OST Counselor (Afterschool) - 2026 - 2027

City Of Decatur; Decatur (GA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Decatur's Parks and Recreation department seeks a part-time OST Counselor for the Decatur, GA afterschool program serving K-5 students. You will supervise, mentor, assist with homework, and help create a safe, engaging environment.

Responsibilities include planning activities, communicating with families and schools, supporting staff, and ensuring safety procedures; candidates must meet minimum qualifications and be able to pass background checks and a drug screen.

Qualifications

• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to use computers and related software daily.
• Must be at least 18 and pass background checks and drug screen.
• High school diploma or equivalent; one year of relevant training/experience.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise and mentor children in grades K–5 in afterschool program.
• Provide homework help, tutoring, and academic support as needed.
• Plan, lead, and participate in age-appropriate activities and field trips.
• Maintain safe, inclusive environment and manage behavior.
• Communicate with parents/guardians and school staff; assist with records.
• Assist with program setup, materials, and daily operations.

Skills

Communication skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Computer skills

Professionalism

Education

High school diploma

One year of training/education in school-age care

Tools

CPR/First Aid certifications

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

P&R Parks and Rec Part-Time OST COUNSELOR Decatur, GA, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1630

Salary Range: $17.50 To $17.50 Hourly

Department: Parks and Recreation

Hourly Rate:$17.50 per hour

Position Summary:

The Out-of- School Time (OST) Counselor works directly with children in grades K-5 in the city's afterschool program, providing active supervision and creating a safe, positive and engaging environment for learning, recreation and enrichment. The counselor servers as a mentor and positive role model, supports homework and academic activities, manages behavior and conflicts and works with Parks and Recreation staff, schools and families to meet the needs of program participants.

• Directly supervise, engage, and mentor children in grades K–5 throughout the afterschool program, including homework, recreation, meals/snacks, transitions, and special activities.
• Maintain asafe, positive, inclusive, and respectful environment while monitoring participantbehavior and interactions.
• Build positive relationshipswith children andserve as apositive role model and supportive adult.
• Plan, prepare,lead, and participateinage-appropriate recreational, educational, enrichment, and social activities, including special eventsand field trips.
• Providehomework assistance, tutoring, mentoring, and academic support as appropriate.
• Manage participant behavior,diffuse and resolve conflicts, reinforce program expectations, and follow establishedsafety procedures.
• Communicate withparents/guardians, school personnel, and Parks and Recreation staff regarding participant needs, behavior, concerns, and programactivities.
• Prepare program materialsandset up, clean up, and maintain program spaces and facilities as needed.
• Assist with attendance, incident documentation, and other routineprogram records.
• Respond to participant, parent/guardian, andcommunity questions andconcerns or referthem to theappropriate staff member.
• Assist other Parksand Recreation staffwith programs, activities, and department operationsas needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires knowledge of basic office procedures and computer skills. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work with computers and related software applications on a daily basis.
• Must have good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department staff, the general public and other city officials.
• Ability to handle citizens, personnel and the public professionally and politely.
• Ability to attend additional training as assigned.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid State of Georgia driver's license (Non-commercial Class A or B) with a satisfactory motor vehicle record (MVR) or state issued ID.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check, work reference check, pre-employment post-offer physical and drug screen.

Education and Experience:

• Must have one year of training and/or education or equivalent experience in school-age care, child development or related fields. High school diploma or equivalent required. Previous experience dealing with the public is preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• CPR, First Aid, and Prevent Child Abuse certifications or the ability to obtain within six months is required.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:

• Must be able to sit, walk, and stand for long periods.
• Can lift and carry heavy objects (10-50 lbs.) sit, bend, squat, and twist daily; must be able to physically operate city vehicle.
• Have the ability to sit for long periods using office equipment and computers.
• Have the ability to walk and stand outdoors (playgrounds and parks) setting including the pool while in extreme heat and cold for up to 8 hours daily.
• Have a personal vehicle to drive for daily business on a mileage reimbursement basis.
• Must deal with constant interruptions, noise, and meet with others on a regularly.
• The employee may be exposed to a variety of extreme weather conditions. Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, lift, climb, and perform repetitive motions on a daily.
• Ability to operate computer software, including word processing software; calculator; copy and fax machine; phone; mobile or portable radio.
• Must be available to work weekdays, weeknights, weekends, and operational holidays.

The City of Decatur is committed to having a workforce that reflects diversity at all levels and is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.