News: Summer 2021 Employee Recruitment Efforts
| Date Published |
Author |
| 5/17/2021 12:00:00 AM |
Lauren J. Masset |
West Seneca Youth & Recreation
Summer 2021 Employment Recruitment Efforts
As of
6/29/2021 at 12:40 PM.
Good News! The departments Summer 2021 Bonus Certification Reimbursement Deadline has shown success 27/33 Summer Employees turned their certifications in by the June 10 deadline as of 6/10/2021! |
Interviewed or Are Signed Up to Interview |
Estimated Amount Needed
*Does not include additional staff needed, for additional regulations caused by COVID-19 |
| Pool Supervisor |
1 |
1 |
| Asst. Pool Supervisor |
0 |
3 |
| Head Lifeguard |
0 |
5-6 |
| Lifeguard WSI/PSI |
1 |
5-7 |
| Lifeguard |
21 |
25-30 |
| Camp Director |
1 |
1 |
| Asst. Camp Director |
1 |
1 |
| Camp Staff OTHER |
8 |
8-10 *Based on enrollment of 15 |
| |
|
|
Running a safe and successful Recreation program is contingent upon staffing levels. We cannot open, operate, or run our programs and facilities (camp/swim lessons/pool) if these positions are not filled in full. The last day for interviews was Friday, May 7, 2021. We needed to fill these positions by the May 17, 2021, Town Board meeting, the deadline for agenda items was 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 13, 2021 (NYS OPEN MEETINGS LAW). The Pool Supervisor and Camp Director needed to start employment no later than June 1, 2021. On May 12, 2021 the department extended this deadline to Thursday, May 13, 2021, at 12:00 PM and held interviews Friday, May 14, 2021. Appointments were made on May 17, 2021 (via a revised agenda item walked in).
On May 17, 2021, the department did appoint Camp Staff (reduced camp capacity), Pool Supervisor, and Lifeguards. The department did not appoint Swim Instructors, Asst. Pool Supervisor or Head Lifeguards due to lack applicants, prior to May 17. The department is going to re-canvas employees to see if anyone is interested in advancing their position and meeting the requirements/qualifications to do so. This will allow more time to try and fill these positions which are required to run Swim Lessons and offer extended Open Swim Hours (M-TR nights and F,S,Sn all day).
On May 20, 2021, the department re-posted the OPEN JOBS for Head Lifeguards and Assistant Pool Supervisors on social media. Applications are due no later than 9:00 AM on May 26, 2021. No new applications were received.
On June 3, 2021, the department re-canvassed the aquatics employees, to see if anyone further was interested in advancement (to Head Guard or Asst Pool Supervisor). Employees were notified that if these positions did not fill, the department would have to limit pool hours and the season which would cause these employees to see a reduction in their scheduled hours. The department needs an answer by June 4, 2021, so we can start to plan. Zero responses were received as of 6/4/2021 at 4:15 PM.
On June 3, 2021, Summer Swim Lessons were cancelled due to lack of Swim Instructors and Aquatic Supervisors (Asst. Pool Supervisors and Head Lifeguards). All families were contacted via email and phone. All accounts on MyRec were updated. The finance department will issue refunds.
On June 3, 2021 the department hired two more Summer Day Camp employees.
During the week of May 31 - June 5, 2021 two lifeguards and one camp employee that were hired for the season backed out of employment. On June 7, 2021 two camp employees and one lifeguard backed out of employment. The department starts training for Summer Day Camp staff on June 8, 2021, the department needs to fill the vacant positions from June 7, 2021, by end of business day on June 7, 2021 in order for the camp program to run (assuming no others back out between June 7 - August 6). The department re-posted the job on Facebook and contacted all applicants via phone. The department was able to interview 6 applicants and the Town Board called a special meeting for June 8 at 12:00 NOON, to appoint these employees before Summer Camp training starts on June 8 at 3:00 PM. Out of the 6 applicants, 4 backed out between June 7 at 5:00 PM - June 8 at 12:00 PM. The Town Board hired the remaining 2 Recreation Attendants for Summer Camp and 2 Lifeguards. The department had one Lifeguard PT back out on June 8. Further on June 8 the department had two employees as a no call/no show for Summer Day Camp 2021 for on boarding paperwork and mandatory training (both were called/emailed several times) and one Aquatics Employee who was a no call/no show (called/emailed several times) for on boarding paperwork.
