DJS YOUTH RECREATION SPECIALIST I REPOST

State of Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Maryland, Department of Juvenile Services, seeks a Youth Recreation Specialist I to lead the facility's recreation program, ensuring safe, engaging activities for youth and promoting wellness, teamwork, and self-esteem.

Responsibilities include scheduling and leading sports and games, coordinating with staff, maintaining logs, and attending trainings to keep certifications current. The role emphasizes supervision, safety, and positive youth development.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate acceptable to the Maryland State Board of Education as described in the Maryland Correctional Training Commission regulation.
• One (1) year of experience supervising the recreational activities of children or youth in a recreation center, fitness center or school setting.

Responsibilities

• Scheduling, initiating, instructing, and leading indoor and outdoor sports, games, and leisure activities for youth in the facility, including tournaments, sports clinics, intramural athletic programs, and seasonal sports events
• Assisting Group Living personnel in upholding established rules and helping youth develop skills to participate successfully within those rules
• Meeting with staff from other DJS facilities, teachers, Case Managers, Resident Advisors, and Facility Management to plan and coordinate recreational programs
• Attending in-service training on topics such as crisis prevention, suicide prevention, emergency medical treatments, and behavioral modification models to maintain current knowledge and required certifications
• Maintaining logs and other documentation of daily recreational activities

Skills

Scheduling

Game leadership

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Introduction

This is a repost. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.

GRADE

ASTD11

LOCATION OF POSITION

Western Region – Western Maryland Children’s Center (Washington Co.)

Hagerstown, MD 21740

Main Purpose of Job

Join Us in Making a Difference at DJS! The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) is committed to transforming young lives, creating safer communities, and fostering equitable systems. We are seeking passionate and dedicated individuals for the role of Youth Recreation Specialist I. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of youth and contribute to a stronger community, we invite you to join our team. This position plays a lead role in the development and delivery of the facility’s recreation program, aligned with the objectives and policies of the Department. It is responsible for ensuring the care, safety, and positive engagement of youth through structured recreational experiences. The goal is to promote personal wellness, teamwork, discipline, and a stronger sense of self-worth.

In This Role, You Will Be

• Scheduling, initiating, instructing, and leading indoor and outdoor sports, games, and leisure activities for youth in the facility, including tournaments, sports clinics, intramural athletic programs, and seasonal sports events
• Assisting Group Living personnel in upholding established rules and helping youth develop skills to participate successfully within those rules
• Meeting with staff from other DJS facilities, teachers, Case Managers, Resident Advisors, and Facility Management to plan and coordinate recreational programs
• Attending in-service training on topics such as crisis prevention, suicide prevention, emergency medical treatments, and behavioral modification models to maintain current knowledge and required certifications
• Maintaining logs and other documentation of daily recreational activities

Minimum Qualifications

Education : Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate acceptable to the Maryland State Board of Education as described in the Maryland Correctional Training Commission regulation.

Experience : One (1) year of experience supervising the recreational activities of children or youth in a recreation center, fitness center or school setting.

Notes

• The above educational requirement is set by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission in accordance with the Correctional Services Article, Section 8-209, Annotated Code of Maryland.
• Candidates may substitute possession of an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited college or university in a recreational program such as Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies; Sports and Fitness Administration or Health and Physical Education or 60 credit hours with 30 credit hours in the required areas for the required experience. (Transcripts must be attached if substituting education for experience.)
• Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Recreation Aid and Assistant classifications or Recreation Aid Assistant specialty codes in the Social Science, Psychology and Welfare field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Desired Or Preferred Qualifications

The preferred candidate may possess :

• Experience planning and scheduling recreational programs and activities designed to engage adolescent youth
• Experience demonstrating the safe and proper use of physical education or recreational equipment
• Current certification in CPR and/or other First Aid procedures
• An Associate’s degree or higher in Parks and Recreation, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Sports and Fitness Administration, Health and Physical Education, Kinesiology, or other closely related field

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Employees in this classification must complete and successfully pass the Entrance Level Correctional Training Course for DJS support staff required for the Maryland Correctional Training Commission certificate during the probationary period.
• Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.
• Employees in this classification that are employed at DJS Youth Centers may be required to complete a Board approved medication technician training program and possess a valid Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) certification as a Medication Technician.

Special Requirements

• In accordance with the Correctional Services Article, Section 8-209 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Correctional Training Commission shall establish the minimum qualifications for probationary or permanent appointment of a Department of Juvenile Services employee. These requirements are listed in detail in the Code of Maryland Regulations 12.10.01.04, general regulations of the Maryland Correctional Training Commission, and include:
• U.S. Citizenship or Resident Alien status
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• A thorough background check, including fingerprinting and drug testing
• An oral interview, and
• Physical and psychological examinations.
• Employees in this classification may be subject to call-in and, therefore, may be required to provide the employing agency with a telephone number where the employee can be reached.
• Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 17.04.09 – Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application (and on separate pages, if necessary) to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates may be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment will be a rating of your application based on your education, training, and experience related to the position’s requirements. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related experience and education. For education obtained outside the U.S., you must provide proof of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service.

Please complete the supplemental questionnaire, if applicable. They will be used when rating applications. Please note that your answers on the supplemental questionnaire must correspond to the information provided on your completed application to receive credit. Missing or incomplete supplemental questionnaires may impact the overall rating of your completed application.

If you are a Veteran applying for this position, please submit your DD 214 Long Form with your completed application to receive proper credit.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.

DJS values the experience gained by Veterans while serving our country. Veterans are welcome to apply for all current recruitments.

Bilingual applicants and people with disabilities are welcome to apply for all recruitments.

Candidates with lived experience relating to the criminal/juvenile legal system are encouraged to apply.

We welcome experienced professionals transitioning from federal service to explore rewarding career opportunities.