Internship Manual Your Pathway to a Successful Career
Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation Internship Manual Introduction and Department Overview The Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation is supportive of providing internships to students who are enrolled in an accredited four year curriculum in Parks, Recreation, Leisure Services, Environmental Programs, Therapeutic Recreation and related studies. The information contained within this manual provides guidelines on how to apply and what is expected of an Intern. The Department has designed the Internship Program to provide the Intern with the best practicum experience possible and to prepare the Intern for a lifelong career in Parks and Recreation. We strive to make all internships a rewarding experience and firmly believe that the internship is a true partnership. That partnership exists between the Intern and the various supervisors and staff who will assist the Intern in reaching their goals while they Experience the Fun! We are an accredited agency issued by the Commission for Accreditation for Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), recognized by the National Recreation and Park Association. There are five divisions: Administration, Parks and Landscape Services, Design and Development, Recreation and Golf Courses. The Department was one of the first for the City - originating in 1956 in Princess Anne County, and the first program offered was summer playgrounds, which still exists today. A variety of quality, diverse recreational programs are offered year-round, including: youth, adult and senior activities, athletics, aquatics, therapeutic recreation, and special events which are conducted at community recreation centers, schools and at various park sites. KidzQuest, which encompasses a Before School, After School and Summer Activity Center program, is provided at all elementary schools. Three times a year, the department publishes an activity guide listing classes and programs scheduled for the upcoming season. Over 200 neighborhood parks are located throughout the City which includes several community and district parks, including: Mt. Trashmore, Princess Anne, Bayville Farms, Lynnhaven, Munden Point, Woodstock, Red Wing, Beach Garden, Little Island, City View and Great Neck. Park shelter reservations are available to the public for a nominal fee. The Department operates four municipal golf courses: Red Wing Lake, Bow Creek, Kempsville Greens, and Stumpy Lake; the Princess Anne Park Athletic Complex, the Sportsplex, the U.S. Field Hockey Training Center, city-wide athletic fields, a fishing pier, dog parks, skate parks, the Owl Creek Boat Ramp, public tennis courts, racquetball courts, public swimming pools, a disc golf course, the Owl Creek Municipal Tennis Center, the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp and Beach Facility and a 50 slip marina on the Lynnhaven Inlet. The Department works cooperatively with various agencies, departments and community groups to accomplish our mission. Agencies include: the Virginia Beach City Public Schools, the Parks and Recreation Foundation, Police, Social Services, Community Services, Libraries and various civic leagues and homeowners associations. For additional information or to obtain an application, contact the Internship Coordinator for Parks and Recreation at (757) 385-1100. You may also obtain an application at www.vbgov.com/parks
City of Virginia Beach Mission The City of Virginia Beach government exists to: enhance the economic, educational, social and physical quality of the community, and provide municipal services which are valued by its citizens. Organizational Values Our organization is based upon a belief in the democratic process of government. This belief provides meaningful ways for citizens, reflecting the diversity of our City, to contribute to the development of public policy. This process is enhanced by organizational values which guide member performance within the Virginia Beach Quality Service System. These Values define our desired organizational culture. Quality Customer Service: Service to customers is the fundamental reason the City of Virginia Beach Municipal Government exists. Teamwork: Organizational goals are attained when members and customers work together. Leadership and Learning: Learning at every level of the organization creates opportunities for leadership experience and for members to continuously expand their capacity to create a quality organization. Integrity: Integrity creates the trust essential to Quality Service and long-term personal and organizational growth. Commitment: Commitment is the necessary mechanism enabling members to focus their behavior on attaining organizational goals. Openness and Respect: Members must be truthful and open with each other and with customers to grow responsibly and effectively. Quality Work Life: A quality work life influences the degree of members satisfaction which enables the accomplishment of the City s mission. Department of Parks & Recreation Vision, Mission & Community Priorities Our vision is a balanced, sustainable and value-focused system of parks, recreation and public spaces that creates a sense of community. Our mission Deliver parks, recreation programs and public spaces that reflect the priorities of our community Support tiered levels of service that recognize the diverse needs of our community Focus on sustainability of core programs, services and facilities through efficient and effective business practices Community Priorities 1) Community Access A system that supports community access physically, economically and socially Physical connectivity Improved transportation Tiered levels of service Create opportunities for citizens to participate as part of a larger community 2) The Environment & Outdoors Facilities and programs that enable citizens and visitors to be outdoors and enjoy the environment Facility priorities: o Hiking, walking and biking trails o Large community parks o Natural areas, nature trails, nature center
