Job Title: Recreation Leader/School-Age Teacher (Rec Leader)

Reports to: School-Age Program Director

Starting Wage: $18.00 ($19.00 after 90 days)

Status: Part-Time/Non-Exempt

MERIT Classification: Center Lead Teacher

Revised: October 2025

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SUMMARY

The Spokane Northeast Youth Center (NEYC) offers a variety of low-cost activities, before and after school care, early learning programs, and special events. NEYC’s mission is to create a culturally enriching environment that promotes responsible social interactions, respect, and acceptance, ensuring that every young person feels valued and included. Under the supervision of the School-Age Program Director, the Recreation Leader is responsible for the planning and implementation of educational and recreational activities for school-age children. This role ensures the development, safety, and well-being of the children in care while adhering to the policies of the Northeast Youth Center, compliance with the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), and licensing requirements. Recreation Leaders are expected to lead by example, demonstrating core values of respect, safety, and engagement with children, parents or guardians, staff, and the community. Additionally, Recreation Leaders will have the first choice of seasonal full-time schedules and may be assigned as Team Leaders as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are typical for this position:

• Ensure children are always supervised and provide a safe, secure environment.
• Provide enriching experiences, including songs, games, storytelling, and crafts.
• Maintain accurate Leader Lists and regular roll calls, as needed.
• Receive training for all NEYC vehicle safety and usage procedures.
• Must be willing and able to drive NEYC vehicles while complying with all policies and procedures mandated by the State of Washington and local requirements to ensure the safety and best interests of students and the public.
• Assist in coordinating and implementing lesson plans, field trips, and other activities that support social-emotional learning and educational/recreational goals.
• Foster positive child development through guidance, structure, and mentorship.
• Maintain clean, safe, and well-maintained facilities and equipment.
• Learn and implement positive behavior management strategies in accordance with the center’s response plan.
• Ensure proper documentation of incidents, behaviors, successes, and challenges. Submit documentation to the School-Age Program Director for approval.
• Communicate regularly with administration and other program staff to ensure continuity of care and program quality.
• Follow proper opening and closing procedures for program spaces.
• Attend and participate in training, staff meetings, and program activities. This includes participation in ongoing personal training as required by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
• Maintain WAC compliance and licensing standards.
• Demonstrate professionalism and be a positive role model for children and staff.
• Participate in and engage with community events, as needed.
• Lead participants on walking field trips, which may involve traveling up to one (1) mile over various terrains.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the School-Age Program Director or Executive Director.

Team Leader Responsibilities (If Assigned):

Recreation Supports may be designated as Team Leaders on an as-needed basis, taking on additional responsibilities such as:

• Delegating tasks within their assigned team space.
• Coordinating lesson plans and activities with School-Age Director to align with program goals.
• Serving as the primary individual responsible for documentation of team-related incidents and progress.
• Meeting with the School-Age Director to discuss team needs and improvements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a clean driving record for AT LEAST five (5) years.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing. Multilingual

applicants are encouraged to apply.

• Pre-employment requirements: Copy of valid driver’s license, proof of employment eligibility, proof of Tuberculin skin (TB) test, copy of immunization record that includes Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) vaccination and COVID vaccination or exception, Food Handler’s card.
• Ability to pass background checks, including criminal history, child abuse – including Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), and motor vehicle records.
• Must obtain First Aid/CPR and Bloodborne Pathogens certification within two (2) weeks of hire and complete all other job-specific required training as instructed.
• Must fulfill requirements for STARS training within the first 90 days of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• In-depth knowledge/training of Washington Administrative Code (WAC) for childcare facilities.
• Completion or current enrollment of at least a two-year degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.

SCHEDULE

The schedule for this role is a split shift. Typically, Rec Leaders will work Monday through Friday, 6 AM-9 AM and 2 PM-6 PM during the school year and have the first option to work a full-time, seasonal schedule for summer and other full-day camps. The typical seasonal full-time schedule for this role is 8 AM-4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Schedules may be adjusted to meet the center’s or the employees’ needs.

BENEFITS

Recreation Leaders will not be offered benefits above those required by federal, state, or local regulations. To learn more about Washington State workers’ rights, visit https://www.lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The following are representative of the work environment and physical demands required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Washington State employment law:

• The employee will work in a highly active environment, engaging with and supervising children throughout the majority of each workday. This requires the ability to move quickly, respond to developing situations, and provide hands-on support in a dynamic setting.
• Work may take place in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations in all seasons, depending on programming needs. The employee must have sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to supervise and participate in program activities in diverse settings.
• The position requires regular use of a computer and smart devices for communication, documentation, and administrative tasks. The employee must communicate effectively via phone, email, and other digital platforms.
• The employee must be able to respond to emergency situations, which may require movement throughout a multi-story building, remote locations, and varying terrain.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds in the course of their duties.
• Work conditions may include exposure to outdoor weather conditions, moderate noise levels, and a fast-paced environment requiring adaptability and situational awareness.

Spokane Northeast Youth Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, job assignment, compensation, training, discipline, promotion, termination, layoff, leaves of absence, and access to benefits.

EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I have reviewed this job description and understand the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for this position. I acknowledge that this job description does not constitute an employment contract, and that the organization may revise the duties or requirements as needed.

I understand that I am expected to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation and to comply with all organizational policies and procedures.

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and accepted the responsibilities outlined in this job description.

Employee Name (Print): ________________________________________

Employee Signature: ___________________________________________

Date: _______________________________________________________