The Program Coordinator works directly with program assistants and an

assigned group of approximate twenty-five (25) 1st-8th grade students to

provide a safe, responsible, well-supervised after-school program, while acting

as a positive adult role model, coach, and mentor. The Program Coordinator

must have a genuine interest in the growth, development, and provision of a

safe, nurturing, and fun environment for the students they work with.

The Program Coordinator should have the ability to establish authority through

leadership, communication, and most importantly patience, will be required to

provide students stability and a nurturing environment to achieve success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Management:

• Ability to implement the HOPE EXCEL’S fun and engaging developmental activities in the areas of character development, project-based learning, fitness and recreation, and academics/enrichment.

• Continually interfacing with students, volunteers, staff, and parents.

• Ability to lead and supervise small and large groups by recognizing potential issues and applying problem-solving methods as needed.

• Ability to observe student behavior, assess its appropriateness, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques, and positive redirection, or appropriate corrective action as necessary to support students in making positive behavior choices.

• Accurately completes and submits timecards, incident reports, attendance, receipts, and other program-related materials in accordance with HOPE EXCEL policy.

• Identify student needs and communicate to Program Director.

• Evaluates the program daily to suggest an improvement, needs, hazard, and/or trends to Program Director for further evaluation.

• Observes students daily to check for bruises, cuts, scrapes, rashes, or other indications of injury or illness to report to Program Director for further evaluation.

• Help with homework/study when applicable.

• Sets a positive example in food selection, exercise, personal habits, and attitudes.

• Responsible for the designated group for the duration of the program or until a replacement Program Assistant arrives – never leave a group unsupervised.

• Responsible for immediately reporting and documenting all injuries or incidents utilizing established Driven Foundation procedures for notification to the Program Director and parents.

• Demonstrate reliability and punctuality by arriving on time for scheduled shifts.

• Attendance and participation at all required staff meetings, training, and development activities.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

• Help lead a group of approximately 25 students in an instructional setting, and maintain high standards for behavior and safety.

• Ability to implement age-appropriate activities.

• Serves as a positive adult role model for children in the program through appropriate dress, speech, attitude, and courtesy.

• Creates an engaging environment that fosters a sense of belonging for youth.

• Identifies member needs and communicates to Program Director.

• Maintains cleanliness in all program areas; assists with the setup and breakdown during program day to contribute to ongoing maintenance to keep the school or community site clean and orderly.

• Maintains student safety by ensuring that students are signing in and out of the program and maintaining an accurate program roster daily.

• Maintains accurate student attendance rosters with roll calls and continuous group counts – administering mandatory roll calls minimally at every rotation, before and after snack, before, during, and after field trips.

• Ensures age-appropriate conversation among students and staff; promotes good manners and encourages common courtesies among students and staff.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED Required

• Ability to speak and write Standard English

• Must pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting

• At least one to two years of experience working with youth in a classroom, after school, or recreation environment.

• Math and English skills (K-12)

• Excellent communication skills

• Knowledgeable in Microsoft and Google Products.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position requires a person who can work with many distractions, and interruptions and still accomplish their objectives and meet established deadlines. Resource and equipment management are integral components to make the position successful. Staff and student supervision is a key requirement; the Program coordinator must be able to implement activities while maintaining program safety.

• The Program Coordinator is expected to always wear appropriate attire.

• COVID-19 considerations: Mask wearing is required depending on the state of Illinois Covid-19 restrictions.

OTHER SKILLS

• Ability to frequently stand, walk, stoop, sit, crouch, bend, speak, and hear.

• Ability to engage in physical activity with students without limitation.

• Ability to lift, carry, pull, or otherwise move objects between 10 and 20 pounds.

• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with staff, public officials, private sector officials, parents, and community leaders.

• Ability to communicate effectively and demonstrate sensitivity with others.

• Excellent organizational and management skills.

• Knowledge of developmental needs of school-age children.

• Ability to manage and supervise large groups.

• Ability to open and close sessions with affirmations and prayer.