Recreation Aide (Therapeutics)

Recreation Aide (Therapeutics)

Salary

$15.43 - $24.66 Hourly

Location

126 N. St. Andrews Street, Dothan, AL

Job Type

FULL TIME

Job Number

157TH-26-01

Department

Leisure Services

Opening Date

09/15/2026

Closing Date

9/28/2026 11:59 PM Central

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE RECREATION AIDE or PART TIME RECREATION AIDE POSITIONS, YOU MUST COMPLETE SEPARATE APPLICATIONS FOR EACH POSITION.

This is a full-time position responsible for assisting with Therapeutic Recreation Programs to include planning activities, supervising children and adults, transporting participants in city vans/buses, providing support as needed and participating in the maintenance of assigned facilities; and assisting in the implementation of assigned leisure services programs.

Major Duties

• Assists with registering, organizing, and conducting special population programs and City special events.
• Provides transportation via van or bus daily for center participants.
• Operates a variety of grounds maintenance equipment; mows grass, cuts weeds, repairs landscaping, and collects litter, leaves, and debris; maintains assigned equipment.
• Plans or assists in planning recreational programs and social activities for special populations to include yearly dances, summer camps, Special Olympics, and out-of-town trips.
• Assists with the preparations for a variety of programs, tournaments, programs, and special events.
• Instructs, officiates, and supervises Special Olympics sports programs.
• Performs custodial maintenance duties; cleans and restocks restrooms; sweeps, mops, polishes, and waxes floors; empties trash receptacles; maintains inventory of janitorial supplies.
• Supervises facilities usage; enforces policies and procedures; resolves problems.
• Assists with supervision of personnel.
• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of a variety of sports and athletic recreational programs, their rules and conduct, and ways to adapt these activities for special populations.
• Knowledge of department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software.
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of grounds maintenance equipment.
• Skill in the custodial maintenance of public facilities.
• Skill in planning.
• Skill in decision making and problem solving.
• Skill in interpersonal relations and dealing with the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to supervise and assist the special populations within the center or while on special program trips.
• Ability to communicate with athletes of various ages for Special Olympics, parents, and the public.
• Ability to coordinate recreational activities involving several participants.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The supervisor assigns work in terms of detailed and specific instructions. The supervisor spot-checks work in progress and upon completion for accuracy, adequacy, and adherence to instructions and established guidelines.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include safety regulations, Health Department Guidelines, city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are clear and specific.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of planning and facilitating recreation programs, events, and social activities such as art, music, crafts, games, field trips, and related maintenance duties.
• The work consists of related program development and implementation and maintenance duties. The variety of tasks to be performed contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to help provide events, etc. for the special needs' population. Successful performance contributes to the efficient, effective, and safe delivery of recreational services to the public.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, other city personnel, participants, parents, and the public.
• Contacts are typically to give or resolve problems and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, stooping, bending, crouching, or walking. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects up to fifty (50) pounds, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color.

• The work is typically performed in athletic facilities and outdoors, occasionally in cold, hot or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts. Work may require the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position assists with supervision of assigned personnel.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from standard senior high school or GED, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Six (6) months recent work experience using lawn mower and trimming equipment preferred.
• Six (6) months recent work experience with special needs participants in a group setting preferred.
• Four (4) months recent (within the last two years) seasonal or part-time employment with the City of Dothan performing responsibilities in recreational, educational, and/or athletic programs preferred.

NOTE: In order to receive the preferred credit, the experience must have been part time or more (20+ hours/week) in a paid work environment.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A valid driver license and an acceptable driving record. (PBA 09/10/01)
• An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.
• An applicant for this position is subject to a criminal history background check pursuant to the following statutes: §§38-13-1. Ala. Code (1975) et seq., as amended by the Child Care Safety Act (Act of Alabama #2018-278), Act of Alabama 2019-322, or §41-27-10, Ala. Code (1975).
• Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 08/13/12).
• Must meet the City of Dothans employment physical standards which include drug/alcohol testing.

Application / Examination

Qualified applicants will be evaluated on training and experience as documented on their application. This evaluation will comprise 100% of their final grade.

Applicants with a disability who feel they need accommodation should contact the Personnel Department on or before the closing date by emailing jobs@dothan.org.

