Part-Time Youth Program Instructor / Front Desk in Bedford Park, Illinois at Bedford Park District

Department: Recreation
Status: Part-Time, $16 Hourly
Reports To: Recreation Supervisor
Schedule: Approximately 5 – 15 hours per week; Most program hours begin at 5:00 p.m. or later, most desk hours begin at 4:00 p.m. or later and end by 9:00 p.m.

Position Summary

The Part-Time Youth Program Instructor plans and leads recreational, enrichment, and special-interest programs for youth participants. Programs generally run for six to eight weeks, meet one or two days per week, and last between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours per session.

Instructors may lead programs for:

• Ages 3–4
• Kindergarten–3rd grade
• 4th–6th grade
• 7th grade and older

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with youth and can bring their own interests, skills, and program ideas to the Bedford Park District. Instructors must be able to follow and deliver programs created by the Recreation Supervisor and develop their own program ideas, lesson plans, and activity outlines for approval before implementation.

The position also includes front desk responsibilities and assistance with family events and special programs.

Essential Duties

• Plan and lead safe, organized, and age-appropriate youth programs.
• Develop and submit original program ideas, lesson plans, supply lists, and activity outlines to the Recreation Supervisor for approval.
• Follow and deliver programs, lesson plans, and expectations created or approved by the Recreation Supervisor.
• Prepare program spaces, supplies, and materials before each session.
• Actively supervise and engage participants.
• Adapt activities based on participant ages, abilities, enrollment, and program needs.
• Maintain attendance records and follow check-in and dismissal procedures.
• Communicate participant concerns, incidents, supply needs, and program feedback to the Recreation Supervisor.
• Assist with setup, cleanup, and proper storage of materials and equipment.
• Meet regularly with the Recreation Supervisor to review program plans, enrollment, supplies, schedules, and performance.
• Support efforts to ensure programs meet minimum registration requirements and, whenever possible, reach maximum capacity.
• Assist with approved community outreach and program promotion.
• Encourage current and prospective families to learn about upcoming programs.
• Assist with family events, special programs, and other recreation department activities as assigned.

Front Desk Responsibilities

When scheduled at the front desk, the employee may be responsible for:

• Greeting and assisting residents and program participants.
• Registering participants in person and over the phone.
• Answering basic questions about programs, schedules, and registration.
• Checking participants into programs and facilities.
• Confirming that required forms and waivers are completed.
• Processing registrations accurately through the CivicRec system.
• Directing policy, payment, or program concerns to the appropriate staff member.
• Complete assigned building-closing procedures, including checking program areas, securing doors, turning off lights and equipment, and following all required end-of-day safety and security procedures.

Training on CivicRec and Bedford Park District procedures will be provided.

Position Expectations

The employee is expected to:

• Be dependable, punctual, and prepared for each shift.
• Communicate professionally with youth, families, residents, and coworkers.
• Work independently while following the direction of the Recreation Supervisor.
• Bring enthusiasm, creativity, and initiative to assigned programs.
• Work cooperatively with other instructors and staff.
• Take an active interest in program enrollment, participant retention, and outreach.
• Follow all safety, emergency, attendance, and behavior procedures.
• Maintain professional boundaries and protect confidential information.
• Represent the Bedford Park District positively.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Experience working with youth.
• Ability to lead activities for groups of children or teens.
• Strong communication, organization, teamwork, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work evening hours, with most shifts beginning at 4:00 p.m. or later.
• Availability for occasional family events, special programs, meetings, or weekend hours.
• Ability to learn registration software and follow established procedures.
• CPR / First Aid Certification or willing to obtain.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to applicants with:

• Experience teaching, coaching, leading recreation programs, or working in a school, camp, or youth organization.
• A specific skill or interest that could be developed into a youth program.
• Experience creating lesson plans or activity plans.
• Experience with customer service, registration, or front desk operations.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to supervise active programs, stand and move for extended periods, set up and put away program materials, and lift up to 40 pounds.

Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of applicable background checks, reference checks, and required Bedford Park District training.

This description outlines the primary responsibilities of the position. Duties, program assignments, and scheduled hours may vary based on enrollment, instructor availability, and department needs.