Extended Day Specialist (Before and After School Counselor)

Town of Bethany

Parks and Recreation Department

40 Peck Road

Bethany, CT 06524

Job Title: Extended Day Specialist Department: Parks & Recreation Reports To: Youth Program Manager Classification: Non-Exempt, Part-Time Schedule:

· Before Care: 7:15 AM – 8:30 AM or

· After Care: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Job Summary:

The Town of Bethany Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children outside of regular school hours. Our Before and After Care Programs offer structured, enriching experiences that support working families and foster positive youth development.

We expect our Extended Day Specialists to be caring, reliable, and energetic. They must supervise and engage with children during these critical times.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

· Supervise children to ensure a safe, positive, and inclusive environment.

· Plan and lead age-appropriate activities, including games, arts & crafts, and homework help.

· Build meaningful, supportive relationships with children and their families.

· Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming program space.

· Uphold all school, department, and program policies and procedures.

· Communicate clearly and professionally with fellow staff, parents, and school administration.

· Appropriately respond to emergencies and manage behavioral challenges using positive reinforcement strategies.

Minimum Qualifications:

· High school diploma or equivalent (required).

· Coursework in education, child development, or a related field (preferred).

· Prior experience working with children in a group or educational setting.

· CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).

· Must successfully pass required background checks.

· Strong communication, patience, and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Attributes:

· Enthusiastic, dependable, and creative approach to engaging youth.

· Flexible and team-oriented mindset.

· A genuine passion for youth development and supporting the growth of young learners.

Work Environment:

This position involves supervising children both indoors and outdoors and may require moderate physical activity, including standing, walking, bending, and light lifting.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Town of Bethany is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.