Before or Afterschool Program Staff at Essex Elementary School

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Assistant Teacher at the Valley Shore YMCA maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all youth, and provides a quality experience to both youth and their families.

OUR CULTURE: 
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.  We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Supervises the children within the classroom, playground, and during all program activities.
2. Assists in the planning and development of activities and curriculum-based learning opportunities.
3. Provides for upkeep of assigned program facilities and equipment and ensures the physical environments are safe and support youth development.
4. Communicates effectively with children to teach and role model character development of the four core values of Caring, Honesty, Responsibility, and Respect.
5. Develops and maintains relationships with children and their caregivers.
6. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with school personnel and YMCA colleagues.
7. Assures compliance with all YMCA policies and procedures and State of Connecticut licensing standards
8. Other tasks and projects assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 18 years of age.
• 3 months of related experience working with school-age children preferred.
• CPR/First Aid; Administration of Medication Training (oral and injectable).
• Valid driver’s license and/or reliable transportation to move from one program site to another when necessary.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments
  of the community.
• Understands the YMCA is a public institution committed to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

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.
• Employees must be able to participate in the activities directly with children, including physical activities
• The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, and be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and supportive of children's laughter and play.