Y Club Youth Leader - Shawnee Mission

$26,000 - $29,120/Yr

YMCA - Shawnee, KS

Part-time - Entry Level

Onsite - Shawnee, KS

Social Assistance

About the position

Join our team in a fun and creative environment! As a Youth Leader at the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, 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. The position offers flexible schedules, allowing you to work weekday mornings before school and/or afternoons after school until 6:00 p.m. This role is perfect for individuals who are passionate about youth development and enjoy working with children in a dynamic setting. In this position, you will ensure the safety and well-being of the youth in our program. You will implement a group activity plan, preparing materials and activities while creating an inviting environment for the children. It is essential to demonstrate positive interactions with all children, treating them with dignity and respect, and helping them develop a positive self-esteem and sense of self-worth. You will adhere to all processes, procedures, rules, and regulations of the YMCA, licensing, and the school district, ensuring a safe and compliant environment for all participants. As a Youth Leader, you will also be responsible for identifying emergency situations and responding quickly and appropriately. You will work collaboratively in a team environment, maintaining open communication regarding any concerns or issues with children, parents, or co-workers. Being prompt and dependable is crucial, as you will need to work your scheduled hours and provide proper notice for time off. Additionally, you will be responsible for cleaning and picking up areas used by the program as needed. All youth development associates are mandated by the state of Kansas and Missouri to report suspected child abuse and neglect, and you will be required to notify appropriate associates of any suspected abuse, unsafe conditions, needed repairs, complaints, accidents, or injuries immediately.

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 and notify appropriate associates of any suspected abuse, unsafe conditions, needed repairs, complaints, accidents or injuries immediately.

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.

Nice-to-haves

• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

Benefits

• Free YMCA Membership
• Leadership Development Opportunities and Professional Development
• Flexible Schedule
• Sign On Bonus: $250* (for new associates, paid in two increments after the first paycheck)