POSITION SUMMARY:

The Play Connector is part of a 4-member team responsible for driving and maintaining the Play Parks activation program at McPherson Square Park in the Summer of 2023. This program is a collaborative effort led by Impact, Free Library of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Friends of McPherson Square along with several community partners. The goal is to activate McPherson Square Park to promote public safety and community cohesion.

The Play Community Connector is a part-time temporary position supporting the activation of McPherson Square Park in the summer of 2023. Play Community Connectors will work together to set up playful learning tools and equipment and actively engage children in the park. Play Community Connectors will organize and lead playful learning activities at McPherson Square Park between 11:30 and 4:30 every weekday this summer. They will also support partners in scheduled events and activities as needed. Play Community Connectors will receive ongoing training and support as part of their employment to acquire the skills necessary to carry out their job safely and effectively. This position is temporary for the summer and is not eligible for benefits.

Impact Services Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class status in its employment practices.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend trainings and workshops as needed.
• Set-up play tools and landscapes at McPherson Square Park daily.
• Initiate collaborative play with children as well as parents/caregivers.
• Attend literacy and playful learning training from the Free Library of Philadelphia and PPR as needed.
• Initiate play for groups of varying age levels, backgrounds, and interests; assist in the outreach for scheduled events.
• Prepare records and reports on attendance, attitude, and progress of recreation activities.
• Support implementing literacy survey tools with children.
• Attend regularly scheduled meetings with Impact’s Community Development team and activation partners.
• Support programs and events at the McPherson Square Park and Library as needed.
• Learn about partner’s different programs and resources, stay up to date on services offered to share with the community.
• Perform related work as required.

COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrated interest in working with children and engaging in active play.
• Ability/willingness to learn methods and techniques used in instructing groups of children or adults.
• Ability/willingness to learn about public recreation objectives.
• Knowledge of Kensington neighborhood.
• Ability to organize, instruct, and motivate individuals and groups.
• Ability to maintain order among recreation and social groups.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with participants, associates, and the public.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience caring for and/or engaging with children (babysitting, mothers’ helper, teacher’s aide, camp counselor, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse communities.
• Reliable team player, able to work collaboratively.
• Good communication, problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• CPR and a First Aid certification required; if not certified, agrees to become certified as soon as possible.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Outside work in varied weather conditions.
• Sit, stand, kneel, run for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull objects up to 50 lbs.

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to efarrell@impactservices.org by May 17th, 2024.