After School Rec Counselor

Wilmette Park District; Wilmette (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Part-time status with 600–1000 hours

Membership benefits package

Job summary

Wilmette Park District is seeking an After School Rec Counselor in Wilmette, IL. This part-time, year-round role focuses on creating a safe, engaging environment for Kindergarten through 4th grade after school.

You will lead crafts and games, assist with homework, supervise activities, and communicate with families at pick-up. The position requires minimum age 16 and dependability, with a team-oriented, positive attitude.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Previous experience with children preferred.
• Ability to engage with children in a warm, supportive setting.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible, dependable, and a team player.

Responsibilities

• Foster a safe, welcoming after-school environment.
• Lead crafts, games, group activities, and quiet time.
• Supervise children during free play, snacks, and indoor/outdoor activities.
• Assist with snack and homework time when applicable.
• Maintain attendance records and communicate with parents at pick-up.
• Promote respectful behavior and inclusion.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors.
• Keep space clean and sanitize supplies.
• Follow safety protocols and trainings.

Skills

Engage with children

Communication skills

Team player

Lead activities

Decision-making

Independent worker

Positive energy

Job description

Job Details: Location: Various - Wilmette, IL 60091; Position Type: Part Time, Year Round; Salary Range: $16.00 - $18.00 hourly; Shift: Various; Category: Recreation.

Job Summary

The After School Rec (ASR) Counselor is responsible for creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment for school‑age children (Kindergarten through 4th grade) during after‑school hours. They lead games, crafts, enrichment activities, and assist with homework or structured free time, fostering positive peer interactions and strong relationships with children and families.

Supervisory Duties

None.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Foster a safe, welcoming, and engaging after‑school environment for children.
• Lead a variety of activities, such as crafts, games, group challenges, and quiet time.
• Supervise children during free play, snack time, and indoor/outdoor activities.
• Assist children with snack and homework time when applicable.
• Maintain accurate attendance records and communicate daily with parents/guardians during pick‑up.
• Promote and model respectful behavior, positive social interaction, and inclusion.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with team members and supervisors.
• Maintain a clean, organized activity space; sanitize shared supplies and equipment.
• Escort children to other scheduled activities or classes as required.
• Support behavior expectations and ensure participant safety at all times.
• Follow Wilmette Park District safety protocols, attend required training, and assist with minor first aid when necessary.
• Take initiative, adapt quickly, and remain calm in dynamic situations.
• Uphold and contribute to the Wilmette Park District Comprehensive and Strategic Plan, including Guiding Principles and Strategic Priorities.
• Contribute to the Park District's sustainability goals.

Safety Responsibilities

• Actively support the safety program that effectively controls and reduces accidents.
• Obey safety rules, regulations, and procedures established by the Wilmette Park District for activities conducted by the department.
• Familiarize with and follow safety procedures including fire, severe weather, and evacuation procedures.
• Report all unsafe actions, practices, or conditions to the immediate supervisor or Human Resources/Risk Management division.
• Attend required safety training.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Education and Experience

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Previous experience working with children preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to engage with children in a warm, supportive, and structured manner.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Dependability, flexibility, and a team‑player attitude.
• Ability to lead or assist with games, group activities, and small projects.
• Clear decision‑making and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Positive energy, initiative, and a genuine interest in working with children.

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 generally moderate to high.
• Work takes place indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.

Certifications

• CPR/First Aid certificates obtained within three months of hiring; provided by the Park District (preferred).
• Complete annual District trainings, including Sexual Harassment Training, Avoiding Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens annually, and Mandated Reporter training every three years.

Work Environment

The work environment is indoors, in a smoke‑free area with controlled temperature and fluorescent lighting. Noise level is usually moderate; outdoor work area depends on the season.

Hours

• Follows the 2026‑2027 D39 School Calendar.
• Monday–Thursday: 3:00–6:00 PM.
• Friday: 2:00–6:00 PM.
• General hours of duty 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. There may be opportunities to pick up additional hours through special school‑day‑off programs (e.g., Rec on the Road or Rec at the Center); however, working these shifts is not required and availability is not guaranteed.

Benefits

• Part‑time (PT2) status; eligible for 600–1000 hours*.
• Employee and family benefits: skating membership, pool & beach membership, beach parking decal, golf membership (unlimited play), golf membership (off‑peak limited play with 25% off resident rate), golf guest fee, tennis membership (25% off resident rate), tennis open court time, tennis guest fee, fitness membership (25% off resident rate), recreational program classes, group lessons at any park or facility, ice private lesson rental & facility rental (25% off resident rate), golf/tennis pro shop discount (cost + 15%).