Outdoor Play Coordinator

Classification: Nonexempt

Reports to: Programs Director

Days: Up to 40 Hours, Schedule will vary between Monday & Saturday

Location: 158 East 115th Street, Suite 144, New York, NY 10029 (Will involve working at Jefferson or Washington Houses in East Harlem)

Public Transportation: 6 train to 116th Street or M116 to Third Avenue

Pay: $25/hour

Anticipated Start: ASAP

Position Purpose:

The Outdoor Play Coordinator is the primary supervisor for the Outdoor Play Cohort at Concrete Safaris’ PlacemakingCorps. The Outdoor Play Coordinator is responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, and carrying out activities and guiding participants in their personal growth and soft and hard skills related to outdoor play, including fitness, cycling, and obstacle race design and implementation across the organization’s programs.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Train Public Health AmeriCorps Members in the Outdoor Play Cohort to develop and deliver a daily outdoor play program that is appropriate for the age and ability of the participants:

Write and/or source lesson plans that meet after school, intern, and community event outcomes and the abilities of the participants. Deliver progressive fitness, bicycling, and obstacle race activities, and guide participants in reaching positive outcomes. Evaluate the success of the outdoor play program, including member service delivery and participant outcomes.

2. Ensure that Outdoor Play Cohort Members and participants know and follow safety and educational procedures:

Apply basic youth development principles in working with participants through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth. Assure that participants are properly supervised at all times. Train members and staff for outdoor play activities, including rules of the streets, safety checks, and safety equipment. Ensure participants, members and staff follow safety procedures. Make sure that members and staff are knowledgeable about the roads, parks, trails, and campsites available for outdoor play in East Harlem and within NYC limits.

3. Assist in the care and maintenance of outdoor play equipment:

Maintain the bicycle equipment including bikes and helmets, outdoor play equipment including fitness and obstacle challenge resources. Conduct a daily check of the area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair. Ensure that the storage rooms are kept tidy and that supplies stay in their designated area.

4. Participate in the development and implementation of project-based, service learning experiences for Public Health AmeriCorps Members to lead youth participants in Outdoor Leadership Academy within the mission and outcomes related to outdoor play:

Provide for a progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities in line with project outcomes, including obstacle challenges and community bike rides. Train youth to design and lead JungleGym at least twice per summer. Design and lead field trips related to outdoor play.

5. Coordinate Public Health AmeriCorps Members to lead weekly outdoor play activities for children in up to 3 public housing developments in East Harlem per week.

6. Coordinate Public Health AmeriCorps Members to lead children in at least three schools to design JungleGym for Schools to serve their school at the end of the school year.

7. Be a role model to participants and staff in your attitude and behavior.

Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures. Set a good example to participants and others in regard to general after school procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.

8. Represent the organization when interacting with parents or community members.

Provide parents appropriate feedback and information as needed for their children to have a successful experience. Follow safety and security protocols when participants are in public or in indoor facilities while presenting a positive image of the organization.

Relationships:

The Outdoor Play Coordinator will have direct relationships with Public Health AmeriCorps Members, and build/maintain relationships with community partners. The Outdoor Play Coordinator will work with the Programs Director to ensure that children and youth receive holistic care for their needs. Care of bicycling equipment must be performed on a daily basis, notifying Programs Director of any supply needs.

Equipment Used:

The Public Health AmeriCorps Coordinator will use a computer and office equipment daily, and specialty program equipment like helmets, bikes, lights, splash guards, rain jackets and pants, boots, bells, obstacle challenge supplies.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Some travel in and out of New York State may be required. Bilingual a strong plus. Understanding of the development needs of youth in the outdoors. Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner. High level of professionalism, integrity, work ethic, accountability, and responsibility. Highly organized self-starter; ability to take direction, structure tasks, establish priorities, and set goals. Ability to solve problems, mediate conflicts, and exercise sound judgment. Demonstrated knowledge and skill in program areas designated program areas. Ability to follow-through. Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Computer literate. Ability to utilize digital cameras. Some travel may be required. Bilingual a strong plus. Direct experience living and/or working in public housing developments in East Harlem or similar.

