Recreation Specialist

AIP is looking for a Recreation Specialist to work in Brownsville, TX. To join our team of outstanding professionals, apply today! The Educational Specialist plans, develops, delivers, coordinates, and continuously improves meaningful educational, enrichment, and recreational programming for detainees at PIDC. Education, vocational instruction, and life skills programming are the primary focus of this position; recreation programming is an auxiliary responsibility.

The Educational Specialist must demonstrate creativity, initiative, and a forward-looking vision to identify needs, propose new courses and activities, and expand opportunities for detainee learning and constructive engagement. Fluency in English and Spanish is required, as the Educational Specialist personally conducts classes and educational activities in both languages.

All activities must be consistent with applicable facility policies, security requirements, and Performance-Based National Detention Standards (PBNDS 2011, 2016 Revision), including applicable recreation provisions. The Recreation Specialist plans, organizes, and directs comprehensive public and voluntary recreation programs at recreation building, indoor center, playground, playfield, or day camp.

This person studies and analyzes recreational needs and resources, oversees and assigns duties to staff, interprets recreation programs and their philosophy to individuals and groups through personal participation and staff assignments, and schedules maintenance and use of facilities.

Responsibilities

Education, Instruction, and Program Development Develop and maintain a comprehensive educational and enrichment program that responds to detainee interests, varying educational levels, language needs, available resources, and facility operational requirements. Assess participating detainees’ educational interests, literacy levels, language needs, and learning goals upon enrollment to guide course placement and instructional planning.

Personally prepare and conduct educational classes, workshops, and training in English and Spanish; communicate instructional material clearly and adapt delivery for differing literacy levels. Coordinate with appropriate facility personnel to provide approved instructional accommodations for detainees with disabilities, limited literacy, or language needs beyond English and Spanish.

Create and propose innovative new programs, curricula, activities, and learning opportunities; demonstrate the vision and initiative to take ideas from concept through implementation and evaluation. Develop modular lessons and stand-alone learning activities that allow meaningful participation despite varying lengths of detention, transfers, releases, or operational interruptions.

Identify possible offerings such as language and literacy education, life skills, basic computer or digital literacy where authorized, arts and crafts, cultural activities, and other approved educational topics. Develop and coordinate academic, vocational, formal, and informal learning opportunities designed to improve detainees’ skills, knowledge, and abilities; consider approved offerings such as food service certifications, sewing, language classes, physical education, arts and crafts, approved educational and personal-development programs.

Solicit appropriate detainee feedback, research program options, prepare lesson plans and materials, and periodically assess participation, effectiveness, and opportunities for improvement. Document learning progress and issue approved certificates of participation or completion, as appropriate. Distinguish participation or course completion from credentials requiring authorization by an outside certifying organization.

Coordinate with approved community partners, volunteers, presenters, or service providers for classes, guest speakers, and other authorized programming, subject to facility approval and clearance procedures. Coordinate required orientation, program expectations, scheduling, and compliance with facility rules for approved volunteers and outside instructors.

Prepare educational course curricula and supporting activity schedules for submission through AIP management to the COR or ICE designee at least 30 days before planned activities. Identify dates, times, participants, locations, instructional objectives, materials, and staff coverage; support government observation and evaluation.

Route proposed changes to approved courses or schedules through AIP management for required review and approval before implementation. Recreation and Detainee Engagement Plan, coordinate, and support indoor and outdoor recreation, exercise, athletic, leisure, and cultural activities as an ongoing component of the educational and recreation program.

Coordinate recreation access and schedules for general population and special management housing, including separate activities when required and indoor alternatives during inclement weather. Work with security and facility leadership to support access to recreation consistent with applicable PBNDS requirements, approved schedules, staffing, security restrictions, and individual accommodation needs.

Promote constructive participation in activities such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, board games, music, approved television programming, group activities, and special events. Prepare recreation activity schedules for submission through AIP management to the COR or ICE designee at least 30 days before planned activities.

Specify dates, times, participants, and locations; facilitate authorized government observation and evaluation. Route proposed schedule changes through AIP management for required review and approval before implementation. Administration, Safety, and Coordination Publish and communicate class, program, and recreation schedules; coordinate timing, space, staffing, movement, and access with the Chief of Security, Shift Commanders, and other appropriate departments.

Provide direct program oversight and supervision of detainees participating in educational and recreational activities, coordinating required dedicated program staffing and security coverage. Do not conduct activities without approved coverage and appropriate security arrangements. Maintain accurate attendance, participation, inventory, class records, program outcomes, and required activity statistics; provide periodic reports and recommendations to facility leadership.

Monitor and maintain program equipment, supplies, and materials; inspect areas for safety, security, cleanliness, and damage; submit purchase requests and budget recommendations through the approved chain of command. Maintain required issuance, return, and inventory controls for tools, scissors, sewing supplies, electronics, and other controlled program materials; immediately report missing items to the appropriate supervisor.

Identify and request educational and recreation resources, including instructional materials, certifications, software, electronics, sports equipment, and games. Route requisitions and proposed detainee morale fund expenditures through AIP management for required COR and CO/COR approvals before any expenditure; do not make unauthorized purchases.

Observe and enforce applicable facility safety, detainee management, and security procedures during programming; promptly report misconduct, hazards, incidents, injuries, and near misses to the appropriate supervisor. Develop and update program procedures, guidelines, training materials, and activity plans; participate in meetings, staff coordination, and compliance reviews as required.

Maintain current lesson plans, instructional materials, and schedules sufficient to support approved substitute coverage and continuity of programming during absences; coordinate coverage needs with management. Maintain organized curricula, published schedules, class rosters, participation documentation, approvals, and program activity records in accordance with applicable facility policies, confidentiality requirements, and contract record-retention procedures; make relevant records available for authorized compliance reviews.

Perform other related duties assigned by AIP management or the Assistant Facility Director within the scope of the position.

Qualifications

Must be a US Citizen Must have a Driver's License Must be at least 21 years of age Education: High school diploma or GED required. A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field is preferred. Detention Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience working in a detention or correctional facility required. Instructional Experience: Demonstrated experience providing classroom instruction, employee training, adult education, or structured group facilitation, including preparing lesson plans or instructional materials.

Bilingual Proficiency: Must be fluent in English and Spanish, with the ability to communicate effectively and independently conduct educational classes and training in both languages. Program Development: Must demonstrate creativity, initiative, and the ability to independently develop, organize, and implement educational and recreational programs for detainees.

Computer Proficiency: Basic proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and electronic recordkeeping, including preparing instructional materials and tracking attendance and program outcomes. Work Schedule: Must be willing and available to work weekends, holidays, and additional hours as operational needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field is preferred. Completion of a recognized Train the Trainer certification program. Knowledge of ICE Performance-Based National Detention Standards (PBNDS 2011 with 2016 Revisions) and American Correctional Association (ACA) standards. Experience teaching adult learners with varying literacy levels, educational backgrounds, and language needs.

Experience developing and implementing educational, vocational, and recreational programs in a detention or correctional environment. Experience evaluating learning progress, documenting program outcomes, or coordinating approved vocational certifications. Texas Security License Number: B20019 Job ID 2026-26489 Work Type On-Site Company Description Work Where it Matters Akima Infrastructure Protection (AIP), an Akima company, is not just another federal management operations contractor.

As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska. At AIP, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.

For our shareholders , AIP provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years. For our government customers , AIP delivers the trained personnel, equipment, and processes to safeguard federal assets and provides protective services and detention management operations for critical mission requirements.

As an AIP employee , you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.

Education, Instruction, and Program Development Develop and maintain a comprehensive educational and enrichment program that responds to detainee interests, varying educational levels, language needs, available resources, and facility operational requirements. Assess participating detainees’ educational interests, literacy levels, language needs, and learning goals upon enrollment to guide course placement and instructional planning.

Personally prepare and conduct educational classes, workshops, and training in English and Spanish; communicate instructional material clearly and adapt delivery for differing literacy levels. Coordinate with appropriate facility personnel to provide approved instructional accommodations for detainees with disabilities, limited literacy, or language needs beyond English and Spanish.

Create and propose innovative new programs, curricula, activities, and learning opportunities; demonstrate the vision and initiative to take ideas from concept through implementation and evaluation. Develop modular lessons and stand-alone learning activities that allow meaningful participation despite varying lengths of detention, transfers, releases, or operational interruptions.

Identify possible offerings such as language and literacy education, life skills, basic computer or digital literacy where authorized, arts and crafts, cultural activities, and other approved educational topics. Develop and coordinate academic, vocational, formal, and informal learning opportunities designed to improve detainees’ skills, knowledge, and abilities; consider approved offerings such as food service certifications, sewing, language classes, physical education, arts and crafts, approved educational and personal-development programs.

Solicit appropriate detainee feedback, research program options, prepare lesson plans and materials, and periodically assess participation, effectiveness, and opportunities for improvement. Document learning progress and issue approved certificates of participation or completion, as appropriate. Distinguish participation or course completion from credentials requiring authorization by an outside certifying organization.

