Employment at SPI
Job Title: Program Associate (PT)
We are currently hiring! Applicants must complete the online application found here:
https://forms.gle/sRWffFawNzKLq5tGA
Program Associate - Part Time (5-20 hours per week, as discussed and arranged and in accordance with SPI's scheduling needs at the time of application and applicant schedule restrictions.)
Position Overview:
Employees in this role are the first to welcome participants to our play-based learning space. They set the tone that it is going to be a fun visit and that our staff is glad they are here!
Responsibilities include:
After an initial orientation period, as the particular talents and interests of new team members become known, employees will be asked to contribute more regularly to program development by researching, proposing, and assisting in the facilitation of new program ideas.
This position is for 5-20 hours per week, scheduled in accordance with SPI's needs and applicant availability, as discussed during applicant interviews. Currently, we need staff members with availability on Thursdays and/or Fridays, and some allotment of Saturday shifts to engage with drop-in visitors during public hours. Our shifts usually require a minimum of two program associates working together. Single shifts are either 8:30 a.m. to 1 pm. or 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. A double shift spans the whole timeframe of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a half hour paid break for lunch. Some Wednesday hours may be necessary for scheduled field trips, and - to accommodate occasional birthday party requests - some afternoon shifts on a Saturday will extend to 7 pm. (In those instances, staff will be consulted in advance).
Requirements:
Team members in this role are expected to spend time circulating to observe and encourage play, demonstrate how activities work, ask open-ended questions or put forth open-ended prompts to spark curiosity, etc. They serve as an ambassador of our organization and are expected to infuse energy and positivity into the space.
This job requires tidying throughout shift (wiping down/swapping out of frequently touched/used items and surfaces, resetting of tools/toys so that they are ready for use by new participants) and end-of-shift cleaning and sanitizing duties.
Activity materials and cleaning supplies must at times be retrieved or put away in our basement, which does not have elevator access. We have climbing areas for kids which periodically need some attention and cleaning and these can only be accessed by standing on a step stool/ladder or by getting into the structure. Some lifting and moving of materials (e.g. packages of paper towels, bottles of cleaner, boxes of learning materials) is needed. Applicants should expect that navigation through the space will be necessary to attend to the job responsibilities. Those with physical limitations may to an extent count on co-workers to assist with some of these responsibilities but should be upfront about their needs.
SPI Spot (pronounced "Spy Spot") hours are subject to change. Managers will consult with staff to ensure that the availability of associates is factored into the schedule if/when this occurs.
Applicants will be considered for this position ONLY IF they complete the online application found here:
https://forms.gle/sRWffFawNzKLq5tGA
Do not apply in person.
Benefits: Work in a positive and playful environment with fair scheduling expectations and encouraging/collaborative managers and colleagues; free family membership to SPI for your children, grandchildren, or younger siblings to enjoy (this also enables FREE or reduced price admission to hundreds of ASTC member organizations nationwide including COSI and The Works in Newark); five paid holidays and some other holiday time off (unpaid); paid lunch breaks between double shifts, and periodic merit-based employee incentives to support organizational goals.
Other info: Employees may not bring their children to work during their scheduled shifts. Some allotment of Saturday shifts ARE required and usually according to a predictable rotation, though the frequency and length of shifts is dependent on SPI's needs in a given period; co-workers also offer shifts to each other and make reciprocal arrangements as needed to accommodate individual desires for more or fewer hours in a given week.
Know before you apply:
It is an organizational value to align with scientific consensus and CDC recommendations related to vaccination. Adult staff are expected - per board policy and for the sake of public health in our shared community space - to be up to date on vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Currently, masks are not required for staff or visitors to our center. This is subject to change in accordance with emerging community risk factors as indicated by the CDC or local public health entities. Adult applicants who object in principle to the concept of vaccination or who are opposed to masking indoors as a public health measure in times of community spread (of any communicable disease) are not a good fit for our team.
We are currently hiring! Applicants must complete the online application found here:
https://forms.gle/sRWffFawNzKLq5tGA
Program Associate - Part Time (5-20 hours per week, as discussed and arranged and in accordance with SPI's scheduling needs at the time of application and applicant schedule restrictions.)
Position Overview:
Employees in this role are the first to welcome participants to our play-based learning space. They set the tone that it is going to be a fun visit and that our staff is glad they are here!
Responsibilities include:
- Greet and welcome guests,
- Process admission payments,
- Enter visitor data into database,
- Maintain a clean and inviting space for children and families,
- Answer basic questions about our organization and/or direct inquiries to more knowledgeable, senior team members,
- Assist other team members with activity set-up as needed/requested,
- Recognize kids' pro-social behavior while playing in our space (with compliments, rewards)
- Other duties as assigned.
After an initial orientation period, as the particular talents and interests of new team members become known, employees will be asked to contribute more regularly to program development by researching, proposing, and assisting in the facilitation of new program ideas.
This position is for 5-20 hours per week, scheduled in accordance with SPI's needs and applicant availability, as discussed during applicant interviews. Currently, we need staff members with availability on Thursdays and/or Fridays, and some allotment of Saturday shifts to engage with drop-in visitors during public hours. Our shifts usually require a minimum of two program associates working together. Single shifts are either 8:30 a.m. to 1 pm. or 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. A double shift spans the whole timeframe of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a half hour paid break for lunch. Some Wednesday hours may be necessary for scheduled field trips, and - to accommodate occasional birthday party requests - some afternoon shifts on a Saturday will extend to 7 pm. (In those instances, staff will be consulted in advance).
Requirements:
- Customer service mindset and experience - enjoys interacting with children and families and exhibits a warm demeanor.
- Basic proficiency and comfort with computers - to the extent of being able to enter data into a database once trained on procedures, send and read emails, find information online, etc.
- Ability to maintain positive relationships with other staff members.
- Willingness to share info - short, fun pre-school and elementary appropriate demonstrations - with preparation, practice and assistance from other staff members.
Team members in this role are expected to spend time circulating to observe and encourage play, demonstrate how activities work, ask open-ended questions or put forth open-ended prompts to spark curiosity, etc. They serve as an ambassador of our organization and are expected to infuse energy and positivity into the space.
This job requires tidying throughout shift (wiping down/swapping out of frequently touched/used items and surfaces, resetting of tools/toys so that they are ready for use by new participants) and end-of-shift cleaning and sanitizing duties.
Activity materials and cleaning supplies must at times be retrieved or put away in our basement, which does not have elevator access. We have climbing areas for kids which periodically need some attention and cleaning and these can only be accessed by standing on a step stool/ladder or by getting into the structure. Some lifting and moving of materials (e.g. packages of paper towels, bottles of cleaner, boxes of learning materials) is needed. Applicants should expect that navigation through the space will be necessary to attend to the job responsibilities. Those with physical limitations may to an extent count on co-workers to assist with some of these responsibilities but should be upfront about their needs.
SPI Spot (pronounced "Spy Spot") hours are subject to change. Managers will consult with staff to ensure that the availability of associates is factored into the schedule if/when this occurs.
Applicants will be considered for this position ONLY IF they complete the online application found here:
https://forms.gle/sRWffFawNzKLq5tGA
Do not apply in person.
Benefits: Work in a positive and playful environment with fair scheduling expectations and encouraging/collaborative managers and colleagues; free family membership to SPI for your children, grandchildren, or younger siblings to enjoy (this also enables FREE or reduced price admission to hundreds of ASTC member organizations nationwide including COSI and The Works in Newark); five paid holidays and some other holiday time off (unpaid); paid lunch breaks between double shifts, and periodic merit-based employee incentives to support organizational goals.
Other info: Employees may not bring their children to work during their scheduled shifts. Some allotment of Saturday shifts ARE required and usually according to a predictable rotation, though the frequency and length of shifts is dependent on SPI's needs in a given period; co-workers also offer shifts to each other and make reciprocal arrangements as needed to accommodate individual desires for more or fewer hours in a given week.
Know before you apply:
It is an organizational value to align with scientific consensus and CDC recommendations related to vaccination. Adult staff are expected - per board policy and for the sake of public health in our shared community space - to be up to date on vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Currently, masks are not required for staff or visitors to our center. This is subject to change in accordance with emerging community risk factors as indicated by the CDC or local public health entities. Adult applicants who object in principle to the concept of vaccination or who are opposed to masking indoors as a public health measure in times of community spread (of any communicable disease) are not a good fit for our team.