Job Description

Playworks is the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. Learn about the energetic, creative people working to ensure every kid has the chance to play—every day.

ABOUT THE POSITION: As a Site Specialist, you will bring healthy play and physical activity to two elementary schools to create a positive environment for learning and teaching. In this position, you receive two weeks of training before the school year starts. You will partner with two schools to run Playworks' physical activity programs focused on teaching and organizing safe and engaging games during the school day. You teach conflict resolution strategies, inspire all children to get off the sidelines and into the game, and work to generate more community and family involvement.

ABOUT PLAYWORKS: At Playworks, we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We create a place for every kid on the playground to get active, build valuable skills, connect, and have fun. We partner with schools, districts, and after-school programs to provide a service or mix of services, including on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support recess, digital resources, and consultative partnerships. 

This is a full-time temporary position for approximately 3 months beginning Dec 1st, 2026, until April 30th, 2027, at a pay rate of $24.47/hour. This position reports to the Program Director and requires on-site work in public elementary schools in the New Bedford, MA area during regular school day hours. School sites may be widely dispersed in the area therefore, daily access to reliable transportation is required.

Program Delivery

• Lead safe and fun recess programming, teaching games, conflict resolution, and positive play.
• Facilitate Class Game Time, helping students build the skills and confidence to successfully participate at recess.
• Lead the Junior Coach Leadership Program, training 4th–6th grade students in leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution.
• Provide training and support to school staff to strengthen recess and play-based programming.
• Adapt programming as needed to meet school and community needs.

School Partnership & Administration

• Build strong relationships and maintain regular communication with school administrators, teachers, staff, families, and volunteers.
• Collaborate with school leadership to develop schedules and successfully implement Playworks programming.
• Maintain program schedules, timesheets, required documentation, and evaluation materials.
• Represent Playworks professionally and help schools identify opportunities for continued partnership.

Regional Support

• Support regional events and corporate engagements, including Play Days, Corporate Recesses, and school beautification projects.
• Participate in Playworks trainings, professional learning, and continuous program improvement.
• Support regional fundraising initiatives, events, and other team priorities as needed.

If you're a good fit for this position, you already know most of what this job entails. However, to be sure we're providing a complete picture, here are some details:

• Success in this position will require you to be highly organized and energetic, great at multitasking, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage time and multiple priorities
• The strongest candidate will have proven experience and success in managing dynamic programming, staying up to date on administrative responsibilities, and be a motivated self-starter with the ability to set clear goals and follow through with flexible and creative problem-solving.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven organizational skills in meeting or exceeding expectations in production of timely planning and deliverables such as program plans, reports and observational notes. 
• Extensive knowledge of youth development principles and practices.
• At least 2 years of experience working directly with small and large groups of children.
• Experience working collaboratively with adults and facilitating trainings for adults..
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills with the ability to facilitate small and large group presentations.
• Experience establishing and maintaining professional relationships with internal leadership and teams and external clients through excellent interpersonal skills and professionalism.
• Experience interacting with diverse communities and ability to integrate into school communities
• Knowledge of computer and internet-based programs, especially Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Google Drive, and virtual meeting platforms such as Google Meet and Zoom.

Compensation & Benefits:

Playworks offers the full package - great benefits, a fun place to work, and an opportunity to grow professionally. We offer:

• This is a temporary, non-exempt position with a rate of $24.47 per hour 

This is a hands-on, creative, playful, and fun-loving place to work, all while contributing to the success of our nation’s youth. So if you're ready to immerse yourself in the education sector, working on a rewarding set of challenges and if you've got the skills, experience, passion, and a team spirit, apply!

• Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted on a rolling basis

Other things you need to know:

• This position may require travel to various locations.
• If a Playworks employee is required to drive a vehicle for work-related purposes (not commuting purposes), the employee must complete an authorization form and provide us with evidence of a valid, current driver's license and proof of liability/collision/property damage insurance with minimum coverage of $50,000 each accident/ $100,000 each occurrence
• In the event of virtual instruction activities, position will require use of computer technology and internet access

Typical physical and mental demands:

Playworks Site Specialists are required to frequently balance, bend, climb, grasp, kneel, reach, sit, squat, stand, stoop, twist, walk, and write on a daily basis. Site Specialists must also be able to occasionally lift and carry light to medium loads of 10 – 50 pounds, and be able to occasionally pull and push loads of 10 – 50 pounds. Requires a normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with children and adults. Also requires flexibility to readily adapt to a changing environment.

As an equal opportunity program, Playworks encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, gender identity/expression, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, faith, marital status, physical ability, or any other legally protected basis. Playworks evaluates all candidates for employment, volunteering opportunities, or board service on a merit basis.

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