About Search Firm

This position is being facilitated by Pathway Talent Solutions Group, a specialized recruitment and talent advisory firm. We partner with organizations to identify, engage, and place exceptional talent. Candidates will be supported throughout the process with clear communication, guidance, and advocacy to ensure the best fit for both client and candidate.

 

Site Location: Lakewood Elementary- 3000 Hillbrook St, Dallas, TX 75214

Reports to: Site Specialist
Department: Programs
Position Type: Part-Time/Non-Exempt
Days: Mon-Fri
Supervision: No

 

About Big Thought:  

Big Thought equips youth to imagine and create their best lives and world. The secret that makes our work uniquely effective is the powerful combination of our social and emotional focus, experiential learning, community-centered partnerships, with a future focus.  

Throughout our 30+ year history of innovation, Big Thought has become a national model in arts education, out of school time systems, summer learning and juvenile justice intervention. Now, we’re one of six community partnerships in the U.S helping scale national best practices in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). We take direct-to-youth programs and resources to communities with the greatest needs and share our evidence-based best practices with other nonprofits and organizations through a suite of consultation services including professional development, curriculum design and technical assistance.  

#Big Thought Way:  

Big Thought brings relentless optimism, innovation, and imagination to everything we do. We emphasize the need to center youth and use a collaborative, all hands-on deck approach to ensure that they are served well.  

To learn more about Big Thought, visit: https://bigthought.org

About the Role

Provide a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for youth participating in Big Thought's in-school and out-of-school programs. This role fosters positive relationships, facilitates enriching learning experiences, and helps create spaces where young people can grow socially, emotionally, and creatively.

About the Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is passionate about working with young people and creating positive, learner-centered experiences. They build trusting relationships with students, families, and colleagues while modeling professionalism, empathy, and Big Thought's values. They are dependable, adaptable, and committed to fostering safe, inclusive environments where every young person can thrive.

What the Role Entails

• Foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment that prioritizes the physical and emotional well-being of all participants.
• Supervise youth during program activities, transitions, and recreational periods while maintaining appropriate student-to-staff ratios and accurate attendance.
• Conduct regular headcounts and follow all Big Thought safety and supervision protocols.
• Support the planning and facilitation of engaging lessons, activities, and games aligned with Big Thought's instructional framework and Creator Archetype.
• Build positive relationships with youth by encouraging participation, promoting confidence, and reinforcing respectful behavior.
• Use teachable moments to model and develop social-emotional skills, teamwork, and positive decision-making.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, supervisors, and fellow team members regarding program activities and participant needs.
• Assist with special events, performances, showcases, family engagement opportunities, and holiday celebrations.
• Help maintain organized, clean, and safe program spaces, including inspecting equipment and reporting safety concerns.
• Support site leadership with daily program operations and complete additional responsibilities as assigned.

 

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; college coursework in education, recreation, child development, youth development, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience working with children or youth in educational, recreational, childcare, or community-based settings preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with youth from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to participating in required professional development, including training in Big Thought's instructional practices and creative learning model.
• Ability to work a flexible part-time schedule (approximately 20–25 hours per week), with hours varying based on program and seasonal needs.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency is preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrates patience, empathy, and professionalism when working with youth.
• Creates engaging, learner-centered experiences that encourage curiosity and creativity.
• Works collaboratively as part of a team while maintaining accountability and reliability.
• Exercises sound judgment and responds appropriately in a fast-paced youth development environment.
• Embraces continuous learning and feedback to strengthen instructional and facilitation skills.

 

PHYSICAL WORK ENVIRONMENT:

To perform the duties of role successfully, you may regularly be required to: sit, stand, or stare at computer screen for long periods of time; participate in external activities; use various office equipment, some manual; work in environment with loud sounds, multiple distractions, and interruptions; be exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures on occasion.
 
EMPLOYMENT TERM:

Part-Time, Temporary — This position follows the academic school-year calendar, generally beginning near the start of the school year and concluding at the end of the school year.

 

Note:

WE VISUALIZE A WORKPLACE THAT PROVIDES AN EXCEPTIONAL EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE.  WE BELIEVE A BASELINE REQUIREMENT TO ACHIEVE OUR VISION IS EVERYONE TREATED WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT –REGARDLESS THE ISSUE AT HAND. 

Employees of Big Thought are expected to participate in mission driven activities, meetings, committees, etc. BT is based on a team environment and an openness to always “lend a hand” as appropriate to another employee.

All employees are required to adhere to BT policies and procedures.  All employees may expect to perform duties as assigned. In addition, all employees may be assigned “other” duties in the spirit of teamwork.

This posting is not an employment agreement or contract. The CEO and/or designee has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.