Teen Zone (Part-time)

Village of Park Forest; Park Forest (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

The Village of Park Forest is seeking a part-time Recreation Aide to support the Teen Zone after-school program, September through May. You will supervise youth, assist with daily activities, and help create a safe, welcoming environment that fosters engagement and positive role modeling.

Your weekday afternoon schedule may include occasional evenings. Reports to the Recreation Supervisor and performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience with youth in recreation, education, or mentoring preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with teens, parents, and co-workers.
• Patience, responsibility and enthusiasm for youth development.
• Knowledge of recreational activities and group facilitation.
• Must be 18 years or older.

Responsibilities

• Supervise program participants to ensure safety, engagement, and positive behavior.
• Plan and lead recreational, educational, and social activities for middle/high school students.
• Provide homework help, mentoring, and positive role modeling.
• Support logistics: room setup, equipment, and activity preparation.
• Maintain attendance, enforce rules, and communicate with supervisors about needs.
• Foster an inclusive, welcoming environment for all youth.
• Monitor facility cleanliness and safety of spaces.
• Respond calmly to emergencies or conflicts per department policies.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Youth engagement

Effective communication

Patience

Group facilitation

Activity planning

Supervision

Job description

Career Opportunities

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This is part-time work supporting the Village's Teen Zone after-school program, which operates from September through May. Work involves supervising youth participants, assisting with daily activities, and ensuring a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment. Staff provide positive role modeling and help facilitate structured and unstructured recreation, educational support, and enrichment activities. Working hours are primarily weekday afternoons and occasional evenings. This position reports directly to the Recreation Supervisor and is reviewed for results obtained.

Position Accountabilities

• Supervise program participants to ensure safety, appropriate behavior, and active engagement.


• Assist with planning and leading recreational, educational, and social activities for middle and high school students.


• Provide homework help, mentoring, and positive role modeling to support youth development.


• Support program logistics, including room setup, equipment management, and activity preparation.


• Maintain attendance records, enforce program rules, and communicate effectively with supervisors about participant needs or concerns.


• Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for youth of all backgrounds.


• Monitor facility cleanliness and ensure spaces are organized and safe.


• Respond to emergencies or conflicts calmly and effectively, following department policies.


• Performs related duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications/Skills

• Experience working with youth in recreation, education, or mentoring settings preferred.


• Ability to communicate effectively with teens, parents, and co-workers.


• Demonstrated patience, responsibility, and enthusiasm for youth development.


• Knowledge of recreational activities, games, and group facilitation skills.


• Must be at least 18 years old.

Critical Mental/Physical Requirements

• Ability to supervise groups of youth in an after-school setting.


• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.


• Ability to maintain composure and problem-solve in challenging situations.


• Ability to stand for extended periods, move between program spaces, and lift up to 25 lbs.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in a recreation center or community facility setting.


• The job incumbent should exercise common sense, take necessary breaks, and alert a supervisor of any concerns or discomfort as necessary.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature an level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Starting Pay

The starting pay for this position is $15 per hour.

This position offers no benefits aside from accrued hours as required by the Paid Leave for All Workers Act.

Requirements

Valid driver’s license
Successful passing of a background check conducted by the Park Forest Police Department