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DJS YOUTH RECREATION SPECIALIST I

State of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States


DJS Youth Recreation Specialist I Grade:

ASTD11

Location:

DJS- Green Ridge Youth Center, 15 Mile Creek Road, Flintstone, MD 21530

Join Us in Making a Difference at DJS! The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) is dedicated to transforming young lives, creating safer communities, and fostering equitable systems. We are seeking passionate individuals to develop and implement the Center’s recreation program in accordance with the objectives, policies, and responsibilities of the Department. This position assumes primary responsibility for the order, care and safety of youth and will provide a variety of recreational experiences designed to help participants develop a better awareness of personal care, health, fitness, and general self‑esteem.

Key Responsibilities

Schedule, initiate, instruct and lead indoor and outdoor sports, games, leisure intramural athletic programs, and seasonal sports activities.

Assist Group Living personnel in upholding established rules and develop skills to help youth participate within these rules.

Meet with staff from other DJS facilities, teachers, Case Managers, Resident Advisors and Facility Management to plan recreational programs.

The Recreation Specialist Candidate’s five‑day work schedule will include either Sundays or Saturdays.

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 year of experience supervising the recreational activities of children or youth in a recreation center, fitness center or school setting.

Notes:

The 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. Candidates may also substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non‑commissioned officer in Recreation Aid or Assistant classifications, or Recreation Aid Assistant specialty codes in the Social Science, Psychology and Welfare field on a year‑for‑year basis for the required experience.

Desired / Preferred Qualifications

Candidates who have at least six months of experience working with youth within the Department of Juvenile Services (or a similar agency).

Candidates who have experience documenting information in a logbook pertaining to participation level, number of hours, and type of recreational activity performed by the youth.

Candidates who have experience with de‑escalation techniques working with the youth.

Licenses, Registrations and Certifications

Employees 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 assigned duties that require operating a motor vehicle will be required to possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license in Maryland.

Employees 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

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.

Physical and psychological examinations.

Employees may be subject to call‑in and must provide a telephone number for contact.

Employees 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 ensure that your completed application includes sufficient information to demonstrate that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All documentation related to your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date; information received after this date will not be considered. Candidates who meet the qualifications will remain on the certified eligible list for one (1) year. This list may also be used to fill similar positions within this classification in the future.

Examination Process The assessment will involve a rating of your application based on your education, training, and/or experience as it relates to the position’s requirements. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. For education obtained outside the U.S. you will be required to provide proof of equivalent American education, as determined by a Foreign Credential Evaluation Service, at the time of hire. 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.

Benefits State of Maryland benefits are available to this position.

Equal Opportunity 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.

Application Instructions The online application process is

STRONGLY

recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, you may submit a completed paper application and supplemental questionnaire responses via email or fax to the addresses provided below. If using fax or regular mail, ensure each page includes your First and Last Name, the Recruitment Number (located at the top of the posting), and the last four digits of your SS#.

Paper application materials must be received by 5:00 PM on the closing date for the recruitment. Applications received after this time, or those with incorrect forms, will not be accepted. Postmarks will not be considered.

Maryland Department of Juvenile Services OHR‑Recruitment & Examination Unit 217 E. Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 Attn: Nicole Jones, Recruitment # 26‑002622‑0001 Fax: 410‑333‑4188 TTY: call via Maryland Relay

For general questions about the online application system, contact the Maryland Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410‑767‑4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. For additional information regarding this recruitment, contact djs.careers@maryland.gov. Include the Recruitment Title/Number that is located at the top of the bulletin.

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