POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the mission and work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization. The Special Needs Support Staff provides one-on-one support for children with special needs in a program setting and maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting and maintaining safe conditions in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. This results in a cause-centered culture that is welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience working with children with diverse abilities.
• Studying or Degree in Education, Special Education, Psychology or related field preferred.
• Good role model, with integrity and adaptability.
• Must be observant, safety-conscious, and able to react calmly and quickly in an emergency.
• Must complete new employee trainings and department onboarding.
• Current First Aid, Adult and Child CPR, AED, and O2 administration certifications required by within 30 days of employment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Demonstrate the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in relationships with colleagues, members, volunteers, vendors and guests.
• Creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers.
• Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall YMCA experience.
• Always aim for inclusion while conducting own alternative activities, and assisting teachers in daily activities.
• Continually assess child’s needs and implement schedules, transition warnings, and breaks as needed.
• Maintains physical presence, remains alert at all times while on duty, maintains constant visual attention to child, and remains aware of surroundings.
• Help foster the intellectual, social, and physical growth of child by providing a meaningful and enjoyable classroom or camp experience.
• Knows, follows, and enforces all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including those for the prevention of child abuse and the Rule of Three.
• Follows all procedures and guidelines including those pertaining to health and safety, supervision, drop-off/pick-up, attendance, forms, reports, and staff expectations as required by the YMCA, licensing, and the state health department.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and trainings.