Instructor, Other Programs (5109)

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•Downey, CA

18d

About The Position

The Instructor supports the YMCA’s work to strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The role builds positive, nurturing relationships with children and cooperative relationships with parents or caregivers, staff, and partners. The Instructor promotes youth potential and peer connections, provides classroom direction, and teaches a curriculum focused on mastering specific skills. The position aims to provide children and parents with a quality experience centered on youth achievement, belonging, and strong relationships among youth and within families. The Instructor plans and implements classes around a specific topic and skill mastery, culminating in an exposition or showcase at the end of the session. The position maintains appropriate supervision, supports positive behavior, follows safety and cleanliness standards, maintains program sites, equipment, and records, and communicates with families. The role also participates in family events, program activities, meetings, and training; follows YMCA policies and applicable regulations; and contributes to an inclusive, safe environment. Work takes place indoors and outdoors throughout the year and includes water-related activities.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate activities around a specific area of focus.
Strong character values, including respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring.
Strong communication skills.
Emotional maturity.
Current approved First Aid certification 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 the 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, based on the topic to be led.
Previous experience working with school-age children in a group setting.
Previous experience with diverse populations.
Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
Y-USA Leader Certification.

Responsibilities

Nurture children through purposeful programming that builds achievement and belonging and strengthens relationships among youth and within families.
Maintain close visual supervision of assigned children, following ratios for the specific program or class; ensure no child is left unsupervised and no staff member is alone with a child during the program or class.
Help children manage behavior through a positive approach, including proactive strategies, redirection, and constructive discipline with natural and logical consequences.
Support inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act where appropriate.
Plan and implement classes focused on a specific topic and skill mastery, ending with an exposition or showcase.
Follow program standards, including safety and cleanliness; maintain the site and equipment and required program records in accordance with YMCA expectations.
Cultivate positive relationships and communicate effectively with parents; engage parents as volunteers and connect them to the YMCA.
Attend and participate in family events, program activities, staff meetings, and trainings as needed.
Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those for medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, emergencies, safety, 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; 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.
Demonstrate competencies and willingness to develop in mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and personal growth.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.