Kids Squad Counselor

Job Summary

The Kids Squad Counselor is responsible for daily implementation of the program assisting in scheduling activities and supervising participants. Normal working hours are weekdays from approximately 2:45pm-6:00pm. The complete approved wage range for this position is posted on our website at opportunities.

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily and demonstrate the Districts core competencies consisting of integrity/ethics job knowledge interpersonal skills policies & procedures compliance work quality risk management/safety District/Department vision and values adaptability/flexibility dependability teamwork and productivity.

Essential Duties

• Work directly with children in group activities and one-on-one activities.
• Insure the safety of participants at all times.
• Use appropriate discipline and language with program participants.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the Park Districts and Kids Squad policies and operations and enforce them in a positive manner.
• Greet children and parents in a warm and friendly manner.
• Help shy children find an area of interest and have patience with distressed children utilize positive reinforcement techniques.
• Assist with safety checks of the facilities.
• Assist with the daily activities setting up and cleaning up.
• Ensure room and equipment is maintained properly and supplies are stored in an orderly fashion in the appropriate storage closets.
• Communicate any concerns or problems with the participants a supervisor.
• Have individual conversations with children during class sit and interact with children daily.
• Motivate children while being fair and consistent.
  

Customer Service

• Monitor health of all participants; be aware and prepared to deal with emergency health issues in accordance with Park District policies. Special sanitation procedures are to be taken in the event of some illnesses see policy 3.4 in the Comprehensive Policy & Procedures Manual for details.

Initiative

• Tackle problems and take independent action seek out new responsibilities act on opportunities generate new ideas practice self-development.

Co-operation & Attitude

• Present a good personal appearance; wear proper uniform.
• Attend all staff meetings and workshops.
• Maintain an enthusiastic and positive attitude. Work as part of a team and motivate others.
• Other duties responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
  

Judgment

• Recognize problems evaluate facts and reach a sound conclusion.
• Know when to lead participants and when to step back.

Communication

• Communicate any concerns or problems with the participants a supervisor.
• Have individual conversations with children during class sit and interact with children daily.
• Use appropriate time keeping method/system to accurately record time worked in accordance with policy/procedure.

Leadership

• Lead participants at assigned site in small groups.
• Be aware of the entire group even when engaged in play with a small group.

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and demonstrate the competencies listed above in addition to the following:

• Minimum of 16 years of age.
• Minimum of one year of prior experience working with children 5 years of age up to the 6th grade preferred.
• Ability to interact positively with parents participants fellow staff members.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondences and to speak effectively before groups of participants or employees of organization.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written oral or diagram form.
• Ability to identify and respond quickly to emergency situations.

Education & Training

• Not applicable

Certificates Licenses Registrations

• Obtain and maintain first-aid certification is preferred.
• Obtain and maintain adult CPR/AED certification is preferred.
• Obtain and maintain infant/child CPR/AED certification is preferred.
• Obtain and maintain valid Illinois drivers license.
• Complete Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) online training prior to start date.