After School Program Instructor Jobs in Lexington, MA

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP's extensive services and programs touch almost every sector in the city: from newborns to senior citizens, from school-aged children to homeless families, from non-profit organizations to local employers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Afterschool Instructor is responsible for implementing programmed activities for children enrolled in Community Schools Afterschool programs who are in grades of K-5th grade.   The Afterschool Instructor will work in a group with a Lead Afterschool Instructor and in partnership with the site's Program Director, and Director and other staff to deliver age-appropriate enrichment activities, social emotional learning, and build community. The overall goals for the Afterschool Instructor are to establish positive relationships, and to provide a safe and healthy environment for children enrolled in Community Schools programs.  Specific duties include but are not limited to the following:        

• Assist in the operation of your assigned classroom.
• Work to implement a quality age-appropriate curriculum for afterschool.
• Directly supervise the safety of children.
• Participate in all program activities.
• Help create an environment that fosters a positive self-image and respects the social and cultural differences of each child and values each child's strengths, needs, differences, and similarities.
• Maintain an open, friendly, on-going communication with parents about the progress of participants.
• Supervise participants during snack/lunch periods.
• Take daily attendance.
• Participate in scheduled staff meetings and professional development.
• Responsible for classroom maintenance, equipment, and supplies.
• Report any out-of-the-ordinary incidents and accidents to program administrators.
• Be available for some special events, including full day vacation weeks, staff meetings.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Experience and Education

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have at least one year of experience working with school-age children.
• Experience working with children with special needs desirable and should have a strong interest in working with children from diverse cultural & economic backgrounds.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• First Aid and CPR certification highly desired (First Aid & CPR training available upon hire). 
• The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse.  Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position is subject to Background Records check which can include: Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, Sexual Offender Record Information (SORI) check, Department of Children and Families (DCF) check, and fingerprinting. A copy of a recent physical and TB test is required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, WORK FLEXIBILITY AND ACCOMODATIONS:

• The noise level in work environment is moderate to loud.  The work environment includes classroom and outdoor playgrounds and occasional field trips. 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, walk, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to run, during play or responding to an emergency.
• Employees are frequently required to engage with children on the floor and at their eye level.
• Employees are frequently required to use their hands and arms to handle and manipulate objects as well as reach. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move a child.
• Vision abilities are required for supervision of children. 

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

• Eligible for part-time sick leave accrual
• City employee commuter benefits (T-Pass reimbursement Bluebikes membership, EZRide Shuttle membership)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the following documents to complete your application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter