Summer Playground Counselors {Seasonal} (Job ID: 04-2026-01)

Job Description

Job Description

The City of Independence Community Services Department is seeking responsible, reliable, friendly, and energetic individuals with a passion for serving the community to join our team as 2026 Summer Playground Counselors! Counselors will assist our Youth Program Coordinator in planning and leading daily Summer Playground activities, including arts and crafts, outdoor activities, swimming, and more for the entering K – 5th grade youth enrolled in the program.

Days, Hours & Additional Employment Details

A Summer Playground Counselor is a seasonal position from June 2026 through August 2026. Outside of mandatory training and program set-up/tear down days, the standard days and hours of employment will be Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8 AM to 3 PM.

There may be weeks periodically throughout the employment period where working evenings, weekends, and holidays are required resulting in an adjusted schedule and/or overtime.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in team meetings and training.
• Assist with the set-up, tear down, and cleaning of Summer Playground activities and facilities.
• Plan and lead daily Summer Playground activities.
• Responsible for creating and fostering a welcoming, fun, educational, and safe environment for the youth enrolled in Summer Playground.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Necessary Competencies

• Ability to Learn
• Communication (Written, Verbal & Non-Verbal)
• Dependability
• Innovation
• Judgement & Problem Solving
• Passion for Serving the Community
• Teamwork

Requirements

• Individuals must be a minimum of 15 years of age to be considered for employment.
• One year of supervising school-aged children (Preferred).
• CPR & First-Aid Certified (Preferred).
• Strong interpersonal communication and organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Willingness and ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Passion for serving the Independence community, especially youth.
• Represent the City of Independence in a professional manner.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, speak, and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and be able to lift up to 25 lbs. when necessary.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The City of Independence is committed to providing reasonable accommodation(s) to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Salary Information

• The starting salary range for this role in Grade A is $12.00/hour (Min.).
• The hiring salary amount will depend on the candidate's combination of education, experience and certification history along with other considerations.

The City of Independence is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

This position is an "at will" position and the successful candidate serves at the pleasure of the City of Independence, Ohio leadership.