On June 9, 2021 - The department posted an updated on Facebook regarding the possible limited schedule for the Large Pool due to lack of Supervising Guards.
On June 16, 2021 - The employee schedule was released. The schedule was created using the hours the Supervising Lifeguard was able to work, plus the hours regular Lifeguards provided on their canvas surveys. Employees were scheduled for limited hours (reduced from previous years) due to lack of Supervising Guards, as noted as a possibility if no further Supervising Guards applied, in the 6/3/21 email sent to employees and noted above. Employees were advised in order for the pool to operate on a longer schedule/season (which would offer them additional hours), additional Supervising Guards were needed, employees were asked to apply to be leaders. Employees were offered the ability to be an on-call substitute for both Aquatics and Summer Day Camp (should a shift need to be filled last minute). Further, employees with outstanding on boarding paperwork (due May 28) and outstanding certifications (due June 20) were notified these items needed to be turned in by June 20 to remain on the schedule.
On June 18, 2021 - 1 Lifeguard PT backed out of employment.
On June 21, 2021 - 2 Lifeguard PT backed out of employment.
On June 23, 2021 - 1 Assistant Summer Camp Director backed out. The department moved up one employee to a leadership role, this left the camp program 1-2 employees short for running the Day Camp Program. Between 6/23-6/24/21 the department contacted the aquatics staff who noted on their schedules, they would be interested in a working at the Day Camp (2 total, 1 employee said no, 1 employee did not respond). The department emailed and called all aquatics employees who are 18+ years of age regarding a transfer (aquatics employees are scheduled for 5-10 shifts each this season, this would allow an aquatics employee to transfer and have up to 24 shifts for the season. All aquatics employees denied the opportunity). The department posted the urgent need to hire on Facebook. The department emailed it's Open Jobs Distribution List. As of 2:41 PM on 6/25/21 the department had zero applications from the Facebook post & Open Jobs Distribution List email. The department contacted other TWS departments to see if they had any employee to spare, their staff was canvassed - none are available/able/interested in working the needed shifts. On 6/28/21 the department had one applicant, who will be walked into the Town Board meeting on 6/28/21. The applicant to be walked in backed out at 4:30 PM on 6/28/21. The department was able to find two applicants to walk in to the 6/28/2021 Town Board meeting.
SUMMER 2021 RECRUITMENT EFFORTS:
PREVIOUS EMPLOYEES WERE ASKED TO APPLY BY 4/1/2021 (68 TOTAL ON LIST) (BEFORE BONUS):
| Emailed (9x) |
Called (6x) |
| Feb: 3,22,16 March: 3, 10, 15, 19, 23, 29 |
March 5, 9, 12, 18, 22, 29 |
ANY PERSON WHO INTERVIEWED OR SIGNED UP TO RETURN (AFTER THE FIRST AND SECOND BONUS AMOUNTS WERE APPROVED ON 4/5/2021 AND 4/19/2021)
If they have a valid email address on file, they were contacted on April 6, 2021, with the bonus REQUIREMENTS and asking that they tell their friends/family/etc.
ANY PERSON WHO APPLIED (BEFORE BONUS):
They were contacted 4x via email. We now contact them immediately after receiving the application so they can sign up for an interview date/time.
Any person who applied (NEW, not returning employee) was contacted via email on Feb 16, 22 and March 10, 15. If the applicant applied after a listed date, they were only contacted on the dates listed after they applied.
ANY PERSON WHO APPLIED (AFTER THE FIRST AND SECOND BONUS AMOUNTS WERE APPROVED ON 4/5/21 and 4/19/2021)
If an application for employment is received the person is contacted immediately to sign up for an interview date/time. However, applications are no longer required to sign up for an interview. Any person interested in employment can sign up for an interview date/time online and bring the application to the interview with them.
