Youth Program Assistant

Hours: 18 hours per week
Compensation: $16.00 per hour
Reports to: Arts, Education & Camp Manager

Overview:
The Salvation Army Kroc Center is seeking a reliable, proactive individual to support the operations of our Arts, Education & Camp department. This part-time role offers a consistent weekly schedule with some flexibility, making it ideal for someone passionate about youth programs and community engagement.

Required Availability (Non-Negotiable):

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  Mondays and Tuesdays: 2:30 PM - 7:30 PM (to support our dance classes)

  
  
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  Some Saturdays as needed: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

  
  

Key Responsibilities:

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  Dance Program Support: Set up and break down the dance room on Mondays and Tuesdays; assist with music/dance recitals once per 7-week session (serve as emcee, coordinate with instructors, manage music, email parents).

  
  
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  Program Collaboration: Assist in planning and logistics for youth classes and day camps alongside the department manager.

  
  
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  Admin Support: Handle delegated administrative duties, track attendance and participation, and maintain program records.

  
  
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  Food Program Liaison: Serve as point of contact with our food service provider; track stats and maintain fridge cleanliness.

  
  
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  Parent Engagement: Build rapport with parents and serve as a friendly, informed point of contact during program hours.

  
  

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have at least two years of experience working with children, preferably in a Day Camp, Education, and/or Recreational environment.
• Must be able to submit current CPR/First Aid certifications upon the first day of work.
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English. Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred.
• Must have the ability to work and relate well with people.
• Must attend staff, child safety, and other trainings as directed.
• Must have a philosophy of education and child development that is consistent with that of The Salvation Army Kroc Center.
• Must be capable of learning basic point-of-sale procedures and CCMS database integrations.
• Must have the ability to work with children, parents, and staff in a capacity of leadership, counseling, and education, including but not limited to:
• Ability to relate joyfully and sensitively to children of all ages.
• Ability to use appropriate positive discipline consistently.
• Ability to handle security and crisis situations calmly.
• Ability to provide constant and continual supervision.
• Ability to engage and maintain a child's interest in activities.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the recruitment, hiring, scheduling, and development of program and instructor staff.
• Maintain prescribed risk management standards to include certification, in-service training, and accident/incident report tracking.
• Meet regularly with the A&E Manager to discuss programs, challenges, conflicts, schedules, strategies, and goals.
• Provide direct program supervision or instruction as required.
• Follow and ensure adherence to The Salvation Army's policies and procedures.
• Plan and prepare supply orders for all-day camp and program activities. Conduct regular inventory of all equipment and supplies.
• Will be required to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, school breaks, and some holidays.
• Instruct Day Camp staff to lead Day Camp and other recreation activities with enthusiasm according to the training protocol.
• Complete Report to Parents forms to inform parents, A&E Manager, and Camp Head Counselors of any camper injuries, behavioral issues, disputes, etc.
• Communicate any camper, parent, staff, or volunteer issues with the Head Counselors and to the A&E Manager in a timely manner. Follow up with appropriate documentation as directed.
• Maintain an accurate group schedule for each camper group, including the Day Camp Counselors that are assigned to that specific group. Ensure each camp group maintains an accurate head count of registered campers at all times.
• Facilitate and oversee Day Camp sign-in and sign-out procedures according to protocol. Check the ID of each person signing out a camper. Ensure all participant documents are distributed to parents and/or other authorized individuals.
• Communicate respectfully with peers, supervisors, and customers of various socio-economic backgrounds. Handle disputes with participants, parents, and staff in a professional manner with guidance from the A&E Manager. Act as the first point of contact in handling customer service issues.
• Perform point of sale operations, cash handling, and CCMS database management for all A &E programs.
• Assist in emergencies or treatment of injured campers, volunteers, and/or staff. Follow up with completion of appropriate paperwork as directed.
• Assist the A&E Manager with planning and instruction of the annual Day Camp Staff Training Seminar.
• Perform other assignments/duties as related to the position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests if the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach with hands and arms on a continuous basis. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must have the ability to operate a telephone, a desktop or laptop computer, as well as the ability to access and produce information from a computer, and to understand written information.