Instructor, Other Programs
About The Position
The Instructor (youth programs) supports the YMCA’s mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The role builds positive, nurturing relationships with children and cooperative relationships with parents and caregivers, staff, and community partners. The instructor supports youth potential, encourages peer connections, provides classroom direction, and teaches topic-focused curricula aimed at developing specific skills. The position seeks to provide children and parents with a quality experience centered on achievement, belonging, and strong relationships. The instructor plans and implements classes around a specific topic and skill mastery, culminating in an end-of-session exposition or showcase. The role maintains close visual supervision of assigned children, supports positive behavior, and follows YMCA safety, cleanliness, recordkeeping, inclusion, child-protection, and program standards. The instructor communicates with and engages parents, participates in family and program events, staff meetings, and trainings, and follows applicable regulations and YMCA policies. The position is seasonal and based at the Kolar Family YMCA in Downey, California, with negligible travel and a day shift. Work takes place indoors and outdoors throughout the year and includes water-related activities.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Ability to plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate program activities focused on a specific area, such as arts and humanities or sports skills.
- Strong character values, including respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring.
- Strong communication skills and emotional maturity.
- Current approved First Aid and Adult, Infant, and Child CPR certifications within 60 days of hire.
- Complete child abuse prevention training before the first day in the program.
- Physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.
- Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities.
- Ability to lift 30–35 pounds.
Nice To Haves
- Completed semester units in child development, human services, or related fields, preferably related to the topic being led.
- Previous experience working with school-age children in a group setting.
- Previous experience with diverse populations.
- Y-USA Leader Certification.
Responsibilities
- Nurture children through purposeful programming focused on achievement, belonging, and relationships among youth and within families.
- Maintain close visual supervision of assigned children and follow ratios for the program or class; ensure children are never left unsupervised or alone with a staff member.
- Help children manage behavior using proactive strategies, redirection, and constructive discipline with natural and logical consequences.
- Support inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), where appropriate.
- Plan and implement classes around a specific topic and skill mastery, culminating in an end-of-session exposition or showcase.
- Follow program safety and cleanliness standards, maintain program sites and equipment, and keep required program records in accordance with YMCA expectations.
- Cultivate positive relationships and communicate effectively with parents; engage parents as volunteers and connect them with the YMCA.
- Attend and participate in family events, program activities, staff meetings, and trainings.
- Follow YMCA policies and procedures for medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, emergencies, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management.
- Follow reporting procedures and respond proactively to situations to help ensure a safe environment.
- Comply with current federal, state, and local regulations and YMCA policies and procedures.
- Maintain positive relationships with parents, YMCA team members, and community partners, and model relationship-building skills, including Listen First.
- Demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character and YMCA Core Values in dealings with members, guests, volunteers, and fellow staff.
- Develop and demonstrate competencies in mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and personal growth.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
