JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Site Director, Recreation Leaders report to their Site Director and Recreation Supervisor. Supervise students while directing various activities planned by the Site Director and staff.
The Recreation Leader is responsible for creating a safe, positive, and engaging environment for participants in the park district's afterschool program. This position plans and leads age-appropriate recreational activities, games, crafts, homework assistance, and enrichment opportunities while fostering positive relationships with participants, families, and staff.
The Recreation Leader supervises children throughout the program, ensures participant safety, manages behavior using positive guidance techniques, and assists with daily program operations, including attendance, snack distribution, setup, cleanup, and transitions. This position serves as a positive role model by promoting teamwork, inclusion, respect, and personal growth while delivering high-quality recreational experiences that align with the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District's mission and values.
The ideal candidate is energetic, dependable, and passionate about working with youth, with strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide outstanding customer service to our internal and external guests by providing friendly, responsive, courteous and helpful service
- Direct and help plan activities.
- Give guidance and direction to students.
- Provide for safety and well-being of all students.
- Available to assist in leading activities during all half and full days off of school.
- Act in cordial and courteous manner and positively represent the Park District at all times.
- Keep Site Director informed of all Before/After School program happenings.
- Attend all staff meetings.
- Adhere to the policies and procedures as outlined in the Safety Manual.
- Assist in general maintenance and clean-up of equipment and facilities.
- Other related job duties as assigned.
COGNITIVE SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Knowledge of recreational games and activities.
- Ability to lead children in activities.
- Ability to do paperwork.
- Solve problems.
- Assist students with basic homework questions.
- Resolve conflicts.
- Ability to learn new tasks quickly.
- Is responsible and dependable.
JOB SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to lead and motivate children.
- Knowledge of arts, crafts, games, sports and activities.
- Ability to work without continued direction.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
- Must be at least 16 years of age.
- Experience working with children
- CPR/AED Certification or willingness to become certified
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
STANDING: Frequently
SITTING: Minimal
WALKING: Frequently
LIFTING: Frequently, under 50 lbs. - 75 lbs. with assistance
STOOPING: Frequently
REACHING: Occasionally
CLIMBING: Occasionally
VERBAL: Proficient to communicate needs; lead activities, give direction, one-on-one
VISION: Necessary for instruction and safety
Part-Time Benefits:
- Discounted individual fitness membership at Racquet Fitness Center
- Discounted golf fees and driving range tokens at Coyote Run
- Individual admission to open skate at H-F Ice Arena
- Individual Lions pool pass
- 20% off (1) facility rental/year
- 20% off birthday party package for child(ren)
- 20% off program fees
- Irons Oaks ropes course & climbing tower
- Individual ski rental at Irons Oaks (cross-country skiing)
- 457 Retirement Plan
- Participation in Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund - only available if required minimum hours are met (work more than 1,000 hours in a year).
- Additional benefits for facility employees only.
- Paid CPR/AED training and certification
- Paid Leave Time Off
Skills Required
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- Experience working with children
- CPR/AED Certification or willingness to become certified
- Ability to lead and motivate children
- Knowledge of arts, crafts, games, sports and activities
- Ability to work without continued direction
- Ability to assist students with basic homework questions
- Ability to manage behavior using positive guidance techniques
- Physical ability to stand, walk, stoop frequently and lift up to 50 lbs (75 lbs with assistance)
- Dependable, responsible, and able to communicate effectively
What We Do
The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District enhances the quality of life by providing diverse and inclusive recreational opportunities, facilities, and parks, while also caring for the environment. It manages 27 park sites and over 365 acres of land, offering various recreational facilities including athletic complexes, golf courses, ice arenas, and fitness clubs.
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