Instructor, Other Programs (5279)

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•Montebello, CA

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 promotes the potential of all youth, encourages peer connections, provides classroom direction, and teaches topic-focused curricula designed to help children master specific skills. The program experience should foster achievement and belonging among youth and strengthen relationships among youth and within families. The Instructor plans and leads age- and developmentally appropriate classes around a specific area of focus, with sessions culminating in an exposition or showcase. The role includes supervising children according to program ratios, supporting positive behavior, maintaining safe and clean facilities and equipment, keeping required records, communicating with families, and following YMCA policies and applicable regulations. The position may involve activities in indoor and outdoor settings throughout the year, including 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 around a specific area of focus.
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.
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, depending 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 programming that builds achievement and belonging among youth and strengthens relationships among youth and within families.
Maintain close visual supervision of assigned children and follow the ratios established for the specific program or class; never leave a child unsupervised or a staff member alone with a child.
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, culminating in an exposition or showcase at the end of the session.
Follow program safety and cleanliness standards, maintain the site and equipment, and keep required program records in accordance with YMCA expectations.
Cultivate positive relationships and maintain effective communication 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 proactively respond 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.
Demonstrate competencies and willingness to develop in mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and personal growth.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.