About the position
Join our team in a fun and creative environment! As a Y Club Youth Leader, you will play a vital role in providing a safe, caring, and enriching environment for school-age children. Your primary responsibility will be to lead engaging activities with a group of children, which may include crafts, sports, snack time, and more. This position offers flexible scheduling, allowing you to work during weekday mornings before school and/or afternoons after school until 6:00 p.m. You will be part of a dedicated team that is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and ensuring their well-being while they are in our care. In this role, you will be responsible for implementing a group activity plan, preparing materials, and creating an environment that fosters positive interactions among children. You will consistently demonstrate positive discipline, helping children develop self-esteem and a sense of self-worth. Adhering to all YMCA processes, procedures, rules, and regulations is essential, as is the ability to identify emergency situations and respond appropriately. You will work collaboratively with your team, maintaining open communication regarding any concerns or issues that arise with children, parents, or co-workers. The YMCA of Greater Kansas City is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. We believe in the potential of every individual and strive to make our community stronger, starting with our youth. As a Youth Leader, you will have the opportunity to contribute to this mission while developing your leadership skills and gaining valuable experience in youth development.
Responsibilities
- Ensure the safety and well-being of youth in our program.
- Implement group activity plan; preparing materials, activities, and environments.
- Consistently demonstrate positive interaction with all children; talk to them and treat them with dignity and respect.
- Help children to develop a positive self-esteem and sense of self-worth.
- Adhere to all processes, procedures, rules and regulations of the YMCA, licensing and school district.
- Positively ID individuals picking-up before releasing children (picture ID necessary until you can personally identify them).
- Identify emergency situations then respond quickly and appropriately.
- Consistently demonstrate positive discipline; teach and redirect rather than scolding or reprimanding; firmly and consistently enforce the rules.
- Work in a team environment and provide open communication regarding concerns/issues with children, parents or co-workers.
- Be prompt and dependable to work scheduled hours; providing proper notice for time off and working with supervisor on coverage for day(s) requested off.
- Clean and pick up areas used by the program, as needed.
- Report suspected child abuse and neglect as mandated by the state of Kansas and Missouri.
Requirements
- Minimum age of 16 for Youth Assistant; Minimum age of 18 for Youth Leader.
- Understanding of and ability to apply principles of quality youth development and programming.
- Sensitivity to clientele and staff representing a variety of family, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Active engagement with and supervision of children requiring physical stamina, alertness and emotional stability.
- Ability to work with others in a team environment.
- High school diploma or equivalent; one year or more of college preferred for Youth Leader.
- Previous experience working with school age children (may include working as a babysitter, nanny or other childcare program).
- Commitment to provide quality youth development services at all levels.
- Demonstrated public relations and leadership skills in working with program parents, school personnel, children and co-workers.
- Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.
- Have a general understanding of computer technology.
Benefits
- Free YMCA Membership
- Leadership Development Opportunities and Professional Development
- Flexible Schedule
- Sign On Bonus: $250
