Child Watch Attendant

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Child Watch Attendant for the YMCA of Coastal Carolina provides direction for the children in the child watch area, along with a safe, healthy, welcoming and entertaining environment for children of our members and guests.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Cares for participating children ages infant and older.
• Perform opening and closing procedures.
• Maintains a safe environment through cleaning and sanitizing toys, organizing the toys and equipment and removing any broken or defective toys or equipment and notifying supervisor.
• Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents. Engages parents and connects them to the YMCA.
• Maintains required program records through ensuring all children are properly signed in and out.
• Attend all trainings and staff meetings, as necessary.
• Performs 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.

COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY:

The YMCA of Coastal Carolina is committed to creating environments where children are safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Employees and volunteers who directly supervise children are expected to:

• Adhere to YMCA policies regarding professional boundaries with youth.
• Attend all required Abuse Risk Management and Child Protection training.
• Follow established procedures for supervising children and managing high-risk activities.
• Immediately report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Comply with all mandated reporting requirements and child protection protocols.
• Follow all YMCA and Praesidium standards related to child abuse prevention and youth protection.
• Every employee shares responsibility for protecting the children and families entrusted to our care.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience caring for infants, toddlers, or young children in a childcare, educational, camp, or recreational setting preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children of varying ages and developmental stages.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with children, parents, members, and coworkers.
• Ability to remain calm, exercise sound judgment, and respond appropriately in emergency or challenging situations.
• Commitment to providing exceptional customer service and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for all families.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Current CPR, First Aid, AED, and Child Abuse Prevention certifications, or the ability to obtain required certifications within established YMCA timeframes.
• Must successfully complete all required background screenings and comply with YMCA child protection policies and procedures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work is performed primarily in an active indoor childcare setting with frequent interaction with children, families, and staff.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and move throughout the childcare area.
• Must be able to lift, carry, or assist children and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds and occasionally more with assistance.
• Ability to actively supervise children by maintaining visual and auditory awareness at all times.
• Frequently required to sit on the floor, transition quickly between activities, and participate in age-appropriate games and activities.
• Must be able to respond promptly to emergencies, including evacuating children when necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and by telephone.
• May be exposed to moderate noise levels, cleaning products, and common childhood illnesses in a group childcare environment.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.