Program Specialist

Applitrack; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Vernon Parks and Recreation is seeking a Program Specialist to supervise middle school students during one Friday evening per month, 6:30pm–9:30pm, starting Oct 30. You will work under the Program Director and Recreation Supervisor in a Teen Center setting open once monthly.

Responsibilities include supervising participants, identifying health and safety risks, enforcing rules, and performing light custodial duties. CPR/First Aid training is mandatory.

Qualifications

• Experience implementing recreational activities for youth aged 11–14.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and speaking.
• Strong leadership and ability to handle diverse participants.
• Must be flexible, energetic, patient, and empathetic to participants' needs.
• Must attend mandatory CPR, First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens training.

Responsibilities

• Supervises program participants in their assigned area.
• Identify and respond appropriately to potential risks to health and safety of participants or staff.
• Identify and respond to inappropriate or unsafe behaviors from participants.
• Walk-through the building or outdoor area to ensure there are no safety hazards.
• Make sure building is clean and orderly and perform light custodial duties as needed.
• Participate with program in games and activities that will enhance the well-being of participants.
• Enforce program and facility rules equally for all participants.
• Discipline as necessary being firm, professional and fair.
• Ensure the noise level does not become excessive.
• In event of an accident, perform care and follow Town of Vernon procedures.
• Perform responsible building security upon closure.
• Adheres to and enforces all Town and departmental policies and procedures.
• Attend required staff meetings and special events

Skills

Recreational programming

Child development

Communication skills

Community relations

Leadership

Empathy

Job description

Position Type

Parks and Recreation Line Employees

Date Posted

9/30/2026

Location

Parks and Recreation Offices

Vernon Parks and Recreation

TITLE: Program Specialist

Reports to: Recreation Supervisor of Parks & Recreation

Pay Rate: $19.9403 - $20.4792/ hour - Part time with no benefits

JOB SUMMARY

This position is for one Friday evening per month, beginning October 30, to supervise middle school students in a variety of structured activities and unstructured free time from 6:30pm – 9:30pm.Additional staff training and meeting may be required. Program Specialists report directly to the Program Director and are under the general supervision of the Recreation Supervisor. The Teen Center is open one Friday each month.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Supervises program participants in their assigned area
• Identify and respond appropriately to potential risks to health and safety of program participants or staff
• Identify and respond to inappropriate or unsafe behaviors from program participants
• Walk-through the building or outdoor area to ensure there are no safety hazards (wet floor, tripping hazards, etc).
• Make sure building is clean and orderly and perform light custodial duties as needed

Participate with program in games and activities that will enhance the general well-being of participants

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Enforce the program and facility rules equally for all participants
• Discipline as necessary being firm, professional and fair
• Ensure the noise level does not become excessive
• In the event of an accident, preform care and follow all Town of Vernon procedures/protocols
• Perform responsible building security upon closure
• Adheres to and enforces all Town and departmental policies and procedures.
• Performs related work as required
• Attend required staff meetings and special events

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

• General knowledge of principles and practices of recreational programming
• Familiarity with the developmental needs of children ages 11 - 14
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Ability to deal effectively with the community
• Strong leadership skills
• Must be flexible, energetic, patient, and empathetic to participants' needs and interests.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT/ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Able to lift light objects up to 20 pounds.
• Able to perform moderately difficult manipulative skills such as writing and typing.
• Able to perform tasks which require hand eye coordination such as demonstrating a specific leisure skill.
• Able to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods.
• Able to hear normal sounds with some background noise.
• Able to concentrate on moderate detail with constant interruption.
• Needs to attend to task/function for 25 – 40 minutes
• Able to remember multiple tasks/assignments given to self and others during the course of the day.
• Exposure to blood, body tissues or fluids, seasonal conditions in outside weather, and to loud or unpleasant noises.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• 18 years of age or older
• Attend mandatory training session in CPR, First Aid, Blood Borne Pathogens and overall departmental policies

(The above description is illustrative. It is not intended as a guide for personnel actions and must not be taken as a complete itemizing of all facets of any job.)

Postings current as of 10/1/2026 8:43:33 PM CST.