Before School Recreation Site Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY: The Before School Rec (BSR) Site Coordinator is responsible for the daily operation and onsite leadership of an assigned Before School Rec location. This role ensures program quality, safety, and a positive, welcoming environment for participants in Grades K–4 during morning care hours. The Site Coordinator provides direct supervision and support to BSR Counselors, oversees daily program structure (including arrival, attendance, snack, and activity transitions), and serves as the primary onsite point of contact for families, staff, and school partners during program hours. This position also plays a key role in modeling high-quality youth engagement, supporting staff development, and ensuring consistent implementation of program standards and safety procedures. This is a PT 2 position, benefits listed below.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

• Supervise BSR Counselors and ensure a safe, structured, and engaging environment for all participants (Grades K–4)

• Provide leadership, guidance, and ongoing support to onsite staff

• Serve as the onsite point person during emergencies and ensure proper procedures are followed

• Support onboarding and training of new staff, modeling best practices in youth development and behavior management

• Assist in coordinating staff schedules and using timekeeping systems to manage timecards

• Communicate with Park District departments including Recreation, HR, and transportation (e.g., bus drivers)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, organize, and support delivery of engaging, age-appropriate morning activities (games, crafts, quiet time, enrichment, etc.)

• Oversee daily check-in procedures, attendance tracking, snack distribution, and structured transitions

• Support counselors in facilitating small group activities and positive peer interactions

• Communicate effectively with parents/guardians during drop-off and as needed throughout the program

• Build and maintain positive relationships with participants, families, school staff, and coworkers

• Maintain strong working relationships with District 39 staff and ensure respectful use of school facilities

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe program environment; ensure materials and supplies are stocked

• Track and maintain participant health and safety information (e.g., allergies, medications) using ePACT software

• Monitor and secure program equipment and technology (cell phone, iPad, keys, etc.)

• Serve as onsite emergency contact; respond to, document, and report incidents appropriately

• Ability to take initiative, adapt quickly, and remain calm in dynamic situations

• Actively uphold and contribute to the Wilmette Park District Comprehensive and Strategic Plan, including the Guiding Principles and Strategic Priorities.

• Actively contribute to the Park District's sustainability goals.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Actively support the safety program that will effectively control and reduce accidents.

• Obey the safety rules, regulations and procedures established by the Wilmette Park District safety program that is pertinent to the activities conducted by the department.

• Become familiar with and follow safety procedures of the Wilmette Park District including, but not limited to fire, severe weather and evacuation procedures.

• Promptly report all unsafe actions, practices or conditions observed to immediate supervisor, or Human Resources/Risk Management division

• Attend and participate in required safety training.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• Previous experience working with children preferred

• Experience supervising or mentoring staff preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills

• Ability to remain calm, organized, and effective in a fast-paced morning environment

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities

• Strong ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff

• Energetic, positive, and engaging approach to youth programming

• Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities in a short program window

• Knowledge of or interest in inclusive and adaptive recreation practices

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to lift/move up to 25 pounds

• Frequently required to stand and walk; occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, or kneel

• Exposure to cleaning and disinfecting supplies 

• Noise level is generally moderate to high

• Work takes place indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Must possess CPR/First Aid certificates within three months of hiring, provided by the Park District 

• Complete annual District trainings, including, but not limited to, Sexual Harassment Training, Avoiding Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens annually and Mandated Reporter training every three years annually and Mandated Reporter training every three years

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The general work area is indoors, in a smoke-free environment, with controlled temperature and fluorescent lighting. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The outdoor work area depends on the season.

HOURS:

Follows the 2026-2027 D39 School Calendar

• Monday–Friday: 6:45-8:45 am

• General hours of duty will be approved by the Recreation Supervisor – School Age Programs and the Recreation General Manager

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: 
This position follows the District 39 school year calendar and does not operate on non-school days. While there may be opportunities to pick up additional hours through special school-day-off programs (such as Rec on the Road or Rec at the Center), working these shifts is not required and availability is not guaranteed.