ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICES

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under administrative direction, assists in planning, directing, managing, and overseeing the activities and operation of the Community Services Department; oversees the day-to-day management of assigned divisions, functions and services including recreation, park development projects, and community-wide special events; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; represents the Community Services Department in the absence of the Community Services Director; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Community Services.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Assists in the management of all Community Services Department services and activities; assumes management responsibility for the day-to-day operations of assigned divisions, functions and services including recreation, park development projects, and community-wide special events.
• Participates in managing the development and implementation of Community Services Department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Assists in planning, development, and oversight of park and recreation facilities.
• Establishes, within Department and City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocates resources accordingly.
• Assesses and monitors work load, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs and implements changes.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates, through subordinate level staff, the work plan for assigned divisions, functions, and/or service areas; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meets with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training;
  works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Participates in the development and administration of assigned areas of the Community Services Department’s budget; participates in and approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
• Oversees and participates in the researching for and preparation/development of grant applications for additional funding; as appropriate, develops partnerships with other departments; coordinates the administration of grant funds, contracts, and agreements.
• Represents assigned divisions, programs, and functional areas of the Community Services Department to other departments, divisions, and outside agencies; coordinates assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Assists in researching, preparing, and presenting written reports for assigned boards and commissions; attends and participates on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees including the Senior Advisory Board, Joslyn Advisory Board, Community Services Commission, and Special Events Committee; attends community meetings; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Provides public relations by working with and providing outreach to schools, non-profit organizations, citizens, and community groups; participates in City-wide special events and related functions.
• Explains, justifies, and defends department programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquires and complaints; serves as liaison with the community.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of community services.
• As assigned, serves as acting Community Services Director in the absence of the Community Services Director.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive Community Services Department.
• Principles and practices of community services program development and administration.
• Methods and techniques of directing community services activities and programs.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including City Municipal Code pertaining to the functions of the Community Services Department.
• Citizens, school districts, service clubs, chamber of commerce, business groups, and others that comprise the Escondido community.
• Various community needs related to the provision of community services.
• Principles of public administration.
• Customer service skills and techniques.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:

• Assist in overall management of the Community Services Department.
• Manage and direct assigned division, functions, and service areas.
• Participate in the development and administration of goals, objectives, and procedures for the Community Services Department.
• Analyze and assess programs, policies, and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
• Delegate authority and responsibility.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendation in support of goals.
• Adapt the City’s community services programs and activities to meet community needs and requirements.
• Participate in the planning, development, and oversight of park and recreation facilities.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.
• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in recreation administration, business administration, public administration or a related field.

Experience: Eight years of increasingly responsible experience in community services program areas including three years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Standard office setting. CONTINUOUS working indoors, dust from paperwork. Work schedule is 9/80 with alternating Fridays off in a biweekly period. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure. Work is performed indoors in office and in meeting rooms.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. CONTINUOUS sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. FREQUENT side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. OCCASIONAL squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20-35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Date: April 2003
Johnson & Associates