Program Assistant - Community Recreation

Brief Description

TitleProgram AssistantDepartmentCommunity Recreation Summer PlaygroundsStatusSeasonalWork LocationVariousReports ToProgram Director/Recreation CoordinatorWage$15/hourPosition Description

Supervises, monitors, and assists program participants with enrichment activities ensuring all participants maximum success and enjoyment at program site.

ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT VISION, MISSION AND LEADERSHIP BY VALUESAgency VisionTo be the best urban parks and recreation system in North America, as measured by national standards and the citizens we serve.Agency MissionThe Rockford Park District is in business to “help people enjoy life” by providing a quality park and recreation system.Vision & Planning SystemThe District aligns itself and all its resources to achieve its purpose, vision, mission, and priorities. This successfully drives the strategic plan, operational plans, and performance goals.Policy Management & Operations SystemEvery team member serves as an active contributor in the development of the team’s operational plan; develops job strategies and plans that support the team’s operational goals; identifies timetables for completion; plans daily work activities in an organized manner ensuring effective utilization of time and resources in the completion of job tasks.Leadership by Values SystemLeadership by Values can only be achieved if all team members believe in and live by these shared values: accountability, integrity, passion, agility, relationship oriented, results driven, service oriented, respectful, and innovative. While all team members share these essential values, our culture is enriched by and welcomes the diverse supporting values of its team members.Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging StatementThe Rockford Park District is committed and accountable to being a place where everyone is invited and belongs, as demonstrated by being an inviting, equitable, and inclusive environment, respectful of all people, embracing diversity, creating accessibility and valuing all team members, partners and community members for their unique experiences and backgrounds.

RELATIONSHIPS TO RESULTS CULTUREDefinitionSustained by long-term, positive, exceptional relationships with stakeholders and team members as our hallmark of success.

ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL COMMITMENTDefinitionTo work together to achieve the mission, vision, and shared values of the Rockford Park District.ConnectednessDepartments are truly interconnected to support the mission and vision of the Rockford Park District.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assigned

• Assists in creating and organizing specialty recreational programs at the assigned program location, for participants with and without disabilities, with the Program Director and Area Coordinator(s).
• Initiates, organizes, and leads program activities daily
• Supervises, monitors, and participates with participants for maximum success and enjoyment at program site.
• Sets the tone for positive behavior and discipline using positive reinforcement for a safe zone/ environment for all participants following RPD code of conduct.
• Informs Program Director of supplies needed and preserves and cares for equipment of the RPD.
• Maintains awareness of personal care and physical needs of participants and reports to Program Director.
• Represents the Park District in a friendly and positive manner when communicating with program participants, parents/guardians, staff, and all other program visitors.
• Helps enforce program policy and procedures using positive communication with program participants, parents/guardians, and staff.
• Leads, guides, and assists those enrolled in the Jr. Leaders Program with organizing activities and interacting with participants.
• Acts as a bus rider as assigned.
• Be cheerful, positive, and ready to play with all participants every day.
• Utilize the Rockford Park District's HRIS system for all HR and payroll-related requirements and to accurately clock in and out for all shifts.
• Attends scheduled staff meetings and training sessions as determined by supervisors.
• Gives feedback on program concerns and positive experiences.
• Assess and inform Program Director of site safety concerns in the play area such as: park users, play equipment, hazards, etc.
• Responsible for appropriate supervision, instruction and monitoring participants on off-site field trips as directed by the Program Director and Area Coordinator(s).
• Takes attendance, completes daily logs, and opening/closing site check lists.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Requirements

Education/Experience

Experience or interest in interacting with people with and without disabilities in a recreation setting preferred.

Critical Skills, Knowledge, And Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Must be a minimum of 16 years old
• Ability to provide customers with expert care, sensitive consideration and efficient service.
• Good communication skills including expressive, written, and receptive.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions, including situations involving program participants, staff conflicts, and dissatisfied customers.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and demonstrate flexibility as a team player.
• Ability to problem solve in a variety of situations
• First Aid, CPR, and AED training (can be obtained through the Rockford Park District, as determined necessary by supervisors).
• Flexibility to work at various locations as assignments are subject to change during the length of the season.
  
  

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

Medium Work

• Exerting in excess of 50 pounds of force occasionally
• Exerting in excess of 20 pounds of force frequently
• Exerting in excess of 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must be able to perform moderately physically intensive tasks, potentially including any combination of the following: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, repetitive motions, substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• This is a physically active position that involves stamina
• Reliable transportation to various locations
  
  

Work Environment

The Work Environment Characteristics Described Here Are Representative Of Those An Employee Encounters While Performing The Essential Functions Of This Job. Reasonable Accommodations May Be Made To Enable Individuals With Disabilities To Perform The Essential Functions

• May be exposed to hazardous vegetation (i.e., poison ivy) and insect bites while outdoors
• May be exposed to extreme weather conditions during camp season, particularly rain and heat.
• May be working with flammable materials for fires.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions, including situations involving program participants staff conflicts and dissatisfied customers.
  
  

Summary

Supervises, monitors, and assists program participants with enrichment activities ensuring all participants maximum success and enjoyment at program site.