Site Specialist

Do you have a passion for working with youth in play-based and recreational environments? Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of youth? Are you looking for a great career opportunity with room for growth? If you answered yes to these questions, then keep reading because we may have a great opportunity for you.

ABOUT PLAYWORKS

At Playworks, we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We are changing the school climate by leveraging the power of safe, fun, and healthy play at school every day. We create a place for every kid on the playground to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills by partnering with schools, districts, and after-school programs through services including digital engagement, on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support play, and consultative partnerships. This is a hands-on, creative, playful and fun-loving place to work, all while contributing to the success of our nation’s youth.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Site Specialist, you will bring healthy play and physical activity to two elementary schools to create a positive environment for learning and teaching. In this position, you receive two weeks of training before the school year starts. You will partner with two schools to run Playworks' physical activity programs focused on teaching and organizing safe and inclusive games during the school day. You teach conflict resolution strategies, inspire all children to get off the sidelines and into the game and work to generate more community and family involvement.
Program Duties:

• Plan and implement sports and play based programming during recess, in school and after school hours at a public elementary school:

• Recess - Create a safe, fun, and inclusive playground by developing and modelling standard agreements for behavior and conflict resolution skills, teaching kids and recess support staff the rules and strategies of the games, and recruiting disengaged students to participate.

• Junior Coach Leadership Program - Implement a youth leadership program by facilitating student trainings and providing student leadership opportunities at recess. Junior Coaches are a mix of 4th through 6th grade students who participate in regular trainings that focus on teaching valuable skills like leadership, conflict resolution, inclusion and community action, successfully improving their self-esteem, self advocacy, leadership ability, and desire to improve academically.

• Class Game Time - Lead instructional time with individual classes throughout the year. During this time, the coach teaches foundational skills and activities that will prepare students so they can confidently engage in and enjoy recess.

• Interscholastic Leagues - Lead non-competitive teams designed to develop skills, provide a positive team experience, and teach good sporting behavior to students.

• Plan and implement the learning units and recess staff trainings for program components.

• Support summer activities as needed.

• Alternate activities may be requested based on school needs and as approved and in collaboration with Playworks. Modifications could include online instruction and virtual delivery of recess or class game time activities, urgent community service activities such as support for school meals distribution during COVID-19, etc.

Administrative Duties:

• Maintain communication between Playworks staff, school staff, teachers, families, and volunteers.

• Collect and maintain paperwork including organizing daily, weekly, and monthly schedules and timesheets.

• Support the collection of evaluations administered by Playworks.

School Partnership Duties:

• Consistently represent Playworks’ brand in a professional manner.

• Design program schedule with input and support from school administration.

• Communicate with school administration regarding program implementation logistics and support needs.

• Facilitate school’s transition to other Playworks trainings, programs, and products in preparation for future school years.

Regional Support Duties:

• Support in delivering corporate engagements to adults such as School Beautifications, Play Days, Corporate Recesses in person or virtually.

• Support regional team and national program department with delivery of programmatic learning, pre-service training, management resources and contribute to the development and continued quality improvement of Playworks curriculum.

• Participate in fundraising projects and events, e.g. End of the Year Appeal and annual events.

ABOUT YOU

You have a genuine passion for making a difference in lives of youth. You have great organization skills, experience meeting or exceeding expectations, and extensive knowledge of youth development principles and practices. It's a bonus for us if you've worked in a play-based or social and emotional learning environment.

A great Site Specialist has:

• 2 years of experience working directly with small and large groups of children
• Experience working collaboratively with adults and supporting trainings
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Experience interacting with diverse communities and an ability to integrate into school communities.
• Ability to work remotely from home if needed.

Compensation & Benefits:

Playworks offers the full package - great benefits, a fun place to work and an opportunity to grow professionally. We offer:

• This is a full-time, non-exempt position paying $24-$27/hourly

• A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k), paid parental leave, life insurance, employee funded pre-tax health and child care spending accounts.

• Paid vacation for all school breaks and paid sick-leave

• Opportunities for professional development

Other things you need to know:

• This position may require travel to various locations.

• If a Playworks employee is required to drive a vehicle for work related purposes (not commuting purposes) the employee must complete an authorization form and provide us with evidence of valid, current driver's license and proof of liability/collision/property damage insurance with minimum coverage of $50,000 each accident/ $100,000 each occurrence

• In the event of virtual instruction activities, position will require use of computer technology and internet access