Instructor, Other Programs (5104)

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•Gardena, CA

18d

About The Position

The Instructor 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 development, facilitates peer connections, provides direction in the classroom, and teaches topic-focused curricula designed to help children master specific skills. The role aims to provide children and parents with a quality experience centered on youth achievement and belonging and strong relationships among youth and families. The Instructor plans and leads age-appropriate classes and activities in a specific area of focus, such as arts and humanities or sports skills, and may conclude sessions with an exposition or showcase. The position maintains active visual supervision of assigned children, follows applicable group ratios, uses positive approaches to behavior guidance, and supports inclusion. It also follows YMCA and regulatory requirements for safety, child abuse prevention, emergencies, records, site and equipment care, and program standards. The Instructor communicates with and engages parents, participates in family and program events, meetings, and trainings, and demonstrates YMCA values and leadership competencies in interactions with children, families, colleagues, and community partners. The work takes place indoors and outdoors throughout the year and includes water-related activities. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including planning, leading, and participating in activities and lifting 30–35 pounds.

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 in a specific area of focus.
Strong character values, including respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring.
Strong communication skills and 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.
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including planning, leading, and participating 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.
Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Nurture children through purposeful programming focused on achievement, belonging, and positive relationships.
Maintain close visual supervision of assigned children and follow group ratios; ensure children are not left unsupervised or alone with a staff member.
Help children manage behavior through positive approaches, 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 standards, including safety and cleanliness requirements; maintain the site, equipment, and required program records.
Cultivate positive relationships and communicate effectively with parents; engage parents as volunteers and connect them with the YMCA.
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, safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management.
Follow reporting procedures and respond proactively to situations to maintain a safe environment.
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.
Develop competencies in mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness, and personal growth.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.