Y-Abilities Instructor

MERRIMACK VALLEY YMCA•Andover, MA

20d•$17 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Instructor will provide motivational and knowledgeable leadership to members, volunteers, families, and program participants while adapting activities to meet a variety of individual needs and abilities. In addition, all Merrimack Valley YMCA staff are expected to foster a culture of service excellence and actively support and promote the mission and core values of the YMCA.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications throughout employment (training and certification may be provided by the YMCA).
Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, as well as their families and caregivers.
Must demonstrate excellent customer service, organizational, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a supportive and professional manner.
Must have strong human relations skills to build and maintain positive relationships with staff, volunteers, parents, members, and program participants of diverse abilities and backgrounds.
Must be committed to the mission, values, character development goals, and inclusion initiatives of the Merrimack Valley YMCA.
Must be physically able to lift up to 40 lbs. and assist participants when necessary while maintaining a safe environment.
Must be able to stand, move, and actively engage with participants throughout part-time working hours.
Must be able to respond quickly, calmly, and appropriately to the unpredictable behaviors and needs of children and youth participants.
Must demonstrate the ability to support and encourage the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development of each participant according to their individual strengths and abilities.
Must utilize positive behavior management strategies and developmentally appropriate techniques that support inclusion, emotional regulation, and participant success.
Must maintain professionalism, patience, empathy, and confidentiality when interacting with children, families, colleagues, and community members.
Must be able to work collaboratively as part of a team and communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
Must consistently follow and implement all YMCA program policies, procedures, safety guidelines, and inclusion practices during operational hours.
Must coordinate and arrange time off in advance with the Program Director.
Must remain flexible and available to attend required YMCA trainings, inclusion trainings, and mandatory staff meetings.

Responsibilities

Work closely with the Inclusive Coordinator to plan and implement inclusive, developmentally appropriate programming and activities designed to support youth with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Maintain a safe, organized, clean, and welcoming environment that supports the needs, comfort, and accessibility of all participants.
Prioritize the physical safety, emotional well-being, and inclusion of all staff, volunteers, members, families, and program participants utilizing YMCA facilities and program spaces.
Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating and promoting the YMCA’s core character values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in all interactions.
Build supportive and meaningful relationships with youth participants while encouraging social development, confidence, independence, and positive peer engagement.
Adapt activities, instruction, and communication styles to meet the varying abilities and individual needs of participants to ensure an inclusive and successful program experience.
Report all accidents, behavioral concerns, and unusual incidents immediately to the Inclusive Coordinator and complete all required documentation in a timely manner.
Collaborate closely with fellow instructors, support staff, volunteers, and families to ensure consistency, quality of care, and positive participant experiences.
Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to assist with additional responsibilities that support the overall success of the program and organization.
Provide a high level of service, professionalism, patience, and compassion to all YMCA members, participants, volunteers, and families.
Maintain knowledge of YMCA programs, services, and special events, and actively encourage participant and family engagement within the YMCA community.
Be available to participants, families, and staff to address questions, concerns, feedback, and follow-up needs in a timely and supportive manner.
Support YMCA fundraising initiatives, including the Annual Campaign, by promoting community involvement and helping advance the YMCA’s mission and goals.
Actively promote YMCA membership and inclusive programming opportunities while increasing awareness of and access to programs for youth with diverse abilities and needs.
Wear your staff shirt and name badge during work hours.
Attend all required training per year and update your skills as the position demands.
Attend and help out at YMCA Branch events.
Perform other duties as assigned by Senior Management.