B.A.S.E. Program Assistant

Make a Difference in a Child’s Day!

Do you have a passion for working with kids? Are you looking for a meaningful, flexible job that supports youth development and strengthens our local community? Join the Whatcom Family YMCA as a Before and Afterschool Enrichment Program Assistant!

Our Program Assistants are vital members of our Y team, helping to create a safe, fun, and enriching environment for elementary-aged children before and after the school day. You’ll support activities like arts & crafts, games, STEM projects, outdoor play, and more, all while modeling positive behavior and building relationships with youth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise and engage with children ages 5–12 in a group setting
• Assist in planning and leading enriching activities that align with YMCA values
• Ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all participants
• Communicate effectively with children, parents, school staff, and YMCA supervisors
• Support site coordinators with daily operations, setup, and cleanup

Programs are held at various elementary schools in Bellingham and surrounding Whatcom County areas. Specific locations will be determined based on availability and program needs.

Benefits for working at the Y:

• Free Y membership
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Paid training and professional development
• Flexible schedule — great for students or those seeking part-time work
• Opportunities to grow into leadership roles within the YMCA
• Make a lasting impact on youth and families in our community

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY:

Everything we do at the YMCA is based on the ideal that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or identity, diverse abilities, age, religion, socioeconomic status or any other statuses or identities. Our work is focused on eliminating barriers to access, eliminating disparities in health, providing educational support, supporting working families, and growing our next generation of change makers for our country.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Advancing our Mission & Cause: Engaging Community

Building Relationships: Collaboration, Communication & Influence, Inclusion

Leading Operations: Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Functional Expertise, Innovation

Developing & Inspiring People: Developing Self & Others, Emotional Maturity

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. At least 18 years of age.
2. High School Diploma or equivalent
3.  Have completed twelve college credits in any one hundred-level or above college coursework or equivalent as approved and verified in the electronic workforce registry by DCYF within five years of hire or promoted into this position.
4. Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
5. COVID-19 Vaccination Preferred
6. Complete Pre-Hire requirements
   1. Complete and pass DCYF background check
   2. Negative TB test within previous 12 months
7. Complete Training requirements
   1. Complete Praesidium Child Abuse prevention training within 15 days of hire date.
   2. Complete YUSA Orientation Training within 15 days of hire date.
   3. Bloodborne Pathogens Training
   4. DCYF Recognizing and Reporting child abuse Training
   5. CPR & First Aid (adult, child and infant) Training
   6. Food Handler Permit
   7. STARS 30 Hour School Age Basic Training (Must be completed within 3 months of hire date; this is an unpaid training with reimbursement available from WA State)

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to safely supervise program activities.
• The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.