Correctional Recreation Leader

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan options

Wellness rewards program

Health savings account

Pension plans

Paid time off

Education reimbursement

LinkedIn Learning access

Free parking

Job summary

State of Indiana seeks a Correctional Recreation Leader for Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility. You will work as part of a team in an IDOC facility, overseeing a 7.5‑hour shift to ensure recreation safety and build daily programs for incarcerated youths.

The role emphasizes recreation expertise, behavioral understanding, and coordination with the Rec Coordinator. A degree is not required, and a comprehensive benefits package accompanies a full‑time position.

Qualifications

• Broad knowledge of sports, games, and recreational activities.
• Understanding of institutional recreation practices.
• Knowledge of recreation value in corrective programs.
• Familiarity with behavior management in a correctional setting.
• Ability to adapt procedures to situations and supervise staff.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct recreational activities across multiple programs.
• Engage inmates individually or in small groups during treatment.
• Recommend equipment purchases and maintenance.
• Maintain records of programs and evaluations.
• Report and address disciplinary issues during activities.
• Occasionally coordinate activities in the absence of the Recreation Coordinator.

Skills

Recreation knowledge

Institutional recreation

Disciplinary handling

Record keeping

Supervisory ability

Inmate relations

Adaptability

Job description

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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 Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility:

Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility is a maximum‑security facilitylocatedin Pendleton, Indiana, with 391 beds for incarcerated juvenile males. The facility includes multiple general population housing complexes, an admission and orientation unit, and a secure housing area. Its campus‑style layout includes medical services, food and laundry operations, indoor recreation areas, a chapel, and Providence Jr./Sr. High School. Outdoor recreation areas include fields, courts, and a running track. The perimeter ismonitored24/7 to ensure safety. Programs focus on treatment, vocational skills, education, and re‑entry preparation. To learn more about Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility, click here.

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] .