Recreation Assistant, IMRF

ABOUT US: The Des Plaines Park District, established in 1919, features more than 50 parks and facilities. As an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency, we service a culturally diverse and growing community with hundreds of affordable recreational and educational programs, classes, and events for kids, teens, adults, and families each season. "Enriching Lives Everyday" is our vision and our constant goal.

JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title: Recreation Assistant, IMRF
Grade: VI, starting at $17.00/hour
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Department: Recreation

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Assistant Superintendent of Recreation
Supervises: Part-time summer camp staff, preschool staff, program staff

BASIC FUNCTION
Assist the Recreation Department in the daily operations of programs and operations. Including but not limited to: program planning and implementation, registration and customer service, staff training and management and participants' safety and behavior management. This position can make decisions if necessary with the absence of the Recreation Supervisor, after consulting with the Assistant Superintendent of Recreation.

The position will consist of a variety of hours and days typically between 8:30a-5:00p (Sept-May) and between 7:00am-6:00pm (June-August); Monday-Friday, averaging 25-30 hours per week year-round, summer may require more. Hours not to exceed 1,450/year. Weekend hours required as needed for early childhood programming, select programs and/or events.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Camp
1. Assist with new season camp program planning in March, April and May.
2. Schedule all camp program field trips.
3. Arrangement of vehicle use, bus charter and DPPD vans.
4. Assist in the preparation, design and implementation of in-service training.
5. Assist in the overseeing of the annual set-up and clean-up of the camp buildings.
6. Uniform ordering and distribution for staff (shirt & nametags).
7. Organization of Camp Specific binders, tablets at the start and end of camp programming; Participation Binder, Site Binder, Master Binder, and Board Policy Binder.
8. Direct supervision of 2 camps (Camp Discovery & West Park).
9. Completion of all general weekly paperwork, sign in/out sheets, counselor groups and rosters routine for Friday closed registration dates, with information from the RecTrac Registration System and ePact, for binder and tablet updates.
10. Responsible for the overall organization and distribution of the day camp registration and medical forms for participants through ePact.
11. Maintain an inventory of camp equipment and supplies.
12. Submit written reports- accident reports, purchase orders, supply requests, staff and program evaluations, conduct reports, write-ups and other paperwork as required.
13. Meet with the Recreation Supervisor and Camp Directors to keep the lines of communication open.
14. Maintain first aid kits at all program sites and render basic first aid as required.
15. Daily driving to off sites to check on camping programming and needed materials.

Preschool/Early Childhood
1. Primary substitute in classrooms for Directors and Aides, as needed.
2. Assist with transition of students at the beginning of the year.
3. Conduct tours and disseminate information to prospective families. May include attendance at outside community-related functions.
4. Maintain rosters and sign-in sheets.
5. Assist with planning and implementing related events and seasonal programming.

Recreation Department
1. Responsible for promoting camp and preschool programs, early childhood programs, events and developing positive public relations.
2. Inform all staff of any changes in policy, procedures or rules handed down by supervisors.
3. Plan, budget, schedule, staff and implement early childhood programming, including seasonal brochure submission.
4. Complete monthly and seasonal reports.
5. Assist with all seasonal staff recruiting.
6. Attend monthly department meetings, as requested.
7. Assist Recreation staff with projects as assigned.
8. Coordinate staff to direct patrons in the event of an emergency such as severe weather or fire.
9. Follow all safety policies and procedures as outlined in the Park District Safety and Crisis Manuals.
10. Perform additional duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor's degree in Recreation or Education (completed or in progress) or related experience.
Experience: Leadership experience.
Skill and experience in group dynamics, communications, administrations, youth development and outdoor related activities ranging from 2 years old -14 years old
Previous camp and/or preschool experience is mandatory, with at least 2 years of service as either a Camp Director or Coordinator and/or preschool lead teacher or director. Experience with behavioral management preferred.
Certifications: Valid Driver's License, Safe Driver Check, Defensive Driving Training, personal car use will be reimbursed for mileage. All accidents or incidents while working for the Des Plaines Park District will be the sole responsibility of the driver.
CPR and First Aid Certification, Classes available through the Park District upon hire.

COMPETENCIES
Memory Recall Readily recalls details necessary to perform job.
Mental Alertness Learns new tasks quickly.
Technical Skill Applies education, training and experience to complete job requirements.
Verbal Ability Communicates clearly.
Composure Controls temper. Demonstrates an ability to concentrate on job expectation.
Character Strength Is responsible and dependable. Completes assignments. Demonstrates personal values.
Dominance Demonstrates ability to present ideas in a confident manner. Voice needs.
Emotional Maturity Works independently. Accepts authority. Informs the supervisor of problems when necessary.
Interpersonal Skills Demonstrates self-confidence to try new methods or tasks. Demonstrates cooperation, courtesy and consideration when working with others.
Motivation Seeks to continually improve performance.
Realistic Shows an appropriate amount of trust. Knows limits of own abilities. Asks questions for greater understanding.
Sensitivity Displays concern for the feelings of others. Manages personal feelings so they do not interfere with completing the job.
Success Orientation Sets personal standards for quality, quantity and timeliness of work. Improves personal productivity.
Teamwork Understands role and makes appropriate contribution to the team.
Work Habits Follows established priorities. Adapts to change. Maintains order and safety.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Manual Dexterity: Work requires regular speed, accuracy and adeptness to operate a limited range of equipment
Physical Effort: Frequent walking/standing and being on your feet and sitting on floor
Working Conditions: Occasional period of time in outdoor setting; possibility of long heat exposure; may be required to be in pool while campers are swimming.
Hazards: Minimal Exposure to hazards. Some work with common household cleaners.

PERKS & BENEFITS: PART TIME STAFF - IMRF

• IMRF Defined Benefit Pension
• Personal time
• All recreational and revenue facilities at no charge during active employment, including dependents
• Rent meeting/party spaces for 75% off the resident rate; revenue facilities will be at a 25% discount
• No charge for general programs/pre-registration (some exclusions apply)
• 50% discount on camps/leader programs at resident rates, does not include trips/contractual programs.
• Purchase Pro Shop supplies at Lake Park at cost plus 10%
• Contractual classes/programs at a discounted rate
• 25% discount for Personal Training sessions
• 25% discount on Artistry In Motion, Jr. Warrior Basketball, Lady Warrior Basketball, and Warrior Swim team.
• Special Events free with preregistration. Ticketing for attendance as required.

Des Plaines Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Des Plaines Park District ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. If you need any special accommodations, please contact our HR Coordinator, Ellie Asa, at the Park District at 847-391-5099 or email at ellie.asa@dpparks.org so that we may make the necessary arrangements for you.