Substitute After School Program Instructor

City of Evanston; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Evanston is seeking a Substitute After School Program Instructor to provide safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate activities for school-age children. The role is an on-call, part-time, seasonal substitute to cover for regular staff with afternoon programming during the school year.

The position emphasizes maintaining a positive environment, following schedules, and assisting with attendance and supplies while supporting Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Previous experience in recreation programs, schools, camps, childcare, or youth organizations preferred.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification, or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check and child safety screenings prior to employment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as substitute instructor when the regular instructor is unavailable.
• Supervise children at all times to ensure safety.
• Lead age-appropriate recreational, educational, cultural, arts and crafts, STEM, sports, homework help and enrichment activities.
• Follow daily schedules and lesson plans while adapting activities as needed.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and positive environment and professional behavior.

Skills

Recreation knowledge

Supervision

Behavior management

Communication

Judgment & decision making

Independent work

Teamwork

Customer service

Education

CPR/First Aid/AED certification

Job description

Nature of Work

Under the general supervision of the Recreation Program Coordinator or designated supervisor, the Substitute After School Program Instructor provides safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate recreational and enrichment programming for school-age children. This position serves on an as-needed basis and is called upon to work in the absence of the regularly scheduled After School Program Instructor or Lead Instructor. Work assignments are based on program staffing needs, employee absences, and operational requirements.

The Substitute After School Program Instructor is responsible for maintaining a safe, inclusive, and positive environment while supporting the daily operation of the after-school program and ensuring participants receive quality recreational and educational experiences.

Essential Functions

• Serve as the substitute instructor for the After School Program when the Instructor or Lead Instructor is unavailable.
• Supervise children at all times to ensure a safe and positive environment.
• Lead and facilitate age-appropriate recreational, educational, cultural, arts and crafts, STEM, sports, homework assistance, and enrichment activities.
• Follow established daily schedules, lesson plans, and program procedures while adapting activities as necessary to meet participant needs.
• Foster positive relationships with participants, parents, staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Promote inclusion, teamwork, respect, and positive behavior through effective classroom and behavior management techniques.
• Enforce program rules, safety standards, and City policies consistently and professionally.
• Assist with participant attendance, sign-in/sign-out procedures, and required documentation.
• Prepare, organize, distribute, and maintain program supplies and equipment.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe activity spaces before, during, and after programming.
• Monitor participants during indoor and outdoor activities, field trips, snack time, and transitions.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, accidents, injuries, illnesses, and behavioral incidents in accordance with City policies and procedures.
• Complete accident, incident, and behavioral reports as required.
• Attend required trainings, meetings, and orientations.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of recreation, education, or child development principles appropriate for school-age children.
• Ability to supervise groups of children while maintaining a safe, structured, and engaging environment.
• Ability to effectively manage participant behavior using positive reinforcement and conflict resolution techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, coworkers, and the public.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make appropriate decisions during routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while following established procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, participants, families, and community members.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism, dependability, flexibility, and excellent customer service.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Previous experience working with children in recreation programs, schools, camps, childcare, or youth organizations is preferred.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification, or the ability to obtain certification within a specified timeframe.
• Successful completion of a criminal background investigation and all required child safety screenings prior to employment.

Physical Requirements

• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, and actively participate in recreational activities for extended periods.
• Lift and carry supplies and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Respond quickly and appropriately during emergencies.

Work Conditions

Work is performed in recreation facilities, schools, parks, playgrounds, gyms, and other City facilities. The position requires frequent interaction with children, parents, staff, and the public and may involve exposure to moderate noise levels and varying weather conditions.

Schedule

This is a part-time, seasonal, substitute position. Hours are not guaranteed and are assigned on an as-needed basis to cover staff absences, vacations, illnesses, training, and other operational needs. Typical work hours are weekday afternoons during the school year, with occasional opportunities during school holidays, institute days, early dismissal days, and special events.

Core Competencies

• Customer Service
• Safety Awareness
• Communication
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Accountability
• Dependability
• Adaptability
• Initiative
• Professionalism
• Problem Solving

Pay Rate

$16/hour

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY)