Skills Specialist - RPS205 Summer Program

POSITION TITLE: RPS 205 Summer School Skills Specialist
REPORTS TO: Site Coordinator, Program Supervisor
MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT 19 years

LOCATIONS: Whitehead Elementary School & Flinn Middle School

HOURS EMPLOYEE MUST BE AVAILABLE TO WORK:

• Program will run Monday-Friday, 7:45 am-3:15 pm; July 7th- July 18th
• Mandatory Training will be held July 1st, July 2nd, & July 3rd
• Post Program workdays July 21st and July 22nd

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assigned

• Supervise, monitor, and assist program participants with enrichment activities ensuring all participants maximum success and enjoyment at program site.
• Assist in creating and organizing specialty recreational programs at your assigned program location, for participants with and without disabilities, with the Site Coordinator.
• Assist Instructors, community partners in facilitating educational learning materials in the classroom.
• Initiate, lead, and organize activities for program, considering safety and well being of participants.
• Initiate and lead with Site Coordinator daily operations such as: attendance, daily logs, and opening and closing site check lists.
• Set the tone for positive behavior and discipline using positive reinforcement for a safe zone/ environment for all participants following RPD code of conduct. Inform Site Coordinator of potential past conflicts.
• Inform Site Coordinator of supplies needed and preserve and care for equipment of the RPD.
• Take initiative to be aware of personal care and physical needs of participants and report to Site Coordinator.
• Represent the Park District in a friendly and positive manner when communicating with program participants, parents/guardians, staff, and all other program visitors.
• Attends scheduled weekly staff meetings and training sessions as determined by the Site Coordinator and/or Program Supervisor.
• Make sure business transactions occur correctly and on time including but not limited to time sheets, accident reports, participant behavior logs and program evaluations as requested by the Site Coordinator.
• Enforces all rules, regulations and policies set up by the Rockford Park District to include the Affirmative Action Plan, maintaining an alcohol and drug free workplace, and following all safety and risk management procedures.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.
• Meet, greet, and communicate with instructors, parents/guardians and participants on a daily basis.
• Be cheerful, positive, and ready to play with all participants every day.
• Assess and inform Site Coordinator of site safety concerns in the play area such as: park users, play equipment, hazards, etc.
• Assist with food program and all paperwork.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Clear communication one-to-one or in small/large groups, using different forms of communication.
• Proficient in the skill area of program being offered and ability to adapt teaching technique considering different abilities and skill levels.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships and demonstrate flexibility as a team player.
• Provide basic training to other staff on specific area of skill responsibility.
• Ability to problem solve in a variety of situations.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to provide customers with expert care, sensitive consideration and efficient service.
• Good communication skills including expressive, written, and receptive.
• Ability to follow direction from Site Coordinator, Program Supervisor, and/or Recreation Specialist, demonstrating flexibility as a team player.
• Ability to problem solve in a variety of situations.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Experience or interest in interacting with youth or teens with and without disabilities in a recreation setting preferred.
• Must attend pre-season and regularly scheduled RPD trainings, in-services and meetings.
• First Aid, CPR and AED training (can be obtained through Rockford Park District).
• Some experience working with kids ages 5-12

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to work under stressful conditions, including situations involving program participants, staff conflicts and dissatisfied customers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This is a physically active position that involves stamina.
• Mobility to various locations needed.
• Some lifting is required: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally

Exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force constantly

• Assist occasionally with caring for physical needs of participants including toileting, transferring, or pushing participants in wheelchair

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.

VISUAL/HEARING and OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Depth perception: the ability to judge distance and space relationships, so as to see objects where and as they actually are.
• Field of vision: ability to observe an area up or down to the right or left while eyes are fixed on a given point.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• 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 disability-related needs and dissatisfied customers.

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.

Significant environmental factors are applicable to this position.

Provides recreational programs for participants of all abilities, ensuring safety and well-being. Leads program activities, supervise participants, and maintain a positive and inclusive environment.