Correctional Recreation Leader

State of Indiana; Michigan City (IN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Parking for most positions

Free LinkedIn Learning access

Pension plan options

Job summary

State of Indiana is seeking a Correctional Recreation Leader at Indiana State Prison in Michigan City to manage and deliver structured recreational programs for incarcerated individuals.

The role involves supervising recreation activities during a 7.5‑hour shift, ensuring safety, and implementing daily programs as directed by the Rec Coordinator. A degree is not required, with a strong emphasis on behavioral management and records upkeep.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of rules and regulations of a variety of sports, games, and recreational activities.
• Strong understanding of principles and practices of an institutional recreation program.
• Specialized knowledge of recreation and its value in a corrective and rehabilitative program.
• Ability to supervise inmates and coordinate subordinate staff.

Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts recreational activities in multiple program areas (holiday activities, swimming, arts and crafts, softball).
• Works with individuals or small groups where inmates may be withdrawn or resistant to treatment.
• Recommends purchase or repairs of recreation equipment.
• Maintains records of programs and evaluations.
• Handles and reports inmate disciplinary issues arising from recreation events.
• May coordinate in the absence of the Recreation Coordinator and supervise staff.

Skills

Sports knowledge

Institutional recreation

Rehabilitation focus

Behavior management

Staff supervision

Record-keeping

Inmate relations

Job description

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About Indiana State Prison:

Indiana State Prison is a level‑four maximum‑security facilitylocatedin Michigan City, Indiana, with a capacity of more than 2,400 incarcerated adult males. As the oldestcorrectional facilityin the state, it has a long history andoperateson a secured 24‑acre campus with tenmannedtowers. The prison grounds also include a level‑two facility with a capacity of 385 incarcerated adult males. Staffmaintaina clean, orderly environment while prioritizing safety and security. Programs available to incarcerated individuals support personal development and re‑entry preparation where applicable. The facility provides a structured setting for individuals with long sentences or those convicted of violent offenses.

Role Overview:

As a Correctional Recreation Leader, you will be responsible for working as a part of a team in an Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) facility. During a 7.5-hour shift, you will be responsible for the security of the recreation building, and the safety of the incarcerated individuals during the recreation lines. You will be responsible for implementing daily recreational programs during your shift with added responsibilities communicated to you by the Rec Coordinator.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $42,900.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Plans, initiates, organizes, and conducts recreational activities in one or more of the following program areas: holiday activities, swimming, arts and crafts, and/or softball.
• Works with individual or a small group where inmates are withdrawn and/or resistive to treatment.
• Recommends the purchase of recreation equipment and repairs damaged equipment.
• Maintains necessary records of programs and student evaluations.
• Handles and reports inmate disciplinary problems arising from recreational events.
• Occasionally acts as coordinator in the absence of the Recreation Coordinator.
• Assists in instructing and coordinating the work of subordinates.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Extensive knowledge of the rules and regulations of a variety of sports, games, and other recreational activities.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of an institutional recreation program.
• Specialized knowledge of recreation and its value in a corrective and rehabilitative program.
• Specialized knowledge of both the basic philosophy of recreation and individual and group behavior.
• Ability to adapt procedures, methods, tools, and techniques to specific situations.
• Ability to supervise the activities of inmates.
• Ability to effectively instruct subordinate staff and coordinate their work.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious relationships with inmates and handle disciplinary problems.
• Ability to maintain necessary records of programs and student evaluations.

A degree is not required.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b)account (similar to401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parkingfor most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learningaccess

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .