What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Services Program Assistant position at City of Kearney, NE?
Salary: $52,619.00 - $76,433.00 Annually
Location : 2020 West 11th Street, Kearney, NE
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00191
Department: Recreational Services
Division: Senior Services
Opening Date: 05/19/2026
Closing Date: 6/18/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Description
Under general supervision, assist in the management of the City's Senior Center, and coordinate, implement, supervise, teach and evaluate a variety of recreation programs and special events for persons 50 & older. Work varies, requiring interpretive judgment within prescribed standards and procedures.
Essential Functions
TYPICAL DUTIES:
Provide administrative support for the Senior Services Coordinator; develop, plan, implement, schedule, and supervise social activities, wellness programs; trips, various recreational classes; and special events specifically for people age 50 ; perform some hands-on teaching functions; research and develop new senior programs; promote programs and facility utilizing various methods; attend and monitor activities as required; recruit, hire, train, supervise and evaluate seasonal and part-time employees; create the monthly newsletter and perform data input; obtain program and newsletter sponsorships when necessary; coordinate maintenance and upkeep of equipment and facilities; monitor and schedule senior center spaces; assist in budget preparation and evaluate program expenditures and revenues; promote safety in all aspects of the job; explain and enforce department policies; perform public relations and promote programs to encourage community involvement; serve as liaison with participant groups and organizations; work nights and weekends when necessary; perform other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS:
Supervise seasonal and part-time employees in various program areas.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, public officials and the public. (Daily)
Regular timely/punctual attendance. (Daily)
Effectively communicate, orally and in writing. (Daily)
Maintain CPR/AED and First Aid Certifications. (Daily)
Possess a thorough knowledge of program development, marketing, methods and techniques of adult, therapeutic or geriatric recreation. (Daily)
Effectively analyze, plan, organize, implement and evaluate senior recreation programs, supervise and conduct program activities. (Daily)
Possess some general knowledge and/or skills with arts and crafts, fitness/wellness programming and event planning. (Daily)
Possess a Valid Nebraska Driver's License. (Daily)
Prepare, organize and file records, reports and other documents. (Daily)
Use computer to manage information. (Daily)
Effectively budget, purchase and handle money. (Daily)
Maintain equipment and facility. Daily)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Work Type: Medium, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects
Climbing/Balancing: Moderate, ability to sit and stand
Walking: Moderate amount required
Stooping/Bending: Frequently
Stand/Sit: Sit about 50 percent of the time
Reaching: Moderate, overhead as well as horizontal
Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions
Color Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions
Hearing: Frequently perceive nature of sounds by ear
Speech: Frequently express ideas by means of spoken words
Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Occasionally operates equipment requiring moderate ability
Manual Dexterity: Occasionally operates equipment requiring moderate ability
ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Inside/Outside: Work inside and outside
Cold/Heat: Adverse conditions possible
Wet/Dry: Adverse conditions possible
Noise/Vibrations: Minimal exposure to equipment
Hazards: Minimal exposure to equipment
Fumes/Dust/Odors: Minimal exposure
Infectious Diseases: Moderate exposure
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to read and comprehend written material
Ability to maintain accurate records
Ability to listen to and apply information and instructions
Ability to understand mathematical concepts and basic arithmetic
Ability to think logically and quickly during an emergency
Qualifications
MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Prefer Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, Physical Education, Leisure Services, Human Services, or closely related field, and one year of experience that includes basic program/event coordination, and serving, leading and supervising active aging adults in a senior facility or recreational setting. Requires confident computer and communication skills. Must obtain First Aid / CPR certification within first six months of employment; possession of a valid Nebraska driver's license.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:
This position has a thirty (30) minute response time by way of the most direct route from the employee's permanent residence to the employee's assigned work site and within posted speed limits.
Supplemental Information
MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND WORK AIDS USED:
Computer, calculator, telephone, copy machine, fitness equipment, golf carts, miscellaneous tools, and vehicles.
REMARKS:
The above position description is intended to describe the duties of an employee in general terms and does not necessarily describe all of his/her duties.
Rates effective January 1, 2026 and are subject to change. Benefits are effective on the 1st day of employment.
Health and Dental Insurance: The City of Kearney Health Insurance Plans includes health, prescription, and dental coverage. The City offers two plans (traditional PPO and a high deductible option) Employee spouses' who have health/dental coverage available through their own employer are not eligible to participate in the City's health/dental insurance.
Health/Dental (4 Tiers) - Traditional PPO
HSA City Contribution: Individual - $750
Family - $1,200
Vision Insurance: EyeMed Vision coverage is available. Employee only - $3.32; Employee/Spouse - $6.30; Employee/Dependents - $6.64; Family - $9.76. All rates are bi-weekly payroll deductions.
IdentityForce: Identity Theft Protection available, Employee/Children (children 26 and under) $8.49; Family $14.49 per month.
Retirement: City contributes 6% if the employee contributes 6%.
Life Insurance: The City pays 100% of the cost of employee life insurance of $50,000, spouse coverage $10,000, and dependent children coverage $5,000. Supplemental life insurance available at a discounted group rate.
Cafeteria/Section 125: Can be used for medical and daycare expenses per IRS guidelines.
Deferred Comp: Voluntary deferred compensation program (457 & Roth IRA Plans).
EAP: Employee Assistance Program provides 6 free counseling sessions per issue for employees and dependents.
Long Term Disability: Long term disability insurance provided by the City.
Longevity: Annual payment of $300 after 5 years of continuous years of service with $50 increases every 5 years with a maximum payment of $550.
Vacation: Vacation leave is earned and accrued in bi-weekly increments in the following manner: 80 hrs years 1 - 4; 120 hrs years 5 - 14; 160 hrs years 15 . New employees receive 40 hours of vacation upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Vacation leave may accumulate to a maximum of 240 hours.
Medical Leave: Medical leave is accrued at a biweekly rate equal to 12 days a year. New employees receive 40 hours of medical leave upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Medical leave may accumulate to a maximum of 1,440 hours.
Parental Leave: 3 weeks paid leave.
Personal Leave: 2 personal days are provided on the first of every calendar year. Employees must be employed on January 1st to receive personal leave days. Unused personal leave does not carry over to the next year.
Holidays: Twelve paid holidays per year.
Military: Active members receive 120 hours of military leave annually. Military leave does not carry over to the next year.
Location : 2020 West 11th Street, Kearney, NE
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00191
Department: Recreational Services
Division: Senior Services
Opening Date: 05/19/2026
Closing Date: 6/18/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Description
Under general supervision, assist in the management of the City's Senior Center, and coordinate, implement, supervise, teach and evaluate a variety of recreation programs and special events for persons 50 & older. Work varies, requiring interpretive judgment within prescribed standards and procedures.
Essential Functions
TYPICAL DUTIES:
Provide administrative support for the Senior Services Coordinator; develop, plan, implement, schedule, and supervise social activities, wellness programs; trips, various recreational classes; and special events specifically for people age 50 ; perform some hands-on teaching functions; research and develop new senior programs; promote programs and facility utilizing various methods; attend and monitor activities as required; recruit, hire, train, supervise and evaluate seasonal and part-time employees; create the monthly newsletter and perform data input; obtain program and newsletter sponsorships when necessary; coordinate maintenance and upkeep of equipment and facilities; monitor and schedule senior center spaces; assist in budget preparation and evaluate program expenditures and revenues; promote safety in all aspects of the job; explain and enforce department policies; perform public relations and promote programs to encourage community involvement; serve as liaison with participant groups and organizations; work nights and weekends when necessary; perform other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS:
Supervise seasonal and part-time employees in various program areas.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, public officials and the public. (Daily)
Regular timely/punctual attendance. (Daily)
Effectively communicate, orally and in writing. (Daily)
Maintain CPR/AED and First Aid Certifications. (Daily)
Possess a thorough knowledge of program development, marketing, methods and techniques of adult, therapeutic or geriatric recreation. (Daily)
Effectively analyze, plan, organize, implement and evaluate senior recreation programs, supervise and conduct program activities. (Daily)
Possess some general knowledge and/or skills with arts and crafts, fitness/wellness programming and event planning. (Daily)
Possess a Valid Nebraska Driver's License. (Daily)
Prepare, organize and file records, reports and other documents. (Daily)
Use computer to manage information. (Daily)
Effectively budget, purchase and handle money. (Daily)
Maintain equipment and facility. Daily)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Work Type: Medium, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects
Climbing/Balancing: Moderate, ability to sit and stand
Walking: Moderate amount required
Stooping/Bending: Frequently
Stand/Sit: Sit about 50 percent of the time
Reaching: Moderate, overhead as well as horizontal
Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions
Color Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions
Hearing: Frequently perceive nature of sounds by ear
Speech: Frequently express ideas by means of spoken words
Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Occasionally operates equipment requiring moderate ability
Manual Dexterity: Occasionally operates equipment requiring moderate ability
ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Inside/Outside: Work inside and outside
Cold/Heat: Adverse conditions possible
Wet/Dry: Adverse conditions possible
Noise/Vibrations: Minimal exposure to equipment
Hazards: Minimal exposure to equipment
Fumes/Dust/Odors: Minimal exposure
Infectious Diseases: Moderate exposure
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to read and comprehend written material
Ability to maintain accurate records
Ability to listen to and apply information and instructions
Ability to understand mathematical concepts and basic arithmetic
Ability to think logically and quickly during an emergency
Qualifications
MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Prefer Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, Physical Education, Leisure Services, Human Services, or closely related field, and one year of experience that includes basic program/event coordination, and serving, leading and supervising active aging adults in a senior facility or recreational setting. Requires confident computer and communication skills. Must obtain First Aid / CPR certification within first six months of employment; possession of a valid Nebraska driver's license.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:
This position has a thirty (30) minute response time by way of the most direct route from the employee's permanent residence to the employee's assigned work site and within posted speed limits.
Supplemental Information
MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND WORK AIDS USED:
Computer, calculator, telephone, copy machine, fitness equipment, golf carts, miscellaneous tools, and vehicles.
REMARKS:
The above position description is intended to describe the duties of an employee in general terms and does not necessarily describe all of his/her duties.
Rates effective January 1, 2026 and are subject to change. Benefits are effective on the 1st day of employment.
Health and Dental Insurance: The City of Kearney Health Insurance Plans includes health, prescription, and dental coverage. The City offers two plans (traditional PPO and a high deductible option) Employee spouses' who have health/dental coverage available through their own employer are not eligible to participate in the City's health/dental insurance.
Health/Dental (4 Tiers) - Traditional PPO
- Single Coverage $ 92.20 biweekly
- Employee Spouse Coverage $196.62 biweekly
- Employee Dependents Coverage $156.73 biweekly
- Family Coverage $229.57 biweekly
- Single Coverage $ 81.50 biweekly
- Employee Spouse Coverage $174.03 biweekly
- Employee Dependents Coverage $138.56 biweekly
- Family Coverage $203.05 biweekly
HSA City Contribution: Individual - $750
Family - $1,200
Vision Insurance: EyeMed Vision coverage is available. Employee only - $3.32; Employee/Spouse - $6.30; Employee/Dependents - $6.64; Family - $9.76. All rates are bi-weekly payroll deductions.
IdentityForce: Identity Theft Protection available, Employee/Children (children 26 and under) $8.49; Family $14.49 per month.
Retirement: City contributes 6% if the employee contributes 6%.
Life Insurance: The City pays 100% of the cost of employee life insurance of $50,000, spouse coverage $10,000, and dependent children coverage $5,000. Supplemental life insurance available at a discounted group rate.
Cafeteria/Section 125: Can be used for medical and daycare expenses per IRS guidelines.
Deferred Comp: Voluntary deferred compensation program (457 & Roth IRA Plans).
EAP: Employee Assistance Program provides 6 free counseling sessions per issue for employees and dependents.
Long Term Disability: Long term disability insurance provided by the City.
Longevity: Annual payment of $300 after 5 years of continuous years of service with $50 increases every 5 years with a maximum payment of $550.
Vacation: Vacation leave is earned and accrued in bi-weekly increments in the following manner: 80 hrs years 1 - 4; 120 hrs years 5 - 14; 160 hrs years 15 . New employees receive 40 hours of vacation upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Vacation leave may accumulate to a maximum of 240 hours.
Medical Leave: Medical leave is accrued at a biweekly rate equal to 12 days a year. New employees receive 40 hours of medical leave upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Medical leave may accumulate to a maximum of 1,440 hours.
Parental Leave: 3 weeks paid leave.
Personal Leave: 2 personal days are provided on the first of every calendar year. Employees must be employed on January 1st to receive personal leave days. Unused personal leave does not carry over to the next year.
Holidays: Twelve paid holidays per year.
Military: Active members receive 120 hours of military leave annually. Military leave does not carry over to the next year.
Salary : $52,619 - $76,433