Youth Program Staff Friday Nights

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 Youth Instructor position at the Valley Shore YMCA provides direct supervision of a group of children, creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing atmosphere where kids can develop skills, develop relationships, and have fun.

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 a group of children within the facility to ensure a safe, positive, and fun environment.
2. Plans and implements program activities that meet and exceed the stated goals of the program.
    
3. Teach and demonstrate skills positively; provide instruction for the correct and proper use of activity equipment when needed.
4. Assists participants with questions, comments, or concerns about the program activities
5. Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergencies.
6. Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents, children, and other staff. Model relationship-building skills in all interactions.
7. Responsible for the preparation of the facilities equipment to be used by and during the activity, and then cleans the space and equipment after program activities to ready for the next Y use.
8. Performs other tasks and duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age of 16 years.
• Previous experience working with children.
• Knowledge and skills within the program activities and related equipment, and the ability to instruct and model participants in techniques.
• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications, and Child Abuse Prevention training within 90 days of hire date.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

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.
• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions of the position and to supervise program activities and respond to emergencies and challenging situations.
• Speaking for extended periods to convey important or detailed instructions to members, participants, and/or staff.
• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud, depending on how much fun the kids are having.