Summer Playground Counselor - Seasonal

City of Independence, Ohio; Independence (MO); On-site; USD 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An established community service department is looking for enthusiastic Summer Playground Counselors to join their team. This seasonal role offers the chance to engage with youth through various activities, including arts and crafts, outdoor games, and swimming. Counselors will work closely with program coordinators to ensure a fun and safe environment for children in grades K-5. Ideal candidates will possess strong interpersonal skills and a passion for community service. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience while making a positive impact in the community during the summer months.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 15 years old and passionate about serving youth.
• Strong communication and organizational skills required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and leading daily Summer Playground activities.
• Create a fun and safe environment for youth enrolled in the program.

Skills

Interpersonal Communication

Organizational Skills

Teamwork

Attention to Detail

Education

Minimum Age Requirement (15 years)

Job description

The City of Independence Community Services Department is seeking responsible, reliable, friendly and energetic individuals with a passion for serving the community to join our team as 2025 Summer Playground Counselors! Counselors will assist our Youth Program Coordinators in planning and leading daily Summer Playground activities, including arts and crafts, outdoor activities, swimming and more, for the K-5th grade youth enrolled in the program.

Days, Hours & Additional Employment Details:

A Summer Playground Counselor is a seasonal position from June 2025 through August 2025. The standard days and hours of employment will be Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Summer Playground Counselors may be required to work the occasional Monday and/or Friday from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM for mandatory training or program set-up/tear-down.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participate in team meetings and trainings
• Assist with the set-up, tear down and cleaning of Summer Playground facilities and activities
• Plan and lead daily Summer Playground activities
• Responsible for the supervision of and creating a fun, welcoming and safe environment for the youth enrolled in Summer Playground
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Individuals must be a minimum of 15 years of age to be considered for employment
• Strong interpersonal communication and organizational skills with keen attention to detail
• Willingness and ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Passion for serving the Independence community, especially youth

• Represent the City of Independence in a professional manner

Experience:

• One year of supervising school-aged children (Preferred)
• CPR & First-Aid Certified (Preferred)

Physical Demands:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must be able to work in the office. Remote work will not be an option unless special circumstances or accommodations are made.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and be able to lift up to 20 lbs when necessary.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

The City of Independence is an Equal Opportunity Employer.