After School Teacher

AFTER SCHOOL TEACHER

JOB DESCRIPTION

Company Overview

The Olympic Peninsula YMCA is a non-profit organization that oversees Y programs and focuses on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our mission is to build healthy minds, bodies, and spirits throughout the communities we serve. We strive to promote the values of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty. We are open to people of all ages, beliefs, incomes, races, genders, and abilities.

Job Description/General Function 

After School Teachers provide high-quality educational and recreational experiences that reflect the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Teachers are responsible for ensuring the safety and supervision of school-age children through effective group management and activity facilitation. Under the direction of the Site Coordinator, teachers will help lead and support engaging after-school activities across areas such as sports and fitness, creative arts, STEM, team building, and social-emotional learning. Teachers also lead and assist in all program areas, including food preparation, cleaning, sanitation, and health and safety procedures. Teachers will have the understanding, ability, physical health, emotional stability, and good judgment to meet the needs of the children in care.

Areas of Responsibility 

• Ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of school-age children in accordance with Washington State DCYF child care licensing requirements
• Maintain required staff-to-child ratios and provide active, ongoing supervision across all program areas, including indoors, outdoors, and during transitions
• Plan, prepare, and implement engaging, age-appropriate activities in recreation, arts, STEM, social-emotional learning, and enrichment
• Support and participate in daily program activities to create a safe, structured, and engaging environment for children
• Use positive behavior guidance, including redirection and appropriate discipline, while modeling respect, dignity, and inclusion
• Manage group dynamics, transitions, and daily routines to ensure smooth and safe program operations
• Support daily operations as needed, including snack/meal service, cleaning, sanitation, setup, and organization of materials
• Participate in field trips and off-site activities, including swimming, providing active supervision and support as assigned
• Maintain professional communication with children, families, and staff to support program success and continuity of care
• Collaborate with Site Coordinator and team members to meet program goals, safety standards, and YMCA expectations
• Follow all DCYF licensing requirements, YMCA policies, and health and safety procedures at all times
• Uphold mandated reporting, supervision standards, risk management practices, and appropriate boundaries with youth
• Communicate regularly with Site Coordinator or supervisor regarding program needs and safety concerns
• Attend required staff meetings and trainings
• Wear appropriate YMCA attire and maintain professional standards at all times
• Staff who meet Lead Teacher qualifications may serve as the designated person in charge when the Site Coordinator/Supervisor is not present

Minimum Requirements

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Experience working with children (formal or informal)
• Ability to plan, implement, and assist with age appropriate activities
• Ability to relate well and communicate effectively to a diverse group of individuals, in all circumstances
• Basic computer skills, including working with Microsoft Office, program and operating software, and internet applications
• Ability to assess and respond to safety and emergency situations

• Ability to pass a comprehensive background screening
• Have current CPR and first-aid certification or be able to obtain within 30 days of hire

Lead Teacher Qualifications 

Candidates who meet these qualifications may be placed in a Lead Teacher role based on program need and relevant experience:

• Minimum of 12 college credits (100-level or above coursework) in any subject
• Additional education in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, Recreation, Human Services, or related field preferred
• Prior experience leading groups of children in a licensed child care or school-age program
• Experience supporting or supervising staff, volunteers, or peers in a program setting
• Strong leadership, communication, and group management skills
• Ability to independently plan and implement structured enrichment or recreational activities

Additional Expectations and Duties

• Complete the applicable pre-service licensing requirements including a federal background check and negative TB test (or exemption)
• Complete all YMCA, DCYF, and MERIT trainings (YMCA funded) within designated timeframes
• Meet the annual professional development and on-going training requirements to satisfy DCYF licensing requirements
• Help to maintain accurate and organized program records, including staff files, licensing documentation, and compliance reports
• May be asked to assist in fundraising and recruiting efforts on occasion, including YMCA initiatives and special events
• Flexible availability, including occasional evenings and weekends, as needed
• Reports suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations in accordance to mandated reporting requirements
• All other duties as assigned

YMCA Vehicle Driver Requirements

• 25 years of age or older
• Valid driver’s license 
• Driving record that meets or exceeds YMCA standards. Driver records request will be submitted

Working Conditions

Activities take place both indoors and outdoors at the school campus and at the assigned Olympic Peninsula YMCA branch. Some programs are held off-site or during field trips. Participants and staff may encounter noisy and busy environments at times.

Physical Abilities

• Able to bend at the waist to pick up supplies, sit on the floor, play games, and perform  daily cleaning tasks
• Ability to lift 30 lbs.
• Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods
• Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting the voice across distance in normal  and loud situations
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate computers and office equipment
• Vision capabilities adequate to monitor youth in the program
• Hearing and speaking to exchange and gather information and provide assistance to  youth and parents/guardians in the program

YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary : $17 - $19