An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer

The City of Dothan provides a diverse package of benefit programs:

• Vacation: 12 Vacation Days per calendar year

• Holidays: 12 Paid Holidays per calendar year

• Medical and Dental Insurance: Offered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama. Rates vary based on coverage selected

• Retirement Plan: Administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama

• Life Insurance: Administered through Unum Life. No cost for eligible employees

• Military Leave: up to 21 working days per calendar year with Military Orders

• Direct Deposit: Employees may elect to have their payroll check deposited directly into their bank account

• Employee Health Clinic: Industrial Nurse on duty for work related injuries and minor illnesses

Other benefits include: Cafeteria plan, Credit Union, Deferred Compensation plans, Employee Assistance Program, Physical Fitness Program, Jury Duty Leave and more.....

Note: All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements. Individuals are responsible for any related fees or charges that may apply.

01

Supplemental Questions: This information will be used to determine your placement on the employment register and if you meet the basic qualifications as listed on the job posting. Therefore, please give detailed descriptions of your job duties. You must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of the application and the Supplemental Questions. Answer all questions as accurately and with as much detail as possible. Some questions request an explanation to support a "yes" answer. Your explanation should contain experience, education, etc., to show that you do possess whatever skill, knowledge or experience being addressed in the question. Employment and volunteer experiences used to answer any of the questions below must be listed on your application. If you use military experience to meet the experience requirements, do not give dates of your entire tour of duty, rather, you should indicate on your employment application, the month and year you began performing these duties and the month and year you stopped.

• I have read and understand the above statement and will submit any required verification or supporting documents by the closing date of this advertisement.

02

Which best describes your highest completed level of education? Your education MUST be listed in the education section of your application in order to receive credit.

• None
• High School Diploma or GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher

03

Check the appropriate field of study for your degree.

• Recreation
• Therapeutic Recreation
• Physical Education
• Special Education
• Other - Closely Related
• Other - Non Related
• No degree

04

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience using lawn mower and trimming equipment? In order to receive credit, your experience must have been part time or more (20+ hours/week) in a PAID work environment.

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• 6 months - 0.9 year
• 1 - 1.9 years
• 2 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 9.9 years
• 10 - 14.9 years
• More than 15 years

05

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #4. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

06

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #4. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

07

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience with special needs participants in a group setting? In order to receive credit, your experience must have been part time or more (20+ hours/week) in a PAID work environment.

• No experience
• Less than 6 months
• 6 months - 0.9 year
• 1 - 1.9 years
• 2 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 9.9 years
• 10 - 14.9 years
• More than 15 years

08

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #7. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

09

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #7. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

10

Which best describes your recent [within the last two (2) years] work experience as a SEASONAL employee with the City of Dothan, performing responsibilities in recreational, educational, and/or athletic programs?

• No experience
• 0 - 3.9 months
• 4 - 5.9 months
• 6 - 11.9 months
• 1 - 1.9 years
• 2 - 2.9 years
• More than 3 years

11

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #10. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

12

This position requires regular maintenance of facilities (i.e. picking up trash, cleaning bathrooms, emptying trash cans, sweeping, and mopping facilities, etc.). Are you willing to perform these duties?

• Yes
• No

13

This position requires work: days, nights, and weekends. Are you willing to work days, nights and weekends?

• Yes
• No

14

This position is labor intensive, working outside in the elements (ex. heat, cold, etc.). Are you willing to perform manual labor outside?

• Yes
• No

15

Do you have a valid operator drivers license and an acceptable driving record?

Click here to view the City of Dothans Motor Vehicle Policy.

• Yes
• No

16

An applicant for this position is subject to a criminal history background check pursuant to the following statutes: §§38-13-1. Ala. Code (1975) et seq., as amended by the Child Care Safety Act (Act of Alabama #2018-278), Act of Alabama 2019-322, or §41-27-10, Ala. Code (1975). Do you understand and agree to the above requirement?

• Yes, I understand I am subject to the background checks as stated.

17

I understand that once my application has been submitted for this specific position that I WILL NOT be able to make any changes to it. Any changes to my master application will only be reflected in any future positions for which I may apply. Should I desire to have updated information included for this specific position I should contact the Personnel/Human Resources office at (334) 615-3180 for assistance.

• Yes, I Understand

18

Note: Before submitting your application, be sure to review your application for completeness and accuracy. Your examination score will be based on the information you have provided on your application and this supplemental questionnaire. Failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in your application being rejected or receiving a lower score. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete employment information to include the name of your employer, your official job title, dates of employment (from-to, month/year), hours worked per week, and a detailed description of your duties for each job listed on your application. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the application or supplemental questionnaire.

• I understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or receiving a lower examination score.

19

Personnel Use Only

Required Question

Employer City of Dothan

Address 126 North Saint Andrews Street

Room 116

Dothan, Alabama, 36303

Phone 334.615.3180

Website http://www.dothan.org