Coordinate with approved community partners, volunteers, presenters, or service providers for classes, guest speakers, and other authorized programming, subject to facility approval and clearance procedures. Coordinate required orientation, program expectations, scheduling, and compliance with facility rules for approved volunteers and outside instructors.

Prepare educational course curricula and supporting activity schedules for submission through AIP management to the COR or ICE designee at least 30 days before planned activities. Identify dates, times, participants, locations, instructional objectives, materials, and staff coverage; support government observation and evaluation.

Route proposed changes to approved courses or schedules through AIP management for required review and approval before implementation. Recreation and Detainee Engagement Plan, coordinate, and support indoor and outdoor recreation, exercise, athletic, leisure, and cultural activities as an ongoing component of the educational and recreation program.

Coordinate recreation access and schedules for general population and special management housing, including separate activities when required and indoor alternatives during inclement weather. Work with security and facility leadership to support access to recreation consistent with applicable PBNDS requirements, approved schedules, staffing, security restrictions, and individual accommodation needs.

Promote constructive participation in activities such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, board games, music, approved television programming, group activities, and special events. Prepare recreation activity schedules for submission through AIP management to the COR or ICE designee at least 30 days before planned activities.

Specify dates, times, participants, and locations; facilitate authorized government observation and evaluation. Route proposed schedule changes through AIP management for required review and approval before implementation. Administration, Safety, and Coordination Publish and communicate class, program, and recreation schedules; coordinate timing, space, staffing, movement, and access with the Chief of Security, Shift Commanders, and other appropriate departments.

Provide direct program oversight and supervision of detainees participating in educational and recreational activities, coordinating required dedicated program staffing and security coverage. Do not conduct activities without approved coverage and appropriate security arrangements. Maintain accurate attendance, participation, inventory, class records, program outcomes, and required activity statistics; provide periodic reports and recommendations to facility leadership.

Monitor and maintain program equipment, supplies, and materials; inspect areas for safety, security, cleanliness, and damage; submit purchase requests and budget recommendations through the approved chain of command. Maintain required issuance, return, and inventory controls for tools, scissors, sewing supplies, electronics, and other controlled program materials; immediately report missing items to the appropriate supervisor.

Identify and request educational and recreation resources, including instructional materials, certifications, software, electronics, sports equipment, and games. Route requisitions and proposed detainee morale fund expenditures through AIP management for required COR and CO/COR approvals before any expenditure; do not make unauthorized purchases.

Observe and enforce applicable facility safety, detainee management, and security procedures during programming; promptly report misconduct, hazards, incidents, injuries, and near misses to the appropriate supervisor. Develop and update program procedures, guidelines, training materials, and activity plans; participate in meetings, staff coordination, and compliance reviews as required.

Maintain current lesson plans, instructional materials, and schedules sufficient to support approved substitute coverage and continuity of programming during absences; coordinate coverage needs with management. Maintain organized curricula, published schedules, class rosters, participation documentation, approvals, and program activity records in accordance with applicable facility policies, confidentiality requirements, and contract record-retention procedures; make relevant records available for authorized compliance reviews.

Perform other related duties assigned by AIP management or the Assistant Facility Director within the scope of the position. Must be a US Citizen Must have a Driver's License Must be at least 21 years of age Education: High school diploma or GED required. A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field is preferred.

Detention Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience working in a detention or correctional facility required. Instructional Experience: Demonstrated experience providing classroom instruction, employee training, adult education, or structured group facilitation, including preparing lesson plans or instructional materials.

Bilingual Proficiency: Must be fluent in English and Spanish, with the ability to communicate effectively and independently conduct educational classes and training in both languages. Program Development: Must demonstrate creativity, initiative, and the ability to independently develop, organize, and implement educational and recreational programs for detainees.

Computer Proficiency: Basic proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and electronic recordkeeping, including preparing instructional materials and tracking attendance and program outcomes. Work Schedule: Must be willing and available to work weekends, holidays, and additional hours as operational needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field is preferred. Completion of a recognized Train the Trainer certification program. Knowledge of ICE Performance-Based National Detention Standards (PBNDS 2011 with 2016 Revisions) and American Correctional Association (ACA) standards. Experience teaching adult learners with varying literacy levels, educational backgrounds, and language needs.

Experience developing and implementing educational, vocational, and recreational programs in a detention or correctional environment. Experience evaluating learning progress, documenting program outcomes, or coordinating approved vocational certifications. Texas Security License Number: B20019