Job Purpose:
The Youth Counselor is responsible for helping the Supervisor organize, lead, and plan the activities at CRC afterschool youth program. A high priority is placed on communication, organization, and risk management with this position. The position includes monitoring, interacting, and helping to develop a safe and fun environment for youth to enjoy their time out and away from school. They will provide quality customer service to the families and park patrons on site.
Essential Functions:
- Participate in all monthly meetings and trainings as requested.
- Maintain a working knowledge of all general departmental specific safety rules; obey and enforce the regulations and procedures established by the Park District and program description.
- Assist with emergency procedures and building evacuation if necessary.
- Maintain and document daily communication and cooperation with parents/patrons.
- Mentor and role model professional conduct for all team members, participants and patrons.
- Assist with the planning and implementation of age appropriate activities promoting the social/emotional safety and development of all youth participants; post and turn in schedule as requested.
- Resolve conflicts and problems that may arise between youth through redirection and logical consequences.
- Promote youth growth and development through hands on activities, modeling, and constant adult-child interaction.
- Communicate regularly with parents, school administration, and supervisor by email, phone, and in person.
- Maintain, inventory, and store program equipment and supplies adequately.
- Assist with the development of a monthly communication tool for parents, supervisor, and new participants.
- Maintain all program paperwork, files, and budget.
- Secure general materials and program supplies.
- Maintain a clean and safe program environment.
- Wear Park District staff shirt and identification during all work hours.
- Cleaning and disinfecting work area daily, throughout the day.
Additional Functions:
- Occasionally assist with events and programs.
- Complete other duties as assigned by Supervisor or other Park District administration.
- Distribute schedule and calendar to parents.
- Model and promote good leadership and teamwork with youth; prepare lessons and/or discussions on these topics that correlate with weekly activities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Work Experience Required:
- Certification in advanced Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within 1 month of employment and keep certification current. The District provides this training.
- Must obtain Mandated Reporter Certification.
- Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED; college coursework in recreation, education, social work, or related field preferred.
- Knowledge of age-appropriate recreational activities.
- Must be organized, responsible, professional, and able to help coordinate a wide variety of activities each week.
- Must have the ability to solve problems as they arise and be able to perform tasks without direct supervision.
- Must be highly motivated and able to assume a positive and active role in the program, even while working under potentially stressful conditions (hot or cold weather, upset or injured participants, etc.)
- Must be knowledgeable in Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and able to learn Amilia computer software as needed.
- Must have the ability to be firm with participants when necessary, enforce park district rules, and make sound decisions in order to secure the safety and well-being of all youth, facility, and equipment.
Recommended:
- 2 years of experience working with youth.
- Experience in planning and implementing daily lesson plans, preferred.
Work Environment, Physical Demands and Considerations:
- Frequent walking, running, standing, reaching, bending.
- Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs.
- Ability to understand and carry out verbal and/or written instructions efficiently and effectively and to read and understand printed material.
- Ability to operate assigned equipment.
- Ability to effectively interact and communicate well with others.
- Ability to interpret and explain recreation division and District policies and procedures.
- Ability to follow safety guidelines and exercise judgment in all aspects of responsibility.
- Ability to resolve conflict safely, calmly, and effectively.
Hours/Schedule:
Follows school calendar Monday - Friday: 2:30pm -6:30pm
Customers:
Internal: Employees of Park District
External: Patrons of Park District of Oak Park; residents of Oak Park, WSSRA, Partner Organizations including governmental and non-profit groups and the Oak Park Business Community
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, functions or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, functions, activities or responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.
The Park District of Oak Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer!
