Help a Scholar Find Their Spark This Summer

Power Scholars Academy Paraprofessional (Seasonal / Summer)

Power Scholars Academy (PSA) is a summer learning loss prevention and academic intervention program. We support scholars from all over the Denver Metropolitan area in developing their academic foundation, as well as social emotional and critical thinking skills. Over the summer, scholars spend 3 hours per day, 4 days per week with credentialed teachers reviewing math and literacy concepts to help reach grade level and prepare them for the year ahead.Do you believe every young person deserves someone in their corner cheering them on? Do you love building relationships, creating positive energy, and helping students grow in confidence and skills? If so, we’d love to meet you.

At the YMCA of Metro Denver, our Power Scholars Academy (PSA) is more than summer learning—it’s a place where scholars strengthen reading and math skills, build confidence, and discover what’s possible for their future. As a Paraprofessional, you’ll be a key part of making that happen.

You’ll support classroom learning, encourage scholars, help create a safe and welcoming environment, and bring positivity, connection, and consistency to each day. Whether you’re helping with small-group learning, leading an energizing brain break, supporting classroom transitions, or simply building authentic relationships with scholars—your impact will matter.

What You’ll Do

• Support teachers in creating engaging academic experiences in reading and math
• Build meaningful relationships that help scholars feel seen, supported, and encouraged
• Help create a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment
• Support classroom routines, transitions, recreation, meals, and enrichment activities
• Encourage scholar participation, confidence, and social-emotional growth
• Work collaboratively with teachers, site leaders, and YMCA staff to make summer unforgettable

You’d Be a Great Fit If You…

• Love working with youth and helping them succeed
• Bring positive energy, patience, and flexibility
• Are a strong teammate and relationship-builder
• Communicate clearly and lead with kindness and accountability
• Thrive in active, fast-paced environments where every day is different
• Believe learning should be engaging, encouraging, and fun

Why Join the YMCA?

At the YMCA, you’re not just filling a role—you’re helping shape futures. You’ll join a mission-driven team committed to helping young people achieve, relate, and belong while living our values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Show up. Build connections. Inspire growth. Make summer matter.

POSITION SUMMARY

Power Scholars Academy (PSA) is a high-impact summer academic intervention program designed to help scholars strengthen foundational reading and math skills, build confidence, and prepare for success in the school year ahead. Through engaging instruction, enrichment, and relationship-centered support, PSA creates a learning environment where scholars can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Paraprofessional plays a vital role in creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning experience for every scholar. Working closely with Academic Teachers, Site Supervisors, and Instructional Coaches, