Hangout Buddies (Programming and Respite Staff)
Where Play Has Purpose — and Every Day is an Adventure!
Do you love kids, enjoy being active, and have a heart for helping others? Looking for a job that’s FUN and builds real-world experience for careers in teaching, social work, psychology, child development, or healthcare?
Come join our team at our children’s indoor playground and respite center — where kiddos explore, imagine, regulate, and shine… and YOU get to be part of their journey!
What You’ll Do
As a Hangout Buddy, you’ll be a friendly guide, playful partner, and steady support for kids ages 3–14 — many of whom are neurospicey (neurodivergent) and thrive with extra understanding and connection. You’ll help create a warm, inclusive environment where all kids can be themselves.
Your days will include:
- Providing compassionate 1:1 “hangout time” evening, weekends, during afterschool, break days, or summer programs
- Bringing our “Play with Purpose” philosophy to life — using play to build confidence, communication, daily living skills, social -emotional learning and coping skills
- Engaging in active play, creative projects, and calm-down activities using an engaging child-led schedule
- Leading imaginative play and hands-on sensory fun
- Supporting kids with emotional regulation, transitions, and skill-building
- Helping with special events like movie nights, craft sessions, themed activities, and more!
Schedule & Pay
- Pay: Starting at $14/hour (commensurate with experience)
- Hours: 15–25 hours/week
- Afternoons, evenings & weekends
- Extra daytime hours available on “no school” days and during summer
- Afterschool hours: 2:30 PM – 7 PM (one early-release day starts at 1:30)
- Weekend hours: Saturdays 10AM – 6PM | Sundays 11am – 4pm
- Summer Program: 8:30 AM – 6 PM
Who We’re Looking For
No special degrees required — just a heart for kids, a desire to make a difference, and the drive and commitment to help children thrive. We’re looking for energetic individuals with a creative flair who can lead when needed while also being strong team players. The ideal candidate loves working with kids, can multitask effectively, and is able to pivot quickly when plans change. Perfect for older high school students (Juniors and Seniors), college students, or early-career professionals seeking meaningful hands-on experience!
Ideal applicants have:
- Compassion & Empathy: You genuinely care about kids' needs and emotions
- Great Communication: Verbal, nonverbal, and written skills that build trust with kids and caregivers
- Patience & Flexibility: You stay calm, adapt quickly, and meet kids where they’re at
- Reliability: Kids count on consistent, dependable adults — and so do we
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- A playful, supportive team
- Tons of opportunities to learn about behavior, sensory needs, and child development
- Real experience that sets you up for future careers in education, therapy, social work, psychology, nursing, and more
- A job where you actually make a difference — every single shift
If you’re passionate about kids, love hands-on fun, and want to grow your skills while making an impact… we’d love to meet you!
Pay: $14.00 - $15.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid orientation
- Paid training
Work Location: In person