SOCIAL MEDIA 47X (BEFORE BONUS)
December 2020: 24, 28, 30, 31
January 2021: 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 15, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27
February 2021: 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12,16,17,18,19,22,25
March 2021: 1,3,8,9,10,11,15,16, 18, 19, 22, 29,30
SOCIAL MEDIA 11x (AFTER THE FIRST BONUS AMOUNT WAS APPROVED ON 4/5/21)
APRIL 2021: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19
SOCIAL MEDIA 17x (AFTER THE SECOND BONUS AMOUNT/INCREASED PAY RATES WERE APPROVED ON 4/19/21)
APRIL 2021: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27(x3), 28, 29, 30.
May 2021: 3, 4, 5(x2), 6
SOCIAL MEDIA (AFTER THE FIRST EXTENDED DEADLINE OF 5/13/21 on 5/12/21)
May 2021: 12, 13
SOCIAL MEDIA (AFTER THE SECOND EXTENDED DEADLINE OF 5/26/21 FOR POOL LEADERSHIP on 5/26/21)
May 2021: 20, 21, 24, 25, 26
OPEN JOBS DISTRIBUTION LIST (BEFORE BONUS)
Over 120+ groups, organizations, schools, colleges, churches, girl scouts, boy scouts, media outlets, etc. (See below)
January 2021: 5, 21
February 2021: 22
March: 3, 31
OPEN JOBS DISTRIBUTION LIST (AFTER THE FIRST BONUS AMOUNT WAS APPROVED ON 4/5/2021)
Over 120+ groups, organizations, schools, colleges, churches, girl scouts, boy scouts, media outlets, etc. (See below)
April 2021: 6
OPEN JOBS DISTRIBUTION LIST (AFTER THE SECOND BONUS AMOUNT/INCREASED PAY RATES WERE APPROVED ON 4/19/2021)
Over 120+ groups, organizations, schools, colleges, churches, girl scouts, boy scouts, media outlets, etc. (See below)
April 2021: 20, 23
LM updated the list of the open job (now totaling 134 groups, organizations, schools, colleges, churches, girl scouts, boy scouts, media outlets, etc.) on 4/26/21 and sent the job postings to the new adds on 4/27/2021.
LM updated the list of the open job (now totaling 159 groups, organizations, schools, colleges, churches, girl scouts, boy scouts, media outlets, etc.) on 4/28/21 and sent the job postings to new adds on 4/28/21.
LM updated the list of the open job (now totaling 173 (now totaling 159 groups, organizations, schools, colleges, churches, girl scouts, boy scouts, media outlets, etc.) on 4/30/21 and sent the job postings to the new adds on 4/30/21.
OPEN JOBS DISTRIBUTION LIST (AFTER THE SECOND EXTENDED DEADLINE OF 5/26/21 FOR POOL LEADERSHIP on 5/26/21)
May 2021: 20
WS SUN / WS BEE (BEFORE AND AFTER BONUS/INCREASED PAY RATES)
Ran the jobs in previous editions (several).
Ran stories regarding lack of applicants in a past edition.
OTHER:
The jobs are posted on both westseneca.net and westsenecarecreation.com.
The jobs were also posted on the official Town of West Seneca Facebook page, on several dates. In addition to the West Seneca Youth & Recreation Facebook page, dates listed above.
January 5, 2021 - April 6, 2021, the CCL Corridor had a bright yellow sandwich board and a bright yellow poster with the open jobs. The signs were replaced on April 6, 2021 (see below).
On April 6, 2021, the department added two signs in the CCL Hallway and Gym Window re: Employment printed by Code Enforcement. The signs advertise open jobs, the bonus and include a photo. These replaced the bright yellow signs.
Jennifer Stanek, Senior Director was kind enough to post flyers at Market in the Square regarding WSREC NOW HIRING.
Erie County Youth Bureau included our job postings in their Spring 2021 Newsletter.
