Recreation Employment - TeenForce Program (Ages 15+) - Talent Pool

City of Portland•Multiple Locations, OR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Portland Parks & Recreation is hiring staff to lead activities with the TeenForce program through a talent pool application. This application collects names of individuals interested in future part-time or seasonal jobs. When positions become available, selected candidates may be contacted for an interview. The TeenForce program provides safe and fun spaces for teens, with staff acting as mentors who help build positive relationships and ensure a welcoming environment. The program offers classes, activities, events, and volunteer opportunities. This is a talent pool for various roles including TeenForce Counselor, TeenForce Lead Counselor, Parks Activities Specialist, General Instructor II, Fitness Instructor, and Specialized Arts Instructor. The program operates Monday through Friday during afternoon and evening hours, with flexible scheduling that may include days, evenings, weekends, or holidays. The number of work hours can vary based on program needs.

Requirements

Ability to promote a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
General knowledge of assigned recreation area.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of people.
Ability to recognize and respond to safety and emergency situations.
Ability to problem-solve and respond to customer concerns.
Minimum of 500 hours of prior teaching experience for each discipline(s) (for Specialized Arts Instructor).
Have had significant traditional or non-traditional professional learning and/or development (for Specialized Arts Instructor).
Must be at least 15 years old (for Counselors).
Must be at least 18 years old (for Lead Counselors and Instructors).

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and understanding of the TeenForce program (for Lead Counselor and Instructor positions).
High School Diploma or equivalent (preferred for Lead Counselor and Instructor positions).
USA Gymnastics certified instructors are eligible for a wage step increase.

Responsibilities

Lead activities with the TeenForce program.
Organize, plan, and lead a variety of activities including art, crafts, music, performance, science, games, nature, and sports.
Support the physical, social, and cognitive development of participants.
Maintain discipline and safety while monitoring youth.
Consistently model appropriate behavior.
Maintain accurate program records.
Perform maintenance duties as assigned.
Engage youth in low-key, drop-in areas and work the full length of program hours.
Lead drop-in activities within the TeenForce program.
Provide directions to Counselor staff based on guidance from Recreation Leaders.
Prepare and present introductory lessons/activities for programs and classes.
Create a welcoming atmosphere.
Engage with park and facility guests.
Provide excellent customer service.
Serve as a resource for PP&R information.
Maintain clean facilities and/or park spaces.
Monitor use of space and needs of guests.
Proactively address potential safety concerns.
Uphold the PP&R code of conduct.
Communicate with supervisor, rangers, and security under established guidelines.
Monitor participation and complete needed paperwork and record keeping.
Prepare and present introductory lessons/activities for programs and classes for a variety of age ranges including preschool, youth, teen, and adult.
Lead private and group music lessons, ensemble/choir, specialized music (including culturally specific styles and genres), jewelry/metalsmithing, theatre, textiles, photography, drawing and painting, printmaking and book arts, literary arts, ballet academy, studio/professional dance, woodshop, sculpture, and ceramics.