After School Program Care Specialist

Fort Worth Country Day is seeking an After School Care Specialist in our SOAR program. SOAR (Scholastic Opportunities, Arts, and Recreation) provides Fort Worth Country Day students the opportunity to engage in a fun, productive social environment beyond traditional school hours.  Under the direction of the SOAR Extended-Care Manager, the After School Program staff will organize, facilitate and participate in daily activities with FWCD students and will monitor and interact with students and SOAR staff members to create a safe, engaging environment. 

The After School Program Care Specialist is a part-time, hourly position working on school days (Monday – Friday) between 2:45 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. for the 2023-2024 academic year.  Additional hours are available on early- dismissal days. Pay begins at $15.00/hour.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Monitor children participating in SOAR to ensure their health, safety and physical well-being; perform routine First Aid and CPR; perform first aid in emergency situations according to established procedures; enforce and ensure health and safety rules and procedures are observed
• Collaborate and assist staff in designing and implementing activities and assignments to encourage attendee's intellectual, creative, artistic and athletic enrichment and abilities; assist students in working on and completing after school program assignments, projects and activities 
• Maintain a positive, upbeat attitude that contributes to a positive environment for SOAR participants
• Demonstrate and assist students with art projects 
• Oversee students in physical activities, including but not limited to, basketball, kickball, running, etc.
• Interact with children in an effort to build self-esteem and form a comfort level with their peers; answer student questions, provide proper examples, emotional support, a friendly attitude and general guidance
• Assist in maintaining program standards of student behavior needed to achieve effective participation in activities without interfering with the natural, informal atmosphere of SOAR; assist in resolving student disputes; refer serious discipline problems to SOAR Extended-Care Manager
• Set up program, project and activity areas as needed
• Maintain a clean and organized environment for students; demonstrate and involve students in cleaning and organizing the program activities areas before, during, and after use
• Assist with the check-in and check-out procedure for SOAR program participants
• Coordinate with enrichment program instructors to ensure the safe pick-up and drop-off of students       
• Act as a liaison between parents, staff and school personnel
• Assist in the maintenance of accounting procedures
• Participate in SOAR team training activities and regular staff meetings
• Perform related duties as assigned by the SOAR Extended-Care Manager

Minimum qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Experience working with youth
• Must pass a criminal background check and have positive verification of references

Preferred qualifications:

• College credit in child development, education or related field
• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in child development, education or related field

Additional requirements:

• A valid First Aid and CPR Certificate issued by an authorized agency must be obtained within three months of employment

All employees of FWCD must:

• Embody, model and communicate the School’s mission and core values (respect, responsibility, kindness, courage, integrity and scholarship)
• Exhibit generous community spirit, professional flexibility, a sense of humor and a positive attitude
• Collaborate and work well with colleagues, parents and students
• Execute duties in a positive and punctual manner
• Be an enthusiastic lifelong learner driven toward professional self-improvement and personal growth

Equal Opportunity Employer / Statement of Inclusivity:

Fort Worth Country Day is an Equal Opportunity Employer that maintains a policy of nondiscrimination with respect to all employees and applicants for employment.  The ideal candidate should possess a thoughtful approach and knowledge of intercultural communication and inclusion of underrepresented groups.  Employment decisions at FWCD are based on merit, qualifications, abilities and performance and are subject to the academic and business requirements of the School.

The FWCD Inclusivity Statement confirms: We believe that understanding and respecting differences not only inspires compassion and empathy, but also fosters intellectual curiosity and creativity. We embrace the diverse cultures, experiences and perspectives that comprise and enhance our learning environment.  We commit to sustaining and growing an intentionally inclusive community.

About Fort Worth Country Day and the city of Fort Worth:

Fort Worth Country Day earned the distinction of being ranked one of the Best Companies to Work for in Fort Worth in 2018.

Fort Worth Country Day is a coed, junior kindergarten through grade 12 college-preparatory day school with nearly 1,100 students and 250 faculty and staff.  The School seeks to promote inclusivity and retain a diverse faculty.  The 104-acre campus offers excellent facilities for academics, arts and athletics. Faculty and administration nurture a collegial professional environment in which innovation is encouraged. Opportunities for ongoing professional development are exceptional.  Fort Worth Country Day is proud of its school community where students, parents, faculty, staff and administration join together to develop an effective and enjoyable place to teach and learn. 

Fort Worth ranks as one of the top 20 largest cities in the United States and is known for its vibrant arts, music, and cultural life.  The Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan region is home to over 6.5 million people. More information about the School and Fort Worth community is available at www.fwcd.org.