Teen REACH Assistant

Greater Peoria Family YMCA•Peoria, IL

16d•$16 - $23

About The Position

The Teen REACH Assistant supports the YMCA’s work to strengthen the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The role provides direct leadership, instruction, motivation, and supervision for middle school and high school students in an afterschool setting. The assistant builds positive, nurturing relationships with students and cooperative relationships with parents and caregivers, while supporting youth potential and peer-to-peer connections as part of the Teen REACH experience.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age.
Previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting.
Obtain CPR, first aid, and AED certifications and complete child abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire.
Ability to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
Ability to stand or sit while remaining alert for several hours at a time.
Ability to bend, lean, kneel, and walk as required by the position.
Ability to speak concisely and communicate effectively.
Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations, and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of college.
Experience in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, camping, songs or music, skits, sports, aquatics, or recreational games.
Previous experience with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

Assist in supervising a group of children.
Plan and implement culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate program activities consistent with YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Follow program safety and cleanliness standards.
Attend meetings and trainings.
Follow YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency, safety, and child-abuse procedures; complete incident and accident reports as necessary.
Maintain positive relationships with parents and staff, modeling relationship-building skills, including Listen First, in all interactions.
Teach lessons according to YMCA guidelines and prepare lesson plans accordingly.
Build effective, authentic relationships with students and parents, help them connect with one another and the YMCA, encourage parent involvement, and identify potential volunteers.
Communicate program information and schedules and, when appropriate, refer students and parents to other programs.
Perform other duties as assigned.