Program priorities: o Nature based programs o Environmental education 3) Healthy Lifestyles Facilities and programs that enable citizens and visitors to pursue healthy, active lifestyles Facility priorities: o Recreation centers o Indoor fitness and exercise facilities Program priorities: o Adult fitness and wellness programs o Youth learn to swim o Water fitness programs o Youth sports programs 4) Stewardship Citizens expect the City to maintain and improve existing indoor and outdoor facilities Improve and maintain existing parks and playgrounds Improve and maintain existing recreation centers Internship Guidelines The Department offers opportunities to Interns enrolled in an accredited four year curriculum in Parks, Recreation, Leisure Services, Environmental Programs and related studies. Interns must have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 and a minimum 2.75 GPA in their field of study, or have exceptional field experience in the setting. Application All prospective interns must complete the application process, which includes the following: Internship Application (obtained from the Department Internship Coordinator or from the department website: www.vbgov.com/parks) A current resume Official transcript noting Cumulative GPA and Field of Study GPA A list of specific goals and objectives A list of strengths and growth areas A one page statement of why the Intern is interested in interning with Virginia Beach. Applications must be received by the following deadline dates: Winter/Spring: October 15 Summer: February 15 Fall: April 15 Interview The Department Internship Coordinator will confirm the interview with the Intern after receipt of the completed application and required documents. The interview will be conducted with the Coordinator and other staff as appropriate. The interview will usually take 1 hour; if on-site interview is not practical, a telephone interview can be arranged. The Coordinator will notify the Intern by phone call and in writing regarding their acceptance into the internship program according to the following deadlines: Winter/Spring: November 15 Summer: March 15 Fall: May 1
Compensation A stipend is provided to assist the Intern with miscellaneous expenses, and compensation for travel reimbursement in the course of the Intern s duties will be provided. Interns are volunteers, not paid staff. It is our philosophy that the Department and the Intern have a partnership. The Department provides the Intern with the required knowledge and experiences to fulfill the internship standards of the school or university and provides valuable learning experiences. The Intern enhances the Department s programs by providing fresh, new ideas, hands-on assistance, and suggestions for improvement. Criminal History Check The City of Virginia Beach requires a Criminal History Background Record Check on all employees, volunteers, and interns. A Criminal History Check is completed at the beginning of the internship. There is no cost to the Intern for this procedure. If a concern arises from the record check, the Intern will be notified by the Department Internship Coordinator and the matter will be discussed to determine whether or not the Intern may proceed with the internship. Working Hours Interns will be expected to work 35-40 hours per week, which may include evenings and/or weekends. The daily work schedule is set by each of the assigned supervisors. Interns will typically be moving around the department, therefore the work schedule will vary depending upon the assigned program or site. Insurance The City provides primary liability coverage for interns in the same manner provided to City employees. This coverage applies to civil claims that may be made against an intern while performing official duties on behalf of the City and while the intern is operating under the supervision and direction of a City employee. The City provides primary automobile liability coverage for interns who are operating city-owned vehicles for the conduct of official business. Interns must have successfully completed the Defensive Driving course approved by the City s Safety Division and must comply with all provisions of the City policies covering the operation of motor vehicles. The City provides limited medical benefits to interns. This insurance provides up to $10,000 in medical benefits to interns who do not have other, primary health insurance, and up to $20,000 in death or dismemberment benefits. There is also coverage for deductibles or losses in excess of primary coverage up to the $10,000 limit availability of this policy. Claims should be filed through the Risk Management Division. The intern s supervisor must complete an Accident Loss Investigation for, D.F. 75 on-line and submit it along with a statement from the intern that no other health/medical benefits are available to the intern for treatment of their injuries. Dress Code The Department has an established Dress Code policy (see Appendix). When working in the office environment or when attending specific departmental meetings, professional attire is important. Due to varying duties, other types of apparel are appropriate. It is important that the Intern communicate with their supervisor prior to an assignment to ensure that attire is appropriate. Assignments Prior to the beginning of each internship assignment, staff members cooperatively produce a schedule of assigned areas/projects for the Intern. Assignments are based on the Intern s strengths, growth areas and interests. Areas assigned may include the following: Programs and Operations o Adult Programs
o Athletics o Aquatics o Environmental Nature Based o Fitness o Out of School Time Programs o Special Events o Therapeutic Recreation o Youth Development Planning, Design & Development Landscape Management Business Systems Golf Courses Resource Development Department Orientation and Training On the first day of the internship, the Intern will be provided a Department Orientation session conducted by the Internship Coordinator. This involves an overview of the Department and the organizational structure. In addition, interns are scheduled for a New Employee/Intern Orientation conducted by the Director, Division Administrators and other key staff members, and the Intern will be provided with a variety of on-going training throughout the internship. Long and Short Term Projects Interns will typically be required to complete at least one short term and one long term project as a requirement of the school or university. Staff will work cooperatively with the Intern to ensure that the projects suit the needs of the Department, the Intern and the school or university. Evaluation According to each university/school s procedures, the Internship Coordinator and appropriate staff will complete a midterm and final evaluation. The evaluation will include verbal and written feedback from supervisors who have worked with the Intern. It is important that the Intern and the supervisor discuss any questions or concerns consistently during the internship so there are no surprises at the evaluation. Each supervisor is required to complete an evaluation on the Intern and meet with the Intern prior to their departure from their unit/section. Good communication throughout the internship will help the Intern gain as much knowledge and experience as possible in a short timeframe. The Intern will have the opportunity to review and comment upon the written evaluation which is then provided to the university/school. The Intern is expected to evaluate his or her experiences in writing and to discuss them with his or her supervisor. Comments and suggestions for improvements to the internship program are encouraged.