Special Needs Program Leader ($69,126.72/year - $84,024.00/year)

The Sorensdale Recreation Center is a facility and program of the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District. The primary purpose of the program is to provide opportunities for people with an intellectual disability (i.e., developmental disabilities) to achieve greater independence. Programming focuses on abilities rather than disabilities and on a positive sense of self-worth. Individuals are encouraged to make choices and to take more control over their lives. A variety of educational, recreational, life skills, and community skills are offered. Program activities include functional math and literacy, computer skills, vocational training, communication skills, personal health and wellness, gardening, arts and crafts, woodshop, performing arts, and music. Life skills learned in the classroom are practiced in the community.

Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) is currently hiring a Special Needs Program Leader to support our Special Needs Programs at the Sorensdale Recreation Center! The ideal candidate is a strong leader who is energetic, flexible and organized. Being able to communicate well and work effectively within a team and independently is required. Ideally, this person should have obtained a degree in higher education within the field of Special Education and have previous experience working with Special Needs populations. Experience training and supervising staff and volunteers is desired.

Come join our team and make a difference in our community!

Here are the details about the positions:

• Available Positions: 1
• SEIU Full-Time, Benefits Eligible, Non-Exempt Position
• Work Schedule: 40-hours per week, Monday - Friday. Some evenings and weekends may be required.
• Typical Work Hours: 8:30AM - 5:00PM
• Annual Salary: $69,126.72/year - $84,024.00/year
• Eligible for overtime for all hours worked more than eight (8) hours per day or forty (40) hours per week.

Filing deadline for this position is September 25, 2026. This posting may close at any time.

DEFINITION

Under direction, plans, coordinates, directs and implements a variety of duties and responsibilities to assist with daily operations of the Special Needs Program. The Special Needs Program Leader will lead in facilitating educational, vocational, and recreational programming for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities to help them achieve their individualized goals, while respecting and encouraging Person-Centered Thinking.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Special Needs Program Leader position is primarily responsible to serve as the lead for Special Needs Program Instructors and Special Needs Program Aides who are supporting the Special Needs Program. Incumbents in this class typically lead and direct the activities of subordinate staff within an assigned program area, but may also be assigned to perform complex support work within a program area.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following list of duties are those usually performed by most employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification.

• Plans, organizes and leads program activities within an assigned program area.
• Maintains records of participation and collects participant fees.
• Supports clients in reaching their personal goals.
• Collaborates with Program Instructors and participants to assist, mediate and problem-solve participant needs as issues emerge, and may connect with the appropriate support when needed.
• Leads groups of special needs participants in classroom settings and community-based settings.
• Implements and monitors District procedures regarding the safety of participants.
• Oversees and directs the preparation of buildings and facilities and the setting up of equipment for scheduled activities and events.
• Performs retail duties in Thrift Store, such as handling and organizing merchandise, selling items, and providing excellent customer service.
• Assists in the implementation of programs and special events.
• Participates in training sessions and regular staff meetings.
• Demonstrates cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors and the public at all times.
• Assists recreation colleagues in providing support or modifications for participants in general recreation programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that would most likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

Associate of Arts Degree from an accredited college with coursework in Social Services, Recreation, Recreation Therapy, Human Services, Behavioral Health, Educational Aide or a related field.

Preferred: CA Teaching Credential - Designated Subjects Adult Education or 4-Year Degree with related coursework in the field of Special Education, Human Development, Recreation or a related field.

Experience:

The equivalent of three years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) paid experience in the specific assigned program area. Specific areas of experience may vary depending on the program specialty.

License:

Must possess and maintain a valid Class C California driver's license.

Certifications:

• Must obtain certification in First Aid and CPR from a recognized provider within six (6) months of employment and must maintain certifications thereafter as a condition of continued employment.
• Must obtain CA Food Handlers Certificate within six (6) months of employment and must maintain certification thereafter as a condition of continued employment.

Certain positions may require that additional certifications be obtained.

Age Requirement:

Must be at least 18 years of age at time of hire.

Special Requirement:

Provide proof of negative tuberculosis (TB) Skin Test from within 2 years.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of leadership and supervision.
• Principles and practices of public relations.
• Principles and practices of complaint resolution.
• Policies, rules and regulations related to assigned activities.
• The care and proper use of program equipment, materials and supplies.
• Principles of redirection, de-escalation and working with the special needs population

Ability to:

• Plan, organize and implement programs and activities based on District rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Serve as a leader worker over subordinate staff and volunteers who are providing program services; provide training as needed; organize and monitor performance.
• Interpret District regulations and policies and monitor for compliance.
• Prioritize work assignments, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure and with frequent interruptions; respond appropriately in an emergency situation.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Maintain discipline among program participants and observe safety precautions.
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
• Make arithmetic calculations with speed and accuracy; prepare narrative and statistical reports.
• Respond appropriately to changing situations.
• Use computer hardware, software, including standard word processing, spreadsheets, calendar and internet software, including office equipment and phone systems.
• Maintain the confidentiality of participant, parent, staff and volunteer information.
• Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Ability to interact with the public and all different levels of District staff in an effective and professional manner

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Working Conditions:

Job duties are spent both indoors in a classroom and office setting and outdoors. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate Most work assignments involve a high degree of concentration. There may be some light to moderate physical work in the handling of supplies, files, computer equipment, etc. May come in contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals and potentially harmful outbursts from students.

May be required to work weekends, evenings and holidays and may be required to travel between various locations.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for long periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, finger, grasp, write, and perform repetitive motions.
• Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 40 pounds, or heavier weights, with the use of proper equipment.
• Hearing and speaking ability sufficient to carry on a conversation with another individual (or groups of individuals) in person and over the telephone.
• Visual ability sufficient to read and produce printed material and information displayed on a computer screen.
• Ability to supervise program participants by both sight and sound at all times;
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time, dexterity of hands and fingers to operate tools and equipment; kneeling, bending at the waist, and reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, to retrieve and store files and supplies.

EEO/ADA:

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Human Resources Department.