Before and After Care Leader

Wheeling Park District•Wheeling, IL

2d•$17 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

The Before and After Care Leader oversees daily operations of the recreation program, including attendance, sign-ins, bus arrivals and dismissals, and staff assignments. The role helps ensure a safe, engaging environment for participants by planning and leading activities, preparing materials, maintaining records and supplies, and enforcing District policies and procedures. The Leader represents the Wheeling Park District through professional conduct, positive interactions, and constructive community relations. The position involves supervising school-age children in a recreational setting, coordinating with staff and NWSRA staff to support inclusion, following emergency and safety procedures, maintaining current CPR certification, and attending required meetings and training. The Leader also completes program documentation, helps maintain an orderly work environment, and performs other duties or special projects as assigned.

Requirements

One to two years of prior work experience in a related field, and at least one to two years of experience with school-age children, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
Knowledge and skill in child development practices.
Understanding of the principles, practices, and objectives of community recreation.
Ability to implement innovative activities daily and supervise children in a recreational setting.
Organizational skills related to programming.
Good oral and written communication skills; ability to work with minimal supervision, solve problems, and produce work on time.
Initiative, dependability, good judgment, tact, analytical skills, leadership, and ability to work positively with the public, Park District staff, and Board of Commissioners.
Consistent attendance and punctuality.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
CPR/AED certification, or ability to earn it within 60 days.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role, including sitting, standing, walking, bending, climbing stairs, twisting, talking, hearing, handling and operating objects or controls, reaching, and occasionally walking on uneven ground.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Hand-eye coordination for operating computers and office equipment, close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Responsibilities

Manage sign-in procedures and punch cards, bus arrivals and dismissals, parent contact when needed, and communication regarding late pick-ups.
Plan and lead daily activities and games, coordinate with staff responsible for stations or areas, and prepare required materials.
Remain actively engaged with participants and provide positive interactions and experiences.
Follow Extended Care policies and procedures and enforce District policies.
Lead daily program preparation and closing procedures; maintain an orderly work environment and return supplies and equipment to their proper locations.
Advise the supervisor of needed purchases; pick up supervisor-ordered and paid-for snacks when requested, and organize and store snacks securely.
Work with NWSRA staff to support successful inclusion.
Attend, assist in leading, and participate in staff meetings, site staff and Extended Care meetings as necessary, and trainings.
Follow District dress requirements, including wearing the District-issued T-shirt and lanyard as the outermost layer.
Know and follow emergency procedures and codes; perform work safely and comply with Park District policies, procedures, and safety rules.
Maintain current CPR certification and participate in required and relevant employee training and safety programs.
Organize and submit accident reports, incident reports, time sheets, and activity plans.
Use required personal protective equipment and safety devices, and identify and report actual or potential safety hazards.
Oversee investigations of critical safety incidents or accidents and develop appropriate responses for assigned areas of responsibility.
Build positive rapport with the Wheeling community and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, subordinates, and the public.
Support and demonstrate the organization's stated values, including respect, communication, integrity, innovation, recognition, continuous learning, fun, empowerment, and people.
Work as scheduled and perform other assigned duties or special projects.