Qualifications (Minimum Qualifications and Education):

A minimum of two (2) years of documented training and experience in road bicycling and outdoor play with children. NYS Mandated Reporter Certificate. Current certification in first aid and CPR. Must be at least 21 years of age. Must submit health history record and examination form prior to first day of work. Ability to interact with all age levels. Life experience in and passion for the outdoors, youth development, and a healthy lifestyle a MUST. Must be a college graduate. Must pass multiple required federal and state background checks prior to employment. Must be a U.S. citizen or US National or Lawful Permanent Resident. Must be able to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR. Must submit a health history record and examination form prior to the first day of work. Ability to interact with all age levels. A minimum of three (3) years of related experience working in the field of physical education, recreation, and youth development, and developing project-based experiences. Life experience in and passion for the outdoors and healthy, active living a MUST. COVID vaccine proof required.

Physical Aspects of the Job:

Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to participants and staff. Ability to observe participant behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques. Ability to observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques. Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity. Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist participants in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of participants. Endurance, including sitting on a bicycle for extended time, some bending, stooping, and stretching. Eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and activities. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate activities/program. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Willing to work irregular hours and on Saturdays in the summer with daily exposure to the sun, heat, rain, bugs, and other outdoor creatures.

Benefits:

Dental and health insurance available after 90 days. 401K available after 1 year. Paid time off.

First Name

Last Name

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip

Country

Phone

Do you have 3 years experience in Youth Development?

Yes
No

Current Occupation:

Date you wish to start (mm/dd/year)

High School

College

Business or Trade School

Professional School

Type of employment desired

Full-Time Only
Part-Time Only
Full- or Part-Time

Check current Certifications/ Certifications

Advanced First Aid
First Aid
CPR
NYS Mandated Reporter
Food Handler
Other

Share any additional, relevant licenses, certifications, or trainings you have completed:

Availability for interview by telephone

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

Shared Values - Our Values permeate through all Concrete Safaris programs: Adventure, Bravery, Creativity, Curiosity, Discipline, Safety, and Healthy Risk-Taking.

List 3 shared values:

Demonstrate how you have lived three of these values at any time in the past four years, and how you think your experiences would be applicable to working at Concrete Safaris.

How often do you play outside?

1 day per week
2 days per week
3 days per week
4-5 days per week
Every day

Can you ride a bike at least 6 miles?

Yes, I can ride a bike at least 6 miles
No, I cannot ride a bike at least 6 miles

Your Connection To East Harlem

Concrete Safaris believes that outdoor, healthy leadership must be normalized on city streets and in public housing developments. The organization also understands that there are individuals who prefer not to travel on certain city streets or near certain public housing developments for very valid and real reasons. We understand that these statements do not apply to all individuals. We also want to make sure that individuals are not hindered from safer opportunities to build skills and knowledge outdoors in their communities. Selecting “Yes” or “No” will not stop you from being considered for a role at Concrete Safaris. It will allow us to make more informed decisions in where to place you, if selected.

Why do you want to serve children, youth, families, and/or community?

If you are from East Harlem, Central Harlem, or the South Bronx, what about your life experience makes you uniquely qualified for a position in your own community or in a neighboring community? (Answer N/A if not applicable)

If you are NOT from East Harlem, Central Harlem, or the South Bronx, what about your life experience makes you uniquely qualified for a position in an unfamiliar community? (Answer N/A if not applicable)

Can you safely spend time in all areas of East Harlem?

If you answered “No,” which areas or public housing developments in East Harlem are off-limits to you due to safety concerns?

What do you know about the culture, history, health, and current resources in East Harlem?

East Harlem experiences shootings, shots fired, and homicides throughout the year. These events may occur in close proximity to or within several blocks of our campus. Will you be able to commit to a year or more of employment given the reality of these incidents?

Whether you are walking, taking public transit, biking, skating, scooting, or driving, will you be able to travel to our campus in East Harlem for up to 40 hours of work per week over 5 or 6 days per week for at least 1 year?

List three references [name, relationship (no family members), number of years known, email, phone number]:

Tell us about an adventure you planned and completed:

Anything else we should know about your background or skills related to this position?

How did you hear about Concrete Safaris?

Instagram
Facebook
A Current or Past Participant
A Current or Past Employee
Career Fair, College/University Professor, etc.
Reference
Email/Listserv
Job search website
Other

Did you complete this application yourself?

If not, who did?

Please send your resume to resumes@concretesafaris.org. List the job title in the subject line. Thank you for your application.

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Outdoor Play Coordinator