Lunchroom / Playground Monitor
Supervisory role ensuring student safety during lunch and recess periods
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About Our Organization
We are committed to providing exceptional educational services and creating a positive learning environment for our students, staff, and community. Our organization values integrity, collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in everything we do.
Position Overview
The Lunchroom / Playground Monitor supervises students during lunch periods and recess to ensure safety, appropriate behavior, and a positive environment. This safety-sensitive position requires the ability to manage large groups of students, respond to conflicts, and maintain order while fostering a supportive atmosphere. The monitor plays an important role in creating a safe and enjoyable experience for students during non-instructional time.
Responsibilities
Student Supervision
- Supervise student behavior and enforce safety rules and regulations
- Monitor students and provide appropriate assistance as needed
- Respond appropriately to emergencies including medical situations and behavioral incidents
- Communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents regarding student behavior and incidents
- Complete required documentation including incident reports and behavior logs
- Maintain order and discipline while fostering a positive environment
- Attend mandatory safety meetings and training sessions on student supervision
Additional Responsibilities
- Supervise students in the cafeteria during lunch periods, ensuring orderly behavior and safety
- Monitor playground activities and enforce safety rules and regulations
- Assist students with lunch procedures including opening containers and managing food allergies
- Maintain order in lunch lines and ensure students follow cafeteria procedures
- Assist with cleanup and organization of cafeteria and playground areas
- Enforce school rules and district policies consistently
- Provide positive reinforcement and support to students
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Ability to pass pre-employment and ongoing drug/alcohol screening
- Ability to pass background check and fingerprint clearance
- Ability to work with children of various ages (typically K-8)
- Physical ability to move about cafeteria and playground areas
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
- Patience and ability to manage student behavior appropriately
- Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience working with children or in an educational setting
- Training in behavior management or conflict resolution
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Bilingual skills (as applicable to district needs)
- Experience with special needs students
Skills & Competencies
- Strong student supervision and behavior management skills
- Ability to work effectively with large groups of students
- Excellent communication skills for interacting with students, staff, and parents
- Patience and ability to remain calm in challenging situations
- Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills
- Attention to detail for monitoring student safety and behavior
- Physical ability to move quickly and respond to emergencies
- Ability to enforce rules consistently and fairly
- Basic knowledge of emergency procedures and first aid
- Positive attitude and ability to create a supportive environment
Work Environment
This position works primarily in school cafeterias and playgrounds during lunch and recess periods, typically during school hours. The monitor works with large groups of students in a noisy, active environment. The role involves both indoor (cafeteria) and outdoor (playground) work in various weather conditions. The position requires constant vigilance, frequent movement, and the ability to respond quickly to changing situations. The monitor works closely with teachers, administrators, and other support staff.
Physical Requirements
Physical Demands
This position requires the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds or more on a regular basis. The role involves frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching. Employees must be able to work in various weather conditions and environments, including outdoor settings. The position requires manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to operate tools and equipment safely. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Additional Physical Requirements Specific to Monitoring
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (2-3 hours)
- Ability to move quickly across playground and cafeteria areas
- Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions including heat, cold, and rain
- Sufficient vision and hearing to monitor large groups of students
- Physical ability to respond quickly to emergencies and assist students
Benefits & Perks
Standard Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, holidays, and professional development opportunities. Additional benefits may vary based on employment status and location.
In Addition to Our Standard Benefits Package
Support staff receive:
- School calendar schedule with holidays and summers off
- Paid training and professional development opportunities
- Opportunities for advancement within support services
Legal & Compliance
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
At-Will Employment
This position is at-will, meaning either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, except as may be limited by applicable law or collective bargaining agreement.
Background Check Policy
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include criminal history, employment verification, and reference checks, as permitted by applicable law.
Safety Sensitive Position & Drug Testing
This is a safety-sensitive position as defined by applicable regulations. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Employees in this position are subject to random drug and alcohol testing, post-accident testing, reasonable suspicion testing, and return-to-duty testing as required by law and district policy. A positive test result or refusal to submit to testing may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.