivate inmates and communicate effectively.
• Proficiency in verbal diffusing techniques to manage behavioral issues.
• Supervisory skills and expertise in motivational and counseling techniques.
• Excellent writing skills and computer proficiency for reports and schedules.

Analytical and Evaluation Skills

• Experience in designing and implementing recreation program content.
• Effective planning skills for resource and facility management.
• Strong arithmetic skills for maintaining accurate counts and inventory.

Don't meet every qualification?

If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!

How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility

We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.

Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:

• diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• accessibility
• Anti-Racism Policy

What we offer

Our managers foster a supportive and collaborative environment through open communication, an open-door policy, and regular feedback. They emphasize inclusivity, respect, and shared goals, empowering team members and adapting to individual preferences.

The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for a wide range of ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer:

• a career that can grow across ministries and job functions
• flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
• many employee networks offering support for and education about underrepresented groups
• tailored work arrangements, including opportunities like flex hours, self-funded leave and more

Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package includes:

• a defined-benefit lifetime pension plan (guaranteed, ongoing inflation-protected income after retirement)
• group health, dental, life and disability benefits
• a range of vacation and leave options
• an Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling services

Additional information:

• 1 English Permanent, 1501 Fuller Ave, Penetanguishene, Central Region, Vulnerable Sector Check, Credit History Check, Local Police Databases Search, PIP/NICHE/RMS
• About security checks:
  A criminal or other federal offence record does not automatically disqualify you from the position. We consider each situation based on the position's responsibilities.
  If a check is needed and you've lived outside of Canada in the past 5 years for 6 or more months in a row, or if you are not a Canadian resident, you'll need to provide an out-of-country police clearance certificate from the country you lived in.
  Employment screening checks are only reviewed and evaluated by the Transition and Security Office, which also maintains them and keeps them strictly confidential.

Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.