ARTS & HUMANITIES SPECIALTY INSTRUCTOR

YMCA•City of Rome, NY

About The Position

The Arts & Humanities Specialty Instructor supports a variety of youth programs, including 12:1:1 classes, STEM activities, arts and crafts sessions, and other creative or educational offerings. This role focuses on creating a positive, inclusive, and engaging environment where children can explore, learn, and express themselves. The instructor works collaboratively with program leadership to deliver safe, structured, and developmentally appropriate activities. 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 Arts & Humanities Specialty Instructor at the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley 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 intention 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.

Requirements

Experience working with children and families in educational, recreational, or creative settings preferred.
Comfort leading arts and crafts, STEM activities, or hands-on learning projects.
Ability to adapt activities for diverse learning needs, including 12:1:1 students.
Strong communication skills and a positive, team-oriented attitude.
Dependable, organized, and able to manage small groups safely and effectively.
CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
Must pass required background checks.

Responsibilities

Lead arts and crafts activities, STEM projects, and hands-on enrichment lessons for youth of varying ages and abilities.
Adapt activities to meet the needs of 12:1:1 students and other specialized groups, ensuring accessibility and inclusion.
Designs and implements clear expectations for the course instruction.
Prepare materials, set up program spaces, and maintain a clean, organized environment before and after sessions.
Support positive behavior management by modeling patience, encouragement, and clear expectations.
Build rapport with participants, helping them feel supported, confident, and engaged.
Follow all YMCA safety guidelines, supervision standards, and program procedures.
Communicate any concerns, supply needs, or program updates to the Program Director in a timely manner.
Attends required abuse risk management training.
Follows mandated abuse reporting requirements.
Reports suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
Assist with attendance tracking, documentation, and basic administrative tasks as needed.
Collaborate with other staff to ensure smooth transitions, shared spaces, and consistent program quality.