Description

Overview:

We are looking for energetic, friendly, and creative people. This is a wonderful opportunity for those looking for part-time work with plenty of room to grow.

Job Purpose:

The Play zone Assistant will help members with childcare for their children from the ages of 3 months to 11 years old. Playzone Assistants are required to act as role models and facilitate safety in small and large groups of youth during a variety of activities; ensuring environment is positive, encouraging, respectful, and fun for all participants. A high priority is placed on communication, organization, risk management, as well as cleaning/sanitizing. The Play zone assistant will encourage and ensure the safety of our members.

Essential Functions:

• Assist in maintaining cleanliness and sanitization of facility and supplies as well as properly storing and organizing equipment/materials on site.
• Monitor and maintain the safety of all participants.
• Attend all staff meetings and training programs as specified.
• Understand, communicate, and enforce Park District rules and policies to participants and the public.
• Address any member behavior/disciplinary issues with the appropriate individuals.
• Provide excellent customer service and maintain a positive public image by addressing questions and concerns from staff, patrons, participants, and parents immediately.
• Become familiar with participants; know their names, personalities, skills, and interests.
• Identify and observe equipment daily for possible maintenance needs and adjustments, report maintenance needs to Supervisor.
• Complete all paperwork as required including, but not limited to reports and logs.
• Provide structured activities for children.

Additional Functions:

• Occasionally assist with events and programs
• Complete other duties as assigned by Supervisor or other Park District administration.

Knowledge, Skill, and Work Experience Required:

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Must be organized, responsible, professional, and able to coordinate a wide variety of activities each week.
• Must have the ability to solve problems as they arise and be able to perform tasks without direct supervision.
• Must be highly motivated and able to assume a positive and active role in programming, even while working under potentially stressful conditions (hot or cold weather, upset or injured participants, etc.)
• Must have the ability to be firm with participants, when necessary, enforce park district rules, and make sound decisions in order to secure the safety and well-being of all campers, facilities, and equipment.
• Must be willing to work as a team! We are a team here at PDOP!
• Certification in advanced Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within 3 months of employment and keep certification current. The District provides this training.

Recommended

• 2 years of daycare experience
• Experience working with a team.

Work Environment, Physical Demands and Considerations:

• Must have the ability to lift, push, and/or pull at least 40 pounds.
• Ability to endure prolonged standing, sitting on the floor, kneeling at child’s level, and hands on interaction with children or community members during scheduled events.
• Flexibility to assist with the physical set up and take down of programs.
• In case of emergency, be able to respond quickly and appropriately with children’s safety in mind.
• Environmental considerations can include but are not limited to extreme weather conditions and noise such as building construction.
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal and/or written instructions efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to communicate and represent the Park District in a professional manner.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision.
• Ability to follow safety guidelines and exercise judgment in all aspects of responsibility.
• Ability to resolve conflict safely, calmly, and effectively.

Hours:

Average number hours per week: 12-19 hours.

Hours will vary, Monday-Friday 7:45am-12:30pm & 3:45pm-8:30pm, Saturday 7:45am-12:30pm

Customers:
Internal: Employees of Park District
External: Patrons of Park District of Oak Park; residents of Oak Park, WSSRA, Partner Organizations including governmental and non-profit groups, and the Oak Park Business Community

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, functions, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, functions, activities, or responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer!