Children's Activity Worker

Options Community Services; Surrey; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Options Community Services in Surrey, BC, is seeking a motivated Children’s Activity Worker for the S.T.A.R.R. program to deliver social and recreational activities for inner-city elementary students and their families.

Under the Program Manager, you will plan, implement and supervise activities, build rapport with children, assess needs, encourage participation, and liaise with schools and community partners to represent the program positively.

Qualifications

• Must have experience creating and facilitating recreational activities for children.
• Experience working with children aged 6–13 and understanding child development.
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills with families and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and supervise recreational, social and educational activities for children and families.
• Collaborate with program staff, schools and community agencies to support program goals and safety.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Oral communication

Written communication

Education

Diploma or certificate in social services or related field

Job description

Options Community Services is a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering social services across the Southern Fraser region (Surrey, Delta, White Rock and Langley) from early childhood to seniors. Our comprehensive range of programs and services relies on collaborative relationships with individuals, businesses, community groups and government bodies to create focused, effective and responsive resources for the community.

Position Overview

Make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families in your community. We're looking for an energetic and creative Children's Activity Worker to join our Services to Access Resources and Recreation (S.T.A.R.R.) program, providing social and recreational programming for Surrey inner city elementary school children and their families. If you're passionate about working with children, building community connections, and making a tangible difference every day, we want to hear from you!

Under the direction of the Program Manager, the successful candidate will collaboratively plan, organize, implement, and supervise recreational, social, and educational activities designed to meet the needs of children, youth, and their parents or guardians. This includes establishing a positive rapport with children and families while modelling positive, appropriate behaviour, assessing participants’ basic needs, encouraging participation in program activities, and monitoring their emotional and physical well-being. The role also involves identifying recreational, social, and cultural activities that support children's growth and development, and liaising with professionals, school staff, and community agencies to represent the program and the Society in a positive manner.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate holds a diploma or certificate in social services or a related field and has a minimum of one year of experience in the recreation or education field—an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. A valid Class 5 BC driver’s licence with access to a reliable vehicle is required, along with a current Level I First Aid certificate.

This individual brings proven experience creating and facilitating recreational activities and working with children 6 to 13 years of age in both small and large groups, supported by a thorough knowledge of child development, family dynamics, learning principles, and the effects of poverty on families. Able to work independently with a minimum of supervision, they can set priorities, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines while demonstrating effectiveness as part of a staff team. They possess excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, a commitment to a problem-solving approach, and the ability to identify sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality. Awareness of and sensitivity to ethnic, cultural, physical, sexual, developmental, religious, and lifestyle diversities is essential, along with the ability to develop program-related reference and resource materials and familiarity with common office computer programs. Crisis line experience is an asset.

Successful candidates will be required to provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check / Vulnerable Sector Check preceding their start date. An eligibility list may be maintained for up to six months, and eligible applicants may be offered a casual position. This position is open to all qualified applicants.

The land which we are on is the unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples including Kwantlen, Katzie, Matsqui, Musqueam, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, Kwikwetlem and the Sto:lo Nations.