Part Time Recreation Aide - Youth Programs - The Epic Rec

Join the City of Grand Prairie’s Youth Programs Division as a part-time Rec Aide and help create an active, engaging environment for the community. This position is responsible for providing safe and enjoyable supervised care for members and their children in accordance with the Standards of Care and Youth Programs policies and procedures. Rec aides will maintain visual and auditory supervision at all times. Be responsible for the safety and well-being of each child under current supervision and maintain a creative and playful atmosphere for all participants. Plan and supervise activities for children and perform general housekeeping tasks/office duties and maintain the area clean and safe. Rec Aides are required to know and follow policies and procedures, including those related to nonemergency medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergency procedures. Rec Aides must attend staff meetings, training programs, and special events, as required.

• Maintain the Youth Programs areas by removing trash from floors/trash bins, sweeping and mopping; cleaning and organizing space, cabinets/desk/storage area; submitting reports for repairs or needed equipment as needed; scanning daily reports, cleaning the restroom and refilling paper/soap dispensers. 

• Execute the setup, cleanup and breakdown of programs, special events, and activities.

• Sanitize & disinfect toys and play areas.

• All other duties as assigned by a supervisor/manager within your department/division.

• Regular and consistent attendance and punctuality for the assigned work hours is essential.

• Perform clerical work and other duties related to job requirements for Child Watch programs.

• Write simple reports, including completing daily reports, recording facility attendance during Child Watch programs, and managing membership forms specific to Child Watch.

• Assist with daily housekeeping duties related to Child Watch areas.

• Provide routine information on facility rules and division activities to participants and the general public with a focus on youth programs.

• Operate the front desk for Child Watch, handling tasks such as answering phones, taking registrations, and checking in/checking out children. 

• Possess the ability sell/update Child Watch memberships when necessary.
  
  
• Actively participate in and observe Child Watch activities to ensure they are engaging and safe.
  
  
• Assist coworkers in completing and reporting accidents or injuries occurring during Child Watch activities.
  
  
• Communicate effectively with the MOD concerning cleaning supplies and program materials needed for Child Watch/Youth programs.
  
  
• Develop positive relations with parents and guardians of children participating in Child Watch programs, effectively communicating program information.
  
  
• Have a positive attitude and follow directions.
  
  
• Manage small and large groups of up to 15-24 participants.
  
  
• Position requires working flexible hours and availability for Saturdays, evenings, special events and holidays.
  
  
• Relate to children, members and other staff in a positive manner.
  
  
• Ability to plan and initiate age-appropriate games and activities.
  
  
• Engage and interact with children ages 3 months-9 years old in ChildWatch.
  
  
• The position is mainly standing.  Employees stand or walk most of the time but may sit for brief periods of time.
  
  
• Ability to adjust from sitting to standing with ease.
  
  
• The position involves light physical demands, such as exerting up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. 

Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may qualify. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:

• Education: Work requires the ability to read and understand written instructions, to understand simple processes and the routine operation of machines.  Level of knowledge equivalent to less than high school or equivalency.
  
  
• Experience: No experience required. Six months or more previous experience with children preferred. Previous Public Sector or Recreation experience preferred.

• Recreational activities suitable for children in Child Watch programs.
• Opening and closing responsibilities for Child Watch areas.
• Common child safety practices.
• Critical Incident guidelines and report writing procedures for Child Watch activities.
• Emergency response procedures and incident reporting.

Preferred Skills in:

• Working effectively with children of various ages and developmental levels in Child Watch programs.
• Providing exceptional customer service.
• Multitasking effectively and managing various responsibilities concurrently.
• Communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing, with parents, guardians, and colleagues.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with parents, guardians, and other stakeholders.
• CPR/FIRST AID or become certified, be proficient in ActiveNet; or become proficient within three (3) months. Bilingual skills a plus.

Preferred Abilities to:

• Give quality tours and effectively promote Child Watch program memberships.
• Respond to parents, guardians, and children's needs or ability to contact Manager on Duty during specific Child Watch program situations.
• Child Watch children when the Emergency Action Plan is activated.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.