The Town of Clinton's Parks & Recreation Department seeks applicants for Program Assistant to support the daily operation of the Extended Day Playground Program. While assignments may include both morning and afternoon sessions, the department is actively recruiting for the morning shift, 7:00AM - 8:30AM, Monday through Friday, when school is in session. Under the direction of the Program Supervisor and Director of Parks and Recreation, this seasonal position involves direct interaction with school-aged children during before- and after-school programming. Program Assistants are responsible for engaging participants in a variety of age-appropriate activities, supporting positive behavior, and ensuring a safe, inclusive, and organized environment. Program Assistants serve as positive role models and are expected to contribute to the physical, social, and emotional development of participants through active supervision and program participation. The Program Assistant must have the ability to competently and professionally perform essential job duties, including but not limited to the following:
- Provide active supervision of children at all times to ensure safety and well-being.
- Interact positively with participants to offer guidance, encouragement, and emotional support.
- Assist with planning and facilitating daily activities, including indoor and outdoor play, arts and crafts, group games, and quiet/homework time.
- Promote and model appropriate behavior; enforce all program rules, policies, and safety protocols.
- Maintain a clean and organized program space and assist with setup and breakdown of activities and supplies.
- Monitor group attendance and conduct regular headcounts.
- Follow daily activity schedules and directions provided by the Program Supervisor.
- Assist in conflict resolution among participants, using positive behavior management techniques.
- Serve as a positive role model and foster an inclusive, respectful environment.
- Communicate clearly and respectfully with fellow staff, parents/guardians, and program leadership.
- Participate in staff meetings, training, and supervision as required
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Knowledge of youth recreation programming, safety practices, and age-appropriate recreational activities
- Knowledge of first aid methods and safety precautions used in recreational programming.
- Ability to maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment for children.
- Strong communication skills with children, peers, and adults.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and follow supervision and direction.
- Ability to resolve minor conflicts among children using appropriate strategies.
- Physical ability to walk, stand, sit, speak, hear, and use hands for various program tasks.
- Ability to work in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, including schools, playgrounds, fields, beaches, and gymnasiums, in varied weather conditions.
Qualifications
Minimum Education & Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Previous experience working with school-aged children in a camp, daycare, school, or similar setting;
- Eighteen (18) years of age at the time of hire;
- Possession of Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certifications (or ability to obtain and maintain such certifications).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Two (2) or more years previous experience working with school-aged children in a camp, daycare, school, or similar setting
Special Requirements To Apply: send cover letter & resume, employment application, and/or inquiries to employment@clintonma.gov. Open Until Filled. Preference given to submissions received on or before November 21, 2025 Miscellaneous Information
Physical Requirements:
Ability to do moderate physical activity such as when conducting programming and lifting (up to 50 lbs). Physical ability to walk, stand, and/or sit for long periods of time. Ability to lift, reach, twist, bend, and use arms/hands for various recreational activities and tasks related to programming and executing regular functions. Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varied weather conditions and environments, with potential for exposure to harsh weather, such as fields, playgrounds, beaches, pools, schools, and gymnasiums.