In today’s world, connecting with people is powered by the handheld devices firmly embedded in our hands. Interactions involve typing messages and comments, sharing and liking social media posts, and talking on chatlines and phones. What is overshadowed or often forgotten is how the power of in-person interactions can make a positive difference in people’s lives. For three recreation and culture customer service representatives, Teresa Donato, Trisha Bhatia, and Vipan Gupta, this daily rapport with clients is a highlight in their working day, and they see, first-hand, how a friendly demeanor and a helping hand can make somebody’s day.
Customer Service Representatives (CSR) at recreation and cultural facilities have an important public-facing role. They are City ambassadors who connect with clients to assist with their inquiries, bookings, and registrations. The City has permanent part-time opportunities for students, recent graduates, mid-career professionals and retirees.
Building relationships with the community
Teresa Donato, a senior Carleton University student, applied to the position at the Nepean Sportsplex, to fulfill her belief in giving back to the community. “The Nepean Sportsplex really builds off the community,” says Theresa. “I get to see the same people come in all the time and we get to build connections. At other fitness and recreation organizations, clients seem to focus on their individual workouts, but the Sportsplex has a community feel where people connect with each other.”
She reflected on a time where simply having a friendly and positive demeanor made a positive impact on someone. “One day, a client who takes Zumba classes came up to me and said, ‘Your smile makes me very happy, and it always makes my day.” Teresa says she enjoys working for such a great community.
Teresa also attributes the importance of the team environment to the positive atmosphere. She fully understands teamwork after winning two national championships with the Carleton University’s women’s basketball team. “We support and help each other,” says Teresa, who often lends a hand to staff in the weight and cardio rooms.
Trisha Bhatia, who is entering her first year of Engineering at the University of Ottawa, echoes the same sense of satisfaction around helping people at the Ray Friel Recreation Centre. In fact, Trisha started working as a lifeguard for the City, but wanted to shift to an area where she could learn new skills, and connect and interact with clients regularly. This inspired her to become a customer service representative. “I have always been a person who loves to talk.” said Trisha.” Being a customer service representative allows me to meet new people and get to know them more personally.”
Trisha recalls a time when a mother missed registration and came to the Ray Friel Recreation Centre for help finding programs for her four children. “We worked together to find four classes for her children with suitable days and times,” recalls Trisha. “It took some time that day, but we found something for each child. I was happy we were able to help someone. I think it made a real impression on her.”
Vipan Gupta, a retiree, enjoys daily interactions with repeat clients at the Ritchcraft Recreation Complex in Kanata. He values strong relations with the residents who contribute to a friendly community atmosphere at the facility. “At our facility, 90 per cent of visitors are repeat clients. You know their faces, their names and which activity they are coming in for,” says Vipan. “They are always happy. They even notice if I am away for a day.”
He says helping guide people through program registrations is an important part of the role, “People don’t always know the details,” said Vipan. “But once we explain the process, they can register quickly, and they always leave with a smile.”
That same helpful hand and advice from Vipan helped a family get more value for their money recently. He recently served a woman who came into buy a separate one-month weight and cardio membership for herself and swimming memberships for her three children. After getting more details from the client, he recommended purchasing an all-inclusive family membership. “The woman was amazed that the upgrade gave all four members of her family access to the entire facility,” said Vipan. “She was very happy.”
Vipan adds the affordability of the activities offered at the centre is great selling point.
Client Service Representatives – flexibility of working hours makes it perfect for students and retirees.
Along with positive teamwork and client relations, the Customer Service Representative positions provide flexibility for busy schedules.
Theresa Donato highlighted that the position has allowed her to balance her work with both school and basketball team commitments.
Trisha Bhatia also adds the work schedule is stable and predictable. “At most retail jobs, your schedule changes from week-to-week,” says Trisha. “Here, for example, I work on Wednesdays in the fall and Wednesday and Thursdays in the winter. It makes it easier to plan your schedule.”
The flexibility of work hours makes it suitable for retirees as well, according to Vipan Gupta. A self-proclaimed morning person, Vipan says he can take the morning shifts where it may not be the preferred time for younger colleagues.
In addition to stable and flexible schedules, all three say the collaborative team environment also makes it easy to find someone to cover off a shift should someone need time away.
How to apply for a client service representative position
Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, mid-career professional or a retiree looking for a part-time job that suits your schedule, visit ottawa.ca/recjobs to browse and apply to our current openings.
How to register for recreation activities
If you are looking to keep in shape by swimming, cardio and weight exercises or fitness classes, visit ottawa.ca/recreation to find out what’s available near you. Or even better, visit one of our friendly faces at your nearest recreation centre to see what’s available.
Watch: City customer service representatives share their personal experiences in their roles.
Trisha Bhatia: I think the thing I love the most, working as a customer service representative, is probably like talking to clients. So being able to talk with someone every day, you know, meeting new people and getting to know them more, just love it.
Teresa Donato: I get to see the same people come in all the time and really build a connection with them. It's just a really big community that I just really personally enjoy working at.
Vipan Gupta: Ninety per cent of clients are the repeat clients. So, you know their face, you know their names, you know which activity they're going for.
Trisha Bhatia: It's just a good atmosphere when you're having fun at your work. Because work doesn't need to be scary, doesn't need to be boring. It's a good place to work.
Teresa Donato: The hours are also very flexible. Being able to kind of make my own schedule was very helpful.
Vipan Gupta: You are not stressed out. Always, you have a coworker beside you. If nothing is going to go on, you can talk to them. There is lots of good things happening here.
Text: ottawa.ca/recjobs.