Instructor, Other Programs
About The Position
The Instructor supports the YMCA’s youth development work by creating positive, nurturing relationships with children and cooperative relationships with parents and caregivers, staff, and community partners. The role promotes the potential of all youth, facilitates peer connections, and provides classroom direction and curriculum focused on mastering specific skills. The Instructor helps create a quality experience centered on achievement, belonging, and strong relationships among youth and families. This seasonal position plans and implements topic-focused classes, supports children’s safety and development, and maintains program standards, equipment, and records. The job takes place in indoor and outdoor environments 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 or developmentally appropriate program activities focused on a specific area.
- 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 relevant 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 that builds achievement, belonging, and relationships among youth and within families.
- Maintain close visual supervision of assigned children and follow the ratios applicable to the program or class; ensure children are never left unsupervised or alone with a staff member.
- Help children manage behavior through positive strategies, redirection, and constructive discipline using 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 end-of-session exposition or showcase.
- 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 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 as needed.
- Follow YMCA policies and procedures for medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, emergencies, reporting, safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management.
- Comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and YMCA policies and procedures.
- Maintain positive relationships with parents, YMCA team members, and community partners, modeling 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 and develop 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
Education Level
High school or GED
