A YReads After School Youth Specialist - Pinellas/Pasco School Age Programs

YMCA of the Suncoast•Clearwater, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The YReads After School Youth Specialist supports the YMCA of the Suncoast’s YReads! literacy and mentoring initiative for kindergarten through fifth-grade students. The program uses curriculum-based instruction to support struggling readers in phonetics, sight-word recognition, spelling, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The specialist assists the program coordinator during program hours, helps ensure program goals and procedures are met, and teaches basic reading skills using lessons and curricula developed by the YReads Coordinator. The role also oversees the engagement, safety, and development of children in YMCA programs. The specialist supervises an assigned group, facilitates purposeful academic and enrichment activities, maintains attendance and other required records, communicates incidents and absences, and uses positive reinforcement and established disciplinary procedures. The specialist helps foster a nurturing, inclusive environment and builds relationships with children, families, volunteers, staff, and school personnel. All responsibilities are essential to the position.

Requirements

Must be at least 16 years of age.
Must have a high school diploma, certificate of completion, or GED; alternatively, must be enrolled in and attending GED classes and successfully complete them within two years of employment, or be enrolled in and obtain a high school diploma within the school year of hire.
Must have or be enrolled in state-mandated trainings within 30 days of employment and complete them within 12 months.
Must be able to stand, remain outdoors, and maintain continual physical endurance for extended periods.
Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds, watch, listen, and facilitate group activities.
Must be mentally alert and able to process and follow directions.
Must be able to supervise and instruct large groups of children.
Desire or interest in learning about literacy intervention.
Experience working with children in an educational environment.
Compassion and empathy for struggling readers.

Nice To Haves

Tutoring experience is strongly preferred.
A college degree in a child-related field is preferred.
Experience working with children is preferred.
CPR/AED, First Aid, Lifeguard, and Listen First certifications are preferred.
Knowledge of sports and children's programming is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with student supervision, maintain order, and positively reinforce appropriate choices.
Assist students to and from the restroom and monitor bathroom breaks and transitions.
Assist the coordinator with picking up and dropping off students around the school.
Follow required procedures when parents or guardians pick up students.
Maintain required paperwork, including testing and volunteer and student sign-in and sign-out logs.
Teach basic reading skills using lessons and curricula developed by the YReads Coordinator.
Supervise an assigned group of children and ensure their safety.
Maintain accurate attendance records, including face-to-name verification.
Communicate and document children's absences, injuries, and incidents according to YMCA policies and procedures.
Use positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate behavior and document or address inappropriate behavior using disciplinary protocols.
Facilitate purposeful programming that supports academic growth and provides enrichment opportunities.
Build relationships and foster belonging among children, parents, volunteers, staff, and school personnel.
Report suspicious activities that may endanger children or violate codes of conduct.
Maintain the organization of supplies, cleanliness of facilities, and care of equipment.
Model SMART behavior and promote a welcoming environment for all members.
Educate members about YMCA services and initiatives and connect them with YMCA offerings.
Inform members about volunteer opportunities and encourage volunteerism.
Share personal YMCA experiences and invite participation in fundraising efforts.
Celebrate members' achievements in health and well-being goals.
Promote youth programs and services that nurture the potential of young people.
Attend required abuse risk management training, follow mandated abuse reporting requirements, and fulfill job-specific abuse risk management responsibilities.