Senior Recreation Leader - Adaptive Programming

City of San Bernardino; San Bernardino (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of San Bernardino is seeking a compassionate Senior Recreation Leader for the Center for Individual Development (CID). You will help plan, promote, and run a range of inclusive programs for participants with diverse abilities, creating welcoming and empowering experiences.

Part-time positions average 20 hours per week, with weekend shifts. Candidates should have a High School Diploma or GED and related experience in customer service or recreation programs.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1 year paid experience in customer service or recreation programs, or 2 years of volunteer service in those areas.
• Possession of a valid California State Driver’s License.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

Responsibilities

• Planning, coordinating, publicizing, promoting, and implementing recreation programs.
• Assist with accommodations and greeting participants.
• Supervise outings and events; maintain safe, clean spaces.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure an inclusive environment.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizing activities

Facilitating groups

Customer service

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

1 year paid experience in customer service or recreation programs or 2 years volunteer in customer service or recreation programs

Job description

Are you passionate about inclusive recreation and supporting individuals with disabilities?

The City of San Bernardino is looking for dedicated and compassionate Senior Recreation Leaders to join our team at the Center for Individual Development (CID) — our City’s premier recreation center for people with disabilities. In this role, you will help bring inclusive programs to life, ensuring that all participants feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to thrive.

In this hands‑on role, you’ll bring creativity, joy, and inclusivity to every program, helping participants grow, connect, and thrive through meaningful recreational experiences!

About the City:

As a future member of our team, you’ll be joining a city with deep roots, cultural diversity, and exciting momentum. Located in the heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire, San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County, home to more than 222,000 residents. Its rich history — shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences — continues to inspire the city’s evolving identity. San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. It’s a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose — and where motivated professionals can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful.

About the Position:

Working closely under the direction of the Recreation Specialist, the Senior Recreation Leader assists in planning, coordinating, publicizing, promoting, and implementing a variety of developmental recreation programs benefiting the community, including: cultural arts, sports, social events, excursions, adaptive activities, and more. This position is ideal for individuals seeking meaningful part‑time work that supports inclusion, teamwork, and fun. Recreation Leaders assigned to the Center for Individual Development (CID) work closely with participants of varying abilities in a supportive and engaging environment.

Part‑time employees work an average of 20 hours per week and are assigned to varied work shifts, including weekends.

The Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, compassionate, and dedicated to creating inclusive recreational experiences for individuals of all abilities. They are creative, dependable, and eager to engage participants in a variety of activities, from arts and crafts to sports, social events, and community outings. This individual values teamwork, communicates effectively, and can adapt programs to meet the unique needs of participants. They demonstrate patience, empathy, and a commitment to fostering a safe, welcoming, and fun environment. Whether setting up for an event, assisting with sensory equipment, or leading a group activity, the ideal candidate approaches every task with positivity and professionalism, making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

A Day in the Life Consists of:

As a Senior Recreation Leader, your day will be focused on engagement and activity. A typical day might include:

• Implementing pre‑planned programming with individuals that have a wide range of physical, emotional, and intellectual challenges.
• Setting up program areas for arts, sports, or social activities.
• Greeting participants and assisting with accommodations.
• Supervising community outings and special events.
• Supporting participants at all times.
• Maintaining safe, clean, and organized program spaces.
• Collaborating with staff to ensure a fun, inclusive environment.

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma, or G.E.D.

AND

One (1) year paid experience in customer service or recreation programs or two (2) years of volunteer services in customer service or recreation programs; or a combination of training and experience.

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:

• Possession of a valid California State Driver’s License
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of environmental conditions and distracting noises. Must have good hearing and visual acuity and be able to lift and move 20+ pounds. Working conditions may include exposure to emotionally unstable individuals and require interpersonal skill and/or physical intervention to calm the individual until assistance is available. Working conditions include potential exposure to body fluids. Must have good hearing and visual acuity.

Knowledge of:

• Techniques of organizing group social, recreation, and athletic activities.
• Rules and techniques of sports, games, arts, crafts, music, drama, social, and cultural activities.
• Leadership techniques.
• First Aid methods and necessary safety precautions against physical and other hazards.
• Objectives of public recreation and methods of enlisting support.
• City policies, procedures, and standards.

Skill in:

• Organizing, facilitating, and leading a group of children or adults in recreational activities.
• Assigning and monitoring work to ensure the completion of assignments.
• Serving as an umpire or referee at athletic contests in the play program.
• Resolving minor disciplinary problems and maintain order among program participants.
• Maintaining accurate records and prepare clear concise reports.
• Developing skill in several of the sports or activities of the recreation program.
• Following oral and written instructions.
• Working effectively with other employees.
• Communicating clearly and concisely
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships.
• Providing customer service.

Pre-Employment Process

• Application Review
• Oral Exam
• Pre-employment Medical Exam, including TB and drug test.
• Background Investigation with the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

E-Verify Participation: The City of San Bernardino participates in the E-Verify program. In compliance with federal law, all employers are required to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired to work in the United States.

Accordingly, the City will provide information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm authorization to work in the United States.

For more information about E-Verify, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website at www.uscis.gov

Disclaimers: The City of San Bernardino is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City follows a nepotism policy, which may impact hiring decisions if an applicant has relatives currently employed by the City.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Each request is evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department directly at (909) 998‑2060.

This bulletin is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract, expressed or implied. Its contents may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice.

For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Stephanie Rivera at [e-mail]. Additional information is available at www.sbcity.org.