How to Be a Successful Employee

KidSpirit is known for its amazing staff. By adhering to the policies and practices found here, we believe you will be taken care of and successful.

The qualities of a successful employee include the expectations laid out in your job description, as synthesized here:

Arrive on Time 

Please arrive on time and clock in no more than five minutes early. You must also clock out no more than three minutes after your scheduled shift ends. On time means you clock in and are physically and mentally prepared for your shift (dressed, fed, hydrated, have used the bathroom, etc.). 

A shift is scheduled to start with check-in for participants and set-up for the program before the start of the class/activity. A shift is scheduled to end once all clean-up, progress reports, reports, feedback, staff check-in, etc. are completed as needed for the program. Communicate with your supervisor about what this looks like for your program or if you need to adjust your shift to be prepared for your class/activity. 

Arrive in Uniform

Staff must always wear their staff shirts while on shift (with the exception of dress up days in the summer) and ensure the text on the front and back is always visible. Each staff member must have “STAFF” visible on their clothing. If you have lost a piece of clothing, please do not hesitate to contact your supervisor for a loaner/replacement. 

Work Your Schedule 

Please provide a class schedule for the future term to your supervisor as soon as it becomes available. Also, please notify your supervisor of any days off needed for the term when submitting your schedule. In the case of unplanned absences, notify your supervisor/office immediately.

Illness 

Things you can do to help keep yourself healthy:

• Drink lots of water

• Get plenty of sleep

• Practice proper hand hygiene

• Clean and disinfect surfaces

• Wash laundry thoroughly

• When you are sick, do not prepare food or care for others

• Work to develop coping skills to help with stressors to make them manageable 

If you are feeling ill, and there may be a possibility that you cannot come into work, please call and Slack message your supervisor and the office 24 hours in advance on the 02request-schedule-change channel. Supervisors appreciate plenty of time to find a replacement if needed.

Direct Communication of Needs 

You are expected to provide feedback and communicate personal needs directly to the Leadership Team. Do not communicate needs through someone else. If another staff communicates their needs to you, your job is to encourage them to self-advocate. Speak for yourself and never have others speak for you. Additionally, never take on the burden of speaking for someone else. Self-advocacy is a life skill and is considered part of your professional development as a staff member at KidSpirit. 

Maintain Certifications: 

• All KidSpirit employees must maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications. 

Attend All Staff Trainings: 

Staff must complete the following trainings in order to be eligible for scheduling:

• Mandatory reporting

• Policy manual review and quiz

• Program Logistics

• Responsibilities, Duties, and Tasks

• Emergency Procedure Training

• Fish Philosophy

• Bucket Fillers 

• Class Management

• Diversity

• Communication 

• Special Needs

• Learning Styles

• Program Specific Breakout Trainings 

Do these things while on the clock: 

• Store cell phones and personal items in a way that allows you to focus on your responsibilities.

• Complete assigned tasks quickly and efficiently. 

• Ask clarifying questions and for help when need.

• Look for ways to be helpful to your fellow staff.

• Present the program in a positive light.

• Be an awesome role model for youth in the area.

• Work with fellow staff to create a dynamic workplace. 

Do these things while on a break and off the clock: 

• Studying and homework. 

• Eat, drink, and chew gum.

• Use cell phones, computers, and music players for personal use.

• Social Media.

• Personal business and lengthy conversations with classmates.

• Present the program in a positive light.

• Writing/reviewing lesson plans. 

Never do these things: 

Staff will never act in a manner that is unsafe or irresponsible while in uniform, this includes but is not limited to:

• Failing to use crosswalks.

• Drinking/smoking.

• Using language inappropriate for children.

• Gossip about other staff, campers, or parents.

• Riding a bike without wearing a helmet. 

Have Questions? Ask! 

You only learn when you ask questions—so please ask!—even if it seems like you keep asking multiple questions. We LOVE questions.