After School - School Year Childcare Site Staff

MAINE RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Portland Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department is hiring for After the Bell site staff to support kindergarten through fifth grade students after school. The role is part-time with approximately 13 hours weekly, with schedule after school and varying end times by location.

Responsibilities include supervising activities, ensuring safety, and promoting positive behavior. Training in first aid/CPR is available, and background checks are required.

Qualifications

• Good customer service skills and ability to work with a diverse population.
• Ability to maintain order and enforce rules and regulations and to impart enthusiasm in a positive environment.
• Knowledge of a variety of recreational activities including games, sports, arts and crafts, and the ability to direct activities.

Responsibilities

• Create a welcoming, safe environment for children in after-school programs.
• Engage Kindergarten through 5th Grade students in age-appropriate activities.
• Support program goals with energy, enthusiasm and a team-oriented approach.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Communication

First aid/CPR

Job description

Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department

Approximately 13 hours per week - The required schedule for the 2026-2027 school year is Monday-Friday beginning after school (times vary based on location) and ending at 5:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. depending on location.

About the Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department: The Portland Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department is comprised of 160 full-time and over 250 seasonal staff dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Portland, Maine. They achieve this by operating cultural venues, running community programs (including Before and After School, Swim Lessons, and Senior Adult programs), and maintaining public buildings, waterfront infrastructure, 70 parks, 40+ miles of trails, 13 cemeteries, and 30 playgrounds. Their diverse team, including Park Maintainers, Lifeguards, Event Managers, Horticulturalists, and many others, works collaboratively to provide spaces and opportunities for social connection, recreation, and community development.

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on children's lives? Do you thrive in a fun and engaging environment?

Portland Recreation is seeking childcare site staff to join our After the Bell program, which offers exciting and enriching activities for Kindergarten through 5th Grade students, right in their own school!

About The Program

Our After the Bell Recreation Program is designed to actively involve and engage children, providing time and space to explore and grow. With a variety of group and individual activities, our program focuses on character development, health and wellness, reading, and of course, fun!

Gain Valuable Experience for Your Future Career: Whether you’re aspiring to be a teacher, childcare provider, social worker, or youth sports coach, our program offers hands‑on experience that will prepare you for your future career. You'll develop essential skills and build a strong foundation for your professional journey.

Start your career journey in parks and recreation with an entry-level role that offers a comprehensive understanding of the field. You'll gain insights into program planning, activity coordination, and community engagement, setting the stage for future growth.

Make a Positive Impact in Your Community: Be part of the solution by contributing to a program that makes our community a better place to live, work, and play. Your efforts will directly impact the lives of children and their families, fostering a sense of community and well‑being.

Stay Engaged and Energized at Work: If you thrive in a dynamic and interactive environment, our program is the perfect fit. Each day brings new activities and opportunities to engage with children, ensuring that your workday flies by.

Hours/Available Schedules

The required schedule is Monday-Friday beginning after school (times vary based on location) and ending at 5:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. depending on location.

In addition to the required site schedule, there is a monthly all staff meeting from 6:00-7:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month. Please note there will be additional staff meetings, training, and ½ day conference hours throughout the year that would pertain to this position.

This is an ongoing school year program that extends into summer camp work making it a year round position if desired. Expected start date is upon completion of hire.

Requirements

• Good customer service skills and ability to work with a diverse population.
• Ability to maintain order and enforce rules and regulations and to impart enthusiasm in a positive and productive atmosphere.
• Knowledge of a variety of recreational activities including games, sports, arts, crafts and group activities. Ability to direct such activities. Initiative and willingness to learn a variety of additional recreational activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, program participants, school staff, and the general public.
• American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Certification or the ability to obtain within the first six months of appointment date. We are happy to train you for this so you can gain additional skills.

Applications accepted until filled

Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.

Salary

Pay rate of $18.00 per hour

The City of Portland believes that to do our best work, our employees need to reflect the diverse, vibrant community we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to celebrating all dimensions of diversity in the workplace. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you need to request a reasonable accommodation, please call 207-874-8624 or email [e-mail].