HR created the indeed post for Pool Leadership on 4/26/21.
LM (E) AK/MAM to post the updated flyer (employment suns) in the bulletin board case at Town Hall on 4/26/21.
LM included the job postings in the weekly facility use schedule reminder email on 4/27/21.
LM provided M&T bank in Southgate Plaza with a flyer and asked them to hang it on 4/27/21.
LM/AG contacted Erie County Civil Service re sending out Job Openings to their email list. Erie County Civil Service agreed to send out the email to their entire email list. The email went out on 4/28/21. Erie County Civil Service also posted the job openings on their website.
WSCSD and WSREC canvassed previous employees and new applicants regarding their interest in a lifeguard certification and re-certification course. The canvas was also posted on social media. The social media post had 10 shares, 86 engagements, 2 likes, and reached 1,641 people. WSCSD informed us they received 13 responses for interest in recertification, only 8 were interested in working for the town. WSCSD informed us they received 7 responses in interest for a new certification and only 2 expressed interest in working for the town. This class is being offered at a WSCSD pool for those who signed up. Any person interested who did not sign up should contact WSCSD Community Education at 716-677-3530 to see if space is available and/or registration is still open. On 4/28/2021 WSCSD informed WSREC that 5 of 8 interested in re-certification and 2 of 2 interested in a new certification, with no additional sign-ups, had signed up for the certification classes.
A final attempt to recruit was made on 5/12/21. AG sent out a CODE RED via email and text. LM posted on the department's social media. “This is a final! The Town of West Seneca Youth& Recreation Department is seeking qualified Camp Counselors, Lifeguards, Head Lifeguards, Assistant Pool Supervisors, and a Pool Supervisor for Summer 2021. Running a safe and successful Recreation Program is contingent upon staffing levels. Please submit your application no later than Thursday, May 13, 2021, by noon to the Recreation Department located at 1300 Union Road, West Seneca, NY, 14224. This is the final deadline. Applications and more information regarding age and certification requirements can be found at www.westsenecarecreation.com.” Applicants were contacted to set up interviews for Friday 5/14/21 on 5/12/21 if they submitted their application on 5/12/21 before 4:45 PM or they were contacted on 5/13/21 if they submitted their application between 4:45 PM on 5/12/21 - 12:00 PM on 5/13/21. If needed the agenda item submitted on 5/11/21 for 5/17/21 would be updated and walked in. The department received one Lifeguard application and seven camp applications for a total of eight applications (1 backed out, 2 were a no call/no show).
On 5/18/2021 the department spoke to ECDOH to review all requirements for the Large Pool. The department needs 1 supervising lifeguard (Pool Supervisor, Asst. Pool Supervisor, Head Guard) on duty for each 3,400 square feet of the pool surface that is open. The pool surface is 10, 350 square feet (4 Supervising Guards for the Entire Pool). B&G and Recreation measured out a limited area or only 3,400 square feet of the pool and discussed installing an effective barrier, which would only require 1 Supervising Guard. Supervising Guards are considered Pool Supervisor, Asst Pool Supervisor, and Head Lifeguards. In addition to Supervising Guards, the department needs a rotation of 8 regular Lifeguards in order to open the facility (regardless of square footage) as per the ECDOH approved safety plan.
On 5/19/2021 the department explored the possibility of removing the WSI/PSI from the Head Lifeguard requirements IF Summer Day Camp does not visit the Aquatics Complex and/or for Head Lifeguards that would work evenings/weekends. The changes were made across the board for all Head Lifeguards, in an attempt to recruit more. As always, any staff member who obtains a WSI/PSI certification receives a 50 cents per hour raise. This information was sent to all aquatics staff.
On 5/20/2021 The West Seneca Senior Center agreed to print job posting flyers and distribute to their members.
Pay Rates
The West Seneca Town Board approved an initial bonus on 4/5/21 (see column #4 below).
The West Seneca Town Board approved an increase in the bonus plus increased all pay rates by $1.00 per hour on 4/19/21 (see column #5 below).
| TITLE |
PAY RATE (HOURLY) |
BONUS AMOUNT |
Original Pay Rate and Initial Bonus Amount |
Increased Rates of Pay and Bonus Amount on 4/19/21. |
| Pool Supervisor |
Return ($16.50)
New ($16.00) |
$500 |
($15-$15.50 / $150) |
($16-$16.50 / $500) |
| Camp Director |
Return ($16.50)
New ($16.00) |
$500 |
($15-$15.50 $150) |
($16-$16.50 / $500) |
| Asst Pool Supervisor |
Return ($16.00)
New ($15.50) |
$400 |
($14.50-$15 $150) |
($15.50 - $16 / $400) |
| Asst. Camp Director |
Return ($16.00)
New ($15.50) |
$400 |
($14.50-$15 $150) |
($15.50 - $16 / $400) |
| Head Lifeguard |
Return ($15.00)
New ($14.75) |
$300 |
($13.75-$14 $150) |
($14.75 - $15.00 / $300) |
| Lifeguard |
Return ($14.50
New ($14.00) |
$250 |
($13-$13.50 $100) |
($14 - $14.50 / $250) |
| Camp Staff |
Return ($14.50)
New ($14.00) |
$250 |
($13-$13.50 $100) |
($14 - $14.50 / $250) |
| Bus Driver |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
| WSI/PSI Cert |
Additional 50 cent pay-raise for any employee who obtains this certification whose position does not require it. |
See above. |
No change. |
No change. |
Open Jobs Distribution List (Last Updated 4/30/21)
| Summer 2021 Job Posting Locations |
| Alden (Town of) Rec |
| Allegany County Youth Bureau |
| Amherst Rec/Northtown Center |
| Amherst Rinks |
| Aurora (Town of) Rec |
| BDSL Soccer |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and the Southern Tie |
| Bishop Timon St. Jude |
| BNAC |
| BNCC/NCC |
| Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo |
| Boys and Girls Club of Eden |
| Boys and Girls Club of Holland |
| Boyscouts Buffalo |
| Buffalo (City of) Rec |
| Buffalo Employment and Training Center (BETC) |
| Buffalo Fenians |
| Buffalo PAL |
| Buffalo State |
| Buffalo urban League |
| Buffalo urban League |
| BuffState Educational Pipeline Int. |
| BuffState Rink |
| BWNYJSL |
| Canisius High School |
| Canisius High School Guidance Office |
| Catholic Charities of Buffalo |
| Catt. Co. Youth Bureau |
| Caz Rink |
| CEBA Baseball |
| Cheektowaga (Town of) Rec |
| Cheektowaga Schools |
| Chesterton Academy of Buffalo |
| Chirst Church Buffalo |
| City of Buffalo Parks and Recreation |
| City of Buffalo Public Schools |
| City of Tonawanda Rec |
| Clarence Youth Bureau |
| Compass House |
| Compass House |
| Compeer Buffalo |
| Corner Stone Ice Arena |
| D'Youville College |
| Damen College |
| Dioc of WNY |
| Diocesan UTO Coordinator |
| East Seneca Fire |
| Ebenezer United Church of Christ |
| Elderwood PArish |
| Erie County Youth |
| Fellowship Wesleyan Church |
| Futures Preparatory School #37 |
| Galaxy Auto Place |
| Gateway Longview |
| Genessee County Youth Bureau |
| Girl Scouts WNY |
| GLYWSWNY |
| Grand Island Rec |
| Hamburg Rink |
| Harbor Center |
| Haseks Heros |
| Hilbert College |
| Hockey Outlet |
| Holiday Rink |
| Holy Family Learning Center |
| Houghton College Buffalo |
| Iroquois Schools |
| Just for Kids Online |
| Kenmore Tonawanda Hockey |
| Kenmore West |
| King Ubran Life Center |
| King Urban Life Center |
| LA Fitness |
| Lackawanna Recreation |
| Lancaster Rec |
| Lancaster Schools |
| Lancaster Youth Bu. |
| Legion Post 735 |
| Livingston County Youth Bureau |
| Macedonian Orthodox Church |
| Mathletes 5K |
| Medaille College |
| Mount Mercy High School |
| Nardin Academy |
| Native American Community Services |
| NFRP |
| Niagara County Department of Social Service/Youth Burea |
| Niagara Falls Youth Bureau |
| Niagara Rink |
| Niagara Tournaments |
| Niagara U Ice Rink |
| North Tonawanda Recreation |
| Northtown Center |
| Northwest Community Center |
| Olmstead Center |
| OP Rec |
| Orchard Park High School |
| Orchard Park Storm Baseball |
| Paulas Donuts |
| Peace of the City |
| Peace of the City |
| Queen of Heaven |
| Resource Council of WNY |
| Royals Soccer |
| Run 4 Life 5k |
| Section 6 Hockey |
| Section 6 Hockey |
| Sirens FC Soccer |
| South Buffalo Community Org |
| South Buffalo Rugby |
| Southline Travel Baseball |
| Southtowns Shock |
| Southtowns Soccer |
| Squeeky Wheel |
| St John Vin 5k |
| St Peters Church |
| St. Francis High School |
| St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church |
| St. Marys High School |
| SUNY Buffalo State |
| SUNY Erie |
| SUNY Erie Career Centers |
| SUNY UB |
| The Bell Center |
| The Prevention Council of Erie County |
| Thrive Buffalo |
| Tonawanda Rec |
| Town of Hamburg Rec |
| Town of Hamburg Youth Bureau |
| Trinity Lutheran Church |
| Trinity Lutheran |
| Trinity Schools of Buffalo |
| Trocaire College |
| TWS White Collar |
| UB |
| United Childcare Resource |
| United Methodist |
| Urban Center |
| Vigilant Fire |
| Village of Hamburg Rec |
| WEDI |
| West Seneca Bee |
| West Seneca Chamber |
| West Seneca Community of Churches |
| West Seneca East SHS |
| West Seneca Food Pantry |
| West Seneca Sun |
| West Seneca Town Band |
| West Seneca West SHS |
| Winchester Community Church |
| Winchester Fire Co |
| WNY Flash |
| WNY Girl's Varsity Ice Hockey Federation |
| WS Community 5K |
| WS Continung Education |
| WS Highway/Blue Collar |
| WS Kiwanis |
| WS Library |
| WS Lions Club |
| WS Little Loop |
| WS Senior Center |
| WS Spot Coffee |
| WSCSD Athletics |
| WSCSD Main |
| WSCSD School Board |
| WSGSA |
| WSPD |
| WSSC |
| WSYBA |
| WSYHA |
| Wyoming County Youth Bureau |
| YWCA of WNY |
| Z-Pack Dance |
Other:
Summer 2021 Employee Bonus Information:
https://westsenecany.myrec.com/info/news/details.aspx?NewsID=4525
Agenda Item re: Proposal for Summer 2021 Employee Bonus at the April 5, 2021 Town Board Meeting
http://www.westseneca.net/application/files/3016/1720/2252/employee_bonus05289920210331093616.pdf
April 5, 2021 Town Board Minutes (Draft):
http://www.westseneca.net/application/files/8016/1849/7142/draft04.05.2021tbm05365820210415102818.pdf
April 5, 2021 Town Board Meeting (Recording):
https://fb.watch/4ZF6onOYny/
Recruitment Efforts and Hiring Update as per the 4/19/2021 Town Board Agenda:
http://www.westseneca.net/application/files/9716/1849/7152/anncmnt.masset05362720210415094058.pdf
April 19, 2021 Town Board Meeting (Minutes) Bonus Rates Increased, Hourly Wages Increased ($1):
http://www.westseneca.net/application/files/6416/1971/8377/tbm04.29.202105400520210429084343.pdf
Recruitment Efforts and Hiring Update as per the 5/3/2021 Town Board Agenda:
http://www.westseneca.net/application/files/6416/1971/8369/rec_summerupdate05404220210429133420.pdf