School Age Worker

JOB TITLE:  School-Age Worker                                                          STATUS:           Part Time

ORGANIZATION: Marillac St. Vincent Family Service

FLSA STATUS:  Non-Exempt                                                                CUSTOMARY HOURS/WEEK:  M-F, 25                 

                                                                                                                         30 hours weekly; up to 40 hours                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                         weekly during off-peak months     

DIVISION:     Program & Services 

DEPARTMENT: School-Age Program 

DIRECT SUPERVISOR: School-Age Manager

DIRECTLY SUPERVISES: N/A

Mission

Marillac St. Vincent Family Services strengthens and amplifies the voices of marginalized communities – in the Vincentian spirit of service – through education and programs tailored to foster thriving families and sustainable communities in Chicago.

Core Values

Our employees commit themselves as individuals to live out the core values of integrity, excellence, creativity, advocacy, respect and empowerment in our daily work, as we serve the needs of others.

Integrity - Acting with transparency, humility and honesty

Excellence - Providing quality care with compassion

Creativity - Being continuously resourceful and inventive

Advocacy - Supporting the cause of those who lack resources for a reasonable quality of life

Respect - Recognizing our own value and upholding the dignity and value of all people

            Empowerment - Providing skills and resources to achieve full human development

Team Behaviors

1. Versatility – Understanding and appreciating different and opposing perspectives on an issue; adapting one’s approach as the requirements of the situation change; an eagerness for positive action; self-control; active listening.
2. A collaborative work model – Cooperatively working and sharing responsibility; contributing to the group effort; realizing a sense of commitment and ownership in the success of the organization’s goals. 
3. Mutual accountability – Holds others accountable with their roles; provides and receives feedback and takes constructive action.
4. Client/customer advocate – Identifies opportunities to improve quality of services; presents one’s self professionally.
5. Protects confidentiality & privacy – Respects and protects information about all staff and clients.

General Summary:

The School-age Worker is responsible for planning, implementing, and supervising a variety of educational and recreational activities for school-aged children in before and after-school and  summer programs. This role involves creating a safe and engaging environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of children. 

Duties & Responsibilities : 

• Assist in implementing age-appropriate activities and curriculum that align with educational standards and objectives.
• Organize and lead a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, sports, games, and educational projects.
• Ensure activities are inclusive and cater to the diverse needs and interests of all children.
• Supervise children at all times to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Implement and enforce safety rules and procedures that prevent accidents and injuries.
• Demonstrate commitment and working knowledge of the guidelines for child care established by DCFS and Marillac St. Vincent Family Services. 
• Administer basic first aid and respond to emergencies following established protocols.
• Foster a positive and nurturing environment that supports the emotional and social development of children.
• Implement positive behavior management techniques.
• Address behavioral issues promptly and appropriately.
• Communicate with parents and guardians about children’s behavior and progress.
• Maintain an open and effective communication with parents, guardians, and other staff members.
• Provide regular updates on children’s progress, activities, and any concerns.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities, and stay current with best practices in childcare and education.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, activities, and any incidents.
• Report any incidents, injuries, or concerns to the school-age teacher and school-age manager.
• Assist in the preparation and distribution of program materials and supplies.
• Support school-age teacher to maintain a record of each child's development including narrative descriptions, samples of work, and notes concerning any communication.
• Ensure the cleanliness and organization of activity areas and equipment.
• Responsible for willingness to be flexible to perform other job-related tasks as the need arises to maintain a quality program

Experience/Education:

School-Age workers shall be at least 19 years of age and at least five years older than the oldest child with whom they work.

In addition to meeting the requirements of Section 407.100, the newly employed school-age worker responsible for a group of school-age children shall have achieved:

1. Thirty semester hours (or 45 quarter hours) of credit from an accredited college or university with six semester hours (or nine quarter hours) related to school-age child care, child development, elementary education, physical education, recreation, camping or other related fields; or
2. 1560 clock hours of experience in a recreational program or licensed day care center serving school-age children or a license exempt school-age child care program operated by a public or private school, and six semester hours (or nine quarter hours) of credit from an accredited college or university related to school-age child care, child development, elementary education, physical education, recreation, camping or other related fields; or
3. A high school diploma or equivalency certificate plus 3120 clock hours of experience in a recreational program, kindergarten, or licensed day care center serving school-age children or a license exempt school-age child care program operated by a public or private school.

Qualifications:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Organizational skills to plan and implement activities and manage schedules.
• Patience, creativity, and positive attitude to engage children in a variety of activities and handle any behavioral issues.

Physical Demands

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.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. 
2. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. 
3. Physical ability to engage with children in various activities, including standing, walking, and participating in physical play.

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.  

1. Internal office space.  
2. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Screenings

• The applicant must submit to a criminal background check and adult abuse and neglect screening and maintain a cleared status throughout employment.
• The applicant must submit MMR, Tdap and pass a TB and immunization health screen upon hire and update TB/physicals as required by the licensing standards.

Additional Requirements

• Extended work hours beyond 40 hours/week when necessary, including evenings, weekends and for special events. 
• Flexibility with schedule as requested. 
• Overnight trips maybe required as necessary