Playworker on Adventure Play (Afterschool Program)

The Parish School; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

The Parish School in Houston is seeking a Playworker to create open-ended, child-directed play opportunities in Adventure Play. You will provide space, time, and materials for children to explore and know themselves.

Collaborate with the Adventure Play Team to support children's health and well-being, while maintaining a safe outdoor learning environment and flexible, patient engagement. Ideal candidates have a high school diploma or GED and experience with children; teamwork and constructive

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience working with children.
• Experience working on a team.
• Skills in construction or tool use (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Foster child-directed play in an open-ended environment.
• Maintain and organize the Adventure Playground materials.
• Perform regular risk assessments with the Adventure Play team.
• Communicate with staff and administration.
• Support children outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Skills

Playwork

Teamwork

Communication

Outdoor work

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Discover a Purposeful & Meaningful Career

Why Parish?

At The Parish School, you will discover purposeful and meaningful work that transforms the lives of students and changes the trajectory of their future. You will find a nurturing community that values people, ethical practices, passion and creativity. Our staff are the most valuable resource we have in accomplishing our mission to empower children who have communication delays and learning differences to thrive through whole-child education, innovative therapy and access to nature.

I truly look forward to coming to work at The Parish School each day, that I often seem to overlook that it is ‘work.’ From my inspiring colleagues, educators and therapists to our brave, strong and lovable students, I am constantly learning and given opportunities to grow and advance my professional skillset. I am very humbled and grateful that I am able to be a part of a school community that cultivates my creativity and passion in special education, but more so being on a team in a remarkable school community that is naturally collaborative, encouraging, and welcoming. My heart is here at The Parish School.

I truly look forward to coming to work at The Parish School each day, that I often seem to overlook that it is ‘work.’ From my inspiring colleagues, educators and therapists to our brave, strong and lovable students, I am constantly learning and given opportunities to grow and advance my professional skillset. I am very humbled and grateful that I am able to be a part of a school community that cultivates my creativity and passion in special education, but more so being on a team in a remarkable school community that is naturally collaborative, encouraging, and welcoming. My heart is here at The Parish School.

Heather P.

Elementary Coordinator

Resources

Living out your passion should not come at the expense of your own financial resources. Our staff is deserving of the tools needed to do their job well.

• Laptop provided with necessary software
• Additional technology tools available for your classroom including iPads and Interactive Boards
• Access to high quality materials and supplies including unlimited lamination and color copies
• Monthly allowance for classroom materials

Other Parish Perks

In addition to the Parish Perks, working at The Parish School is richly rewarding in other ways. We offer a collaborative environment where you will learn from and work with smart, nurturing and gifted professionals in a variety of fields. The Parish School is a place filled with devoted individuals who care deeply, celebrate successes, laugh together and have fun.

• Small class sizes with low student-teacher ratios
• Supportive administrators who value and respect others
• Autonomy and freedom in your work
• Early release for students on Fridays
• Supportive Parent Teacher Organization
• Education pricing at many businesses and some wireless providers

Location: Houston, TX

Job Id:403

# of Openings:1

Work Location:The Parish School (Private)
Start Date:ASAP
Schedule:Part-time (approximately 16.25 hours per week)

Are you seeking a child-directed outdoor teaching environment? Do you want to work in a camp like atmosphere?

Discover a purposeful and meaningful career that transforms the lives of students and changes the trajectory of their future. Find a nurturing community that values people, ethical practices, passion, and creativity. Our staff is the most valuable resource we have in accomplishing our mission to empower children with communication delays and learning differences to thrive through whole-child education, innovative therapy, and access to nature.

Position Overview:

The Playworker creates open-ended, child-directed play opportunities for Adventure Play at The Parish School. Provides space, time, and materials for children to know themselves and their peers, and to explore through self-directed play. Collaborates with the Adventure Play (AP) Team regarding the children’s health and well-being.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Creates a climate that is conducive to free play - behavior that is personally directed, freely chosen, and intrinsically motivated.
• Demonstrates professionalism and best practices in play work.
• Offers creative ideas and materials to support a wide range of play types and opportunities.
• Provides an environment that is welcoming and safe for child-directed play.
• Maintains Adventure Playground, including restocking and organizing materials.
• Perform regular risk assessments in collaboration with the Adventure Play team.
• Maintains communication with staff and administration
• Flexible, Adaptable, and Patient: On any given day, a playworker might help children build a fort, be involved in a water fight, observe play from a discrete distance, or clear out materials that aren’t being used. A playworker does not provide specific activities, but responds to children’s ideas and needs in a playful and non-judgmental manner.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate within a team: The playworker balances being deeply present for individual children “in the moment” while observing the play site as a whole. Communication with other playworkers and adult caregivers is essential. Willingness to learn and grow through the reflective process and professional development opportunities.
• Ability to separate widely held preconceptions around adult-child relationships, and children’s capacities.
• Excellent time management, ability to prioritize, and problem-solve independently.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions

Skills/ Education

High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

Experience working with children.

Experience working on a team.

Skills in construction or tool use preferred.

About The Parish School
Since 1983, The Parish School has educated children ages 2-12 who have communication delays and learning differences, empowering them with the tools to succeed. This nationally recognized, special needs school in Houston, Texas provides an education for the entire family within the environment of a nurturing and safe 17-acre campus with on-site pediatric therapy clinic, The Carruth Center. Our personalized academic approach - with a focus on communication skills, social learning, independence, nature and the arts - allows children to thrive and grow.
The Parish School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender or religious affiliation.