Recreation Specialist - Childcare Assistant

City-of-Palm-Beach-Gardens; North Palm Beach (FL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Palm Beach Gardens is seeking a part-time Recreation Assistant to support afterschool and camp programs. The role involves supervising children, facilitating activities, keeping records, and maintaining a welcoming, safe environment.

Work typically Mon-Fri, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with additional hours for camps. Must be 18+, have introductory childcare training (40 hours) and Early Literacy course, and be willing to obtain CPR/First Aid and background clearance.

Qualifications

• Two years of related experience or certifications.
• Introductory Childcare Training (40 hours) and Early Literacy Course (5 hours).
• Must be 18 years or older to apply.
• AA/BA in Elementary Education or related field preferred.
• VPK certification preferred.
• Background screening may be required per state regulations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise children and facilitate recreational and enrichment activities.
• Train and schedule staff; evaluate employee performance.
• Maintain program records and reports.
• Provide high level customer service to patrons of recreation facilities.
• Drive passenger vehicles to transport participants if required.
• Ensure health, welfare, and safety of participants.
• Communicate effectively with peers, managers, and the public.

Skills

Child supervision

Customer service

Record keeping

Staff training

Leadership

Communication

Education

AA or BA in Elementary Education or related field

Job description

This position is responsible for assisting with the daily operation, organization, supervision, and delivery of the City’s afterschool and camp programs. The position generally works Monday–Friday between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., with additional or adjusted hours as needed for camps and other program operations.

Under the direction of the Recreation Supervisor, this position will assist with supervising children, facilitating recreational and enrichment activities, maintaining program records, and supporting a safe, welcoming, and well-organized environment for participants.

Essential functions, defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class.)

• Utilizes experience with the target population and/or task to accomplish the position’s requirements.
• Utilizes the knowledge gained from position-related certification in the daily execution of job duties.
• Assists with supervising subordinate staff in order to accomplish related tasks
• Assumes a leadership role of other part-time staff
• Train and schedule staff; evaluates employee's work performance.
• May assist Programmer supervise part-time staff, at times.
• If necessary and meets minimum qualifications, drive passenger vehicles to transport program participants and/or pickup goods/supplies.
• Provides a high level of customer service to patrons utilizing recreation facilities and programs pleasantly and helpfully to handle their concerns effectively.
• With little supervision, applies training and experience to complete tasks thoroughly and accurately.
• Responsible for communicating positively and effectively with peers, managers, patrons, and the public through verbal interactions and written correspondence.
• Responsible to maintain all records in accordance with the Records Retention Law
• Applies acquired knowledge of Department operations and policy without direction and monitoring supervisors in daily routine situations in assigned areas.
• Utilizes the software in assigned area to provide an accurate account of the assigned divisional finances
• Oversee and troubleshoot assigned area software.
• Responsible to provide observation for the patrons’ health, welfare, and safety utilizing facilities and/or participating in programs. Takes action accordingly.
• Completing required records and reports on all accidents and incidents that occur during shift.
• Requires recognition with emergency situations and ability to take action based upon position responsibility and training.
• Effectively and extensively utilize software programs as necessary in assigned areas.
• Utilizes the phone system effectively.
• Thoroughly completes assigned tasks for programs, events, and facilities as assigned with limited supervision.
• Maintain records and prepare reports on activities and programs conducted.
• Carries out program and lesson plans that are assigned for the position.
• Responsible for applying training to assignments and continually seeking out information to grow knowledge base to serve the community better.
• Applies emergency management training and recognizing and assisting, when necessary, in a crisis.
• Performs any other related duties as requested or assigned.

• Has two years of a combination of experience in related job duties or some experience with required certifications and the completion of a shadow training period
• Mandatory Introductory Childcare Training Course (40 hours), plus Early Literacy Course (5 hours)
• Must be at least 18 years of age to apply for this position.
• Candidates with an AA, BA in Elementary Education, or related field, with some classes in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• All VPK required certification is preferred.
• Considerable experience in Child Development preferred, or
• Any related combination of training and experience

• Valid State of Florida Driver’s License with good driving record if required by position.
• Annual Hands-Only CPR training as provided by the Department or able to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• Positions assigned to the Riverside Youth Enrichment Center or the Aquatic Complex must have or obtain Infant, Child, and Adult CPR and First Aid Certification as required by licensing or certification.
• This position may require background screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse, in accordance with House Bill 531 (2025). Additional information regarding this requirement is available at: https://info.flclearinghouse.com