Senior Center Coordinator

Vernon Hills Park District; Vernon Hills (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Vernon Hills Park District seeks a Senior Center Coordinator to assist with planning, coordination, and supervision of senior programs, trips, and daily center operations at the Senior Center.

This part-time role emphasizes exceptional customer service, inclusivity, and collaboration with volunteers, instructors, and staff. Hours vary with operating times, typically Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm, and may extend for events.

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service for participants, families, volunteers and community members.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with effective communication.
• Associate degree related to recreation or human services preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating senior programs, trips, wellness activities, and events.
• Manage daily operations to maintain a welcoming, safe, and inclusive Senior Center.
• Provide exceptional customer service and serve as primary contact for registrations and program information.
• Support outreach, marketing efforts, and volunteer coordination.
• Maintain attendance, participant data, and required documentation; monitor budgets, supplies, and equipment.
• Coordinate room setups, equipment needs, and program logistics; act as on-site staff for events.
• Ensure compliance with District policies; complete accident/incident reports; communicate with supervisor.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Associate's degree in Recreation

Job description

SUMMARYThe Senior Center Coordinator is responsible for assisting with the planning, coordination, implementation, and supervision of senior programs, trips, special events, wellness activities, and daily operations of the Senior Center. This position provides exceptional customer service to participants, promotes a welcoming environment, and supports the Recreation Supervisor in ensuring quality programming and services for older adults. This is a part time position with hours that will vary during the operating hours of the Senior Center. The general operating hours of the Senior Center are Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, but hours may vary based upon special events, programs, and outings.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSAssists with planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating senior programs, special events, wellness activities, educational programs, and day trips.Assists with the daily operations of the Senior Center, ensuring a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for participants.Provides excellent customer service to participants, families, volunteers, and community members.Conducts participant outreach and assists with program promotion and marketing efforts.Serves as a primary point of contact for participant inquiries, registrations, and program information.Assists with recruiting, coordinating, and recognizing volunteers as assigned.Maintains program attendance records, participant information, and other required documentation.Assists with monitoring program budgets, supplies, and equipment.Coordinates room setups, equipment needs, and program logistics.Serves as on-site staff for assigned programs, events, and trips, including regular and special programs.Responsible for maintaining the Senior Center calendar and newsletter communications, ensuring information is current and communicated to members.Assists with transportation and trip logistics as assigned.Establishes and maintains positive relationships with participants, community organizations, vendors, and instructors.Identifies participant needs and recommends program improvements.Ensures participants adhere to District policies and procedures.Completes accident and incident reports as required.Attends required trainings, meetings, and professional development opportunities.Complies promptly with all requests and directions given by the Recreation Supervisor – General Programs.Performs related duties as assigned.SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENTPerforms the job safely and in compliance with District policies, procedures, work and safety rules, and the employee manual.Maintains a working knowledge of all general agency and departmental-specific safety rules.Uses proper lifting techniques and requests assistance when moving heavy objects.Reports any work-related or participant injuries to supervisor promptly.Attends required safety programs and in-service training meetings.Corrects unsafe conditions and/or reports them to supervisor.Ensures all activities, trips, and programs are conducted in a safe manner.PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONSMust work closely with participants, volunteers, coworkers, instructors, and the general public.Requires patience, empathy, and professionalism when working with older adults.Must be able to respond appropriately to participant concerns and challenging situations.Experiences ongoing responsibility for participant satisfaction, safety, and risk management.PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONSStanding, walking, and sitting for extended periods.Occasional lifting and carrying of supplies and equipment up to 30 pounds.Frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, and setting up program areas.Ability to travel and participate in day trips and special events.May need to respond quickly to participant needs or emergency situations.ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONSWork is performed primarily indoors at the Senior Center and other District facilities.Occasional outdoor work during special events, trips, and seasonal activities.May require evening, weekend, and occasional holiday hours.COGNITIVE CONSIDERATIONSMust be able to organize and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously.Must exercise sound judgment and decision-making skills.Must communicate effectively with participants, families, volunteers, and staff.Must maintain confidentiality of participant and District information.Must be able to handle participant concerns in a positive, professional, and solution-oriented manner.QUALIFICATIONSMust be at least 21 years of age.Associate's degree in Recreation, Leisure Services, Gerontology, Human Services, or related field preferred.Minimum one (1) year experience working with older adults, recreation programming, customer service, or related field preferred.Possess strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and registration software systems.Valid Illinois Driver's License required.CPR/AED and First Aid Certification preferred or ability to obtain within sixty (60) days of hire.