Summer Recreation Leader

Childrens Home of Jefferson•Watertown, NY

2d•$25•Onsite

About The Position

The Summer Recreation Leader is responsible for implementing engaging, structured, and developmentally appropriate summer programming for youth, fostering a safe and inclusive environment, and building positive relationships with participants and families. The Summer Recreation Leader will support daily program operations, supervise youth, lead activities, maintain accurate documentation, and ensure compliance with CHJC policies, procedures, and safety expectations. This role requires dependability, organization, sound judgment, enthusiasm for youth development, and the ability to maintain a positive, structured summer program environment. This seasonal position is available July and August 2026.

Requirements

A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Candidates should demonstrate the ability to supervise groups of youth, mentor junior staff, lead activities, and maintain a safe and supportive environment.
Summer Recreation Leaders must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrate the ability to work effectively with youth from diverse backgrounds.
Dependability, professionalism, adaptability, and time management are essential.
The role requires sound judgment, the ability to maintain confidentiality, basic behavior management skills, and the ability to work cooperatively as part of a team.
Must maintain privacy of confidential information.
Successful completion of routine pre-employment requirements as mandated by the New York State Department of Health, Office of Mental Health and Office of Children and Family Services along with ongoing clearances and exclusion checks. These requirements are to include employment health requirements, reference checks, criminal background checks/fingerprinting, State Central Registry clearance and your eligibility to work in the United States.
A valid NYS driver’s license required.
Corporate Compliance, HIPAA Privacy Security, and Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Training and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, First Aid and CPR will be required following date of hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children or youth is preferred.
Familiarity with youth development principles and recreational programming is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct daily walkthroughs of program spaces to ensure cleanliness, safety, and readiness for programming.
Supervise youth throughout the program day and maintain appropriate ratios at all times.
Lead and support structured recreational, educational, and enrichment activities that are developmentally appropriate and aligned with the goals of the summer program.
Coordinate activity setup, transitions, cleanup, and supply organization throughout the day.
Maintain accurate attendance, incident reports, behavior documentation, and other required program records.
Ensure youth are safely accounted for during arrival, transitions, activities, meals, and dismissal.
Support meal and snack service in accordance with program procedures.
Address behavior concerns promptly, professionally, and in alignment with CHJC expectations for youth support and safety.
Complete end-of-day cleaning, sanitizing, organization, and preparation for the following program day.
Complete all required trainings and maintain compliance with deadlines and program expectations.
Build positive, respectful relationships with youth and model appropriate behavior, communication, and boundaries.
Create a welcoming and inclusive environment where youth feel safe, supported, and engaged.
Encourage participation in activities, teamwork, recreation, and skill-building opportunities.
Provide redirection, problem-solving, and support to youth using calm and professional behavior management strategies.
Communicate appropriately with families, coworkers, and supervisors regarding program needs and youth concerns.
Collaborate with other staff to ensure a consistent, structured, and positive program experience for all youth.
Support youth in daily routines and help maintain a productive atmosphere throughout the summer program.
Other duties as assigned.