YReads After School Youth Specialist

YMCA of the Suncoast•Clearwater, FL

About The Position

The YReads After School Youth Specialist supports the YMCA of the Suncoast’s YReads! literacy and mentoring program for kindergarten through fifth-grade students. The program uses curriculum-based literacy instruction to help struggling readers develop phonetics, sight-word recognition, spelling, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The specialist supports the program coordinator in achieving program goals and procedures and teaches basic reading skills using lessons and curricula developed by the YReads coordinator. The role also oversees children’s engagement, safety, and development in YMCA programs. The specialist facilitates purposeful academic and enrichment activities, builds relationships with children and families, and helps create a nurturing, inclusive environment. The position involves supervision, attendance and incident documentation, positive behavior support, and adherence to YMCA policies and abuse-prevention requirements. The stated pay is $16.00 per hour, with possible incentives; the shift is Monday through Friday.

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 employment.
Must have or enroll in state-mandated trainings within 30 days of employment and complete them within 12 months of employment.
Must be able to stand, remain outdoors, and maintain continual physical endurance for extended periods.
Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
Must be able to watch, listen, facilitate group activities, and supervise and instruct large groups of children.
Must be mentally alert and able to process and follow directions.
Interest in or desire to learn 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.
Experience working with children is preferred.
A college degree in a child-related field is preferred.
CPR/AED, First Aid, Lifeguard, and Listen First certifications are preferred.
Knowledge of sports and children’s programming is preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervise a designated group of children and ensure their safety.
Assist with student supervision, maintain order, and positively reinforce appropriate choices.
Assist students to and from the restroom and monitor bathroom breaks and transitions.
Help pick up and drop off students around the school.
Follow required procedures when parents or guardians pick up students.
Maintain accurate attendance records, including student sign-in and sign-out logs, and verify attendance through face-to-name checks.
Maintain testing and volunteer records and document children’s absences, injuries, and incidents according to YMCA procedures.
Teach basic reading skills using lessons and curricula developed by the YReads coordinator.
Facilitate purposeful programming that supports academic growth and provides enrichment opportunities.
Use positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate behavior and document and address inappropriate behavior using disciplinary protocols.
Build relationships and foster belonging among children, parents, volunteers, staff, and school personnel.
Maintain a nurturing and secure environment; report suspicious activities that may endanger children or violate codes of conduct.
Keep supplies organized, facilities clean, and equipment cared for.
Attend required abuse risk management training, follow mandated abuse reporting requirements, and fulfill job-specific abuse risk management responsibilities.
Model SMART behavior and promote a welcoming environment for YMCA members.
Educate members about YMCA services and initiatives and connect them with YMCA offerings.
Promote volunteer opportunities, encourage participation in fundraising efforts, celebrate members’ health and well-being achievements, and promote youth programs and services.