Childwatch

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Childwatch Staff is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children while their parents utilize YMCA facilities and services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide attentive and caring supervision to children in the Child-watch area while their parents or guardians are utilizing YMCA facilities. Engage children in age-appropriate activities, games, crafts, and play to promote physical activity, social interaction, and creative expression.
• Maintain a safe and secure environment for children by enforcing YMCA policies, procedures, and safety guidelines. Monitor children’s behavior, interactions, and activities to ensure their well-being and prevent accidents, injuries, or conflicts.
• Welcome children and families to the Child-watch area and assist with check-in and check-out procedures. Verify membership status, obtain necessary waivers or permissions, and ensure that children are signed in and out by authorized individuals.
• Communicate effectively with parents, guardians, and Child-watch supervisors regarding children’s needs, concerns, and activities. Provide updates on children’s behavior, mood, and participation in activities to ensure continuity of care and a positive experience for families.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards in the Child-watch area, including sanitizing toys, equipment, and surfaces regularly. Assist children with handwashing, restroom use, and personal hygiene practices as needed to promote health and wellness.
• Address behavioral issues, conflicts, or disputes among children in a calm, firm, and positive manner. Use conflict resolution techniques, redirection, and positive reinforcement to encourage cooperation, respect, and problem-solving skills.
• Be prepared to respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies, accidents, or medical incidents involving children. Follow YMCA emergency procedures, administer basic first aid as needed, and seek assistance from supervisors or medical professionals as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES:

• Mission Advancement - Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
• Collaboration - Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
• Operational Effectiveness - Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
• Personal Growth - Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age of 16.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact positively with children and families.
• Ability to maintain a calm, patient, and compassionate demeanor in challenging situations.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Previous experience working with children in a childcare, daycare, camp, or recreational setting preferred.
• Certifications required within 60 days of employment: CPR, First Aid, AED, Oxygen.
• Ability to complete the following within 30 days of hire: Child Abuse Prevention; Bloodborne Pathogens and Sexual Harassment training.
• Passion for the YMCA mission and commitment to serving the community.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to perform all physical requirements of the position; including walking, standing, bending, reaching and lifting up to 50 lbs. at a time.