Youth Development Specialist - After School Childcare

YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF EAST TENNESSE•Knoxville, TN

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you full of energy, love working with kids, and ready to make a real difference after the school bell rings? Join our team at the YMCA of East Tennessee as a Youth Development Specialist and help elementary-aged students grow, learn, and have a blast! In this role, you'll be the ultimate role model—leading games, crafts, and activities that build confidence, spark creativity, and help kids make friends and memories. You'll create fun activities and games that promote social, physical, mental, and even a little spiritual growth (think teamwork, kindness, and positivity!). This isn’t your typical job—every day is different, and your impact will last a lifetime. At the Y, we live by our core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We’re looking for team players who can bring those to life while having fun and being a positive influence. Ideal for college students who want to gain experience in education, recreation, or youth leadership—and have some serious fun while they’re at it. Come be part of something meaningful. Be a mentor. Be a leader. Be the reason a kid smiles today.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age and have a High School Diploma or GED.
One year or more of college preferred.
Previous experience working with children preferably in a day camp setting.
Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.
Be able to meet state requirements.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or scheduled form.
Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10’s and 100’s.
Ability to perform operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume and distance.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of children or employees of the organization.
Required DHS Training Courses; required to complete before starting work, provided by the Y.
CPR/First Aid; required to complete and receive certification within 60 days of hire, provided by the Y.
New Employee Orientation; required to complete prior to starting work. Provided by the Y.

Nice To Haves

Ideal for college students who want to gain experience in education, recreation, or youth leadership

Responsibilities

Assist Site Director with the teaching, curriculum planning, and supervision of students who are enrolled in the after school program.
Create appropriate relationships with students that allows for optimal development in the physical, cognitive, language, motor and social/emotional demands.
Implement weekly goals and metrics to support academic advancement.
Recognize potential issues in our program and apply problem solving techniques as needed.
Assist in the daily cleaning and maintenance of equipment, supplies and child care facility.
Collaborate with Site Director and other Y staff to create educational curriculum that is culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with state regulations.
Follows Y policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.
Maintains a positive relationship with parents and other staff. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions.
Follows all Y rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Completes incident and accident reports as necessary.
Uphold Judeo-Christian principles that are central to our mission by modeling behaviors that exemplify the Y's core values - Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Additional Core Functions may be required.