Summer Recreation Leader at Children's… · Watertown

Description

Summary/Objective: 

The Summer Recreation Leader is responsible for implementing engaging, structured, and developmentally appropriate summer programming for youth, fostering a safe and inclusive environment, and building positive relationships with participants and families. The Summer Recreation Leader will support daily program operations, supervise youth, lead activities, maintain accurate documentation, and ensure compliance with CHJC policies, procedures, and safety expectations. This role requires dependability, organization, sound judgment, enthusiasm for youth development, and the ability to maintain a positive, structured summer program environment. This seasonal position is available July and August 2026.

Essential Functions:

The Summer Recreation Leader will perform a variety of duties to ensure a positive and enriching experience for all participants, including:

Daily Operations and Safety:

1. Conduct daily walkthroughs of program spaces to ensure cleanliness, safety, and readiness for programming. 
2. Supervise youth throughout the program day and maintain appropriate ratios at all times. 
3. Lead and support structured recreational, educational, and enrichment activities that are developmentally appropriate and aligned with the goals of the summer program. 
4. Coordinate activity setup, transitions, cleanup, and supply organization throughout the day. 
5. Maintain accurate attendance, incident reports, behavior documentation, and other required program records. 
6. Ensure youth are safely accounted for during arrival, transitions, activities, meals, and dismissal. 
7. Support meal and snack service in accordance with program procedures. 
8. Address behavior concerns promptly, professionally, and in alignment with CHJC expectations for youth support and safety. 
9. Complete end-of-day cleaning, sanitizing, organization, and preparation for the following program day. 
10. Complete all required trainings and maintain compliance with deadlines and program expectations. 
11. Other duties as assigned.

Youth Engagement and Support:

1. Build positive, respectful relationships with youth and model appropriate behavior, communication, and boundaries. 
2. Create a welcoming and inclusive environment where youth feel safe, supported, and engaged. 
3. Encourage participation in activities, teamwork, recreation, and skill-building  opportunities. 
4. Provide redirection, problem-solving, and support to youth using calm and professional behavior management strategies. 
5. Communicate appropriately with families, coworkers, and supervisors regarding program needs and youth concerns. 
6. Collaborate with other staff to ensure a consistent, structured, and positive program experience for all youth. 
7. Support youth in daily routines and help maintain a productive atmosphere throughout the summer program. 

Special Requirements:

Work Environment: This role involves direct interaction with children and youth, participation in active programming, and routine operational responsibilities in a dynamic summer program setting. The Summer Recreation Leader must be comfortable working indoors and outdoors, participating in recreational activities, and maintaining flexibility in a fast-paced environment.

Equipment: This position is required to maintain a working knowledge of related sports and office equipment, including personal computers and printers, audio-visual equipment, telephone systems, copiers, fax machines, etc.

Physical Demands: Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, lift, carry, push/pull, and participate in active games and recreational activities. Must be able to supervise youth in indoor and outdoor settings for extended periods. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Part-time, hourly, based on program needs, some flexibility in hours will be required. Must be present for the Summer Recreation Programming Monday through Friday from 8:15 AM – 3:45 PM EST. 

This position requires you to work on-site.

Requirements

Travel:

Some local travel may be required depending on program activities.

Required Education and Experience: 

A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Experience working with children or youth is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to supervise groups of youth, mentor junior staff, lead activities, and maintain a safe and supportive environment.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge:

Summer Recreation Leaders must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrate the ability to work effectively with youth from diverse backgrounds. Dependability, professionalism, adaptability, and time management are essential. The role requires sound judgment, the ability to maintain confidentiality, basic behavior management skills, and the ability to work cooperatively as part of a team. Familiarity with youth development principles and recreational programming is preferred.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

Must maintain privacy of confidential information. Successful completion of routine pre-employment requirements as mandated by the New York State Department of Health, Office of Mental Health and Office of Children and Family Services along with ongoing clearances and exclusion checks. These requirements are to include employment health requirements, reference checks, criminal background checks/fingerprinting, State Central Registry clearance and your eligibility to work in the United States. A valid NYS driver’s license required. Corporate Compliance, HIPAA Privacy Security, and Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Training and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, First Aid and CPR will be required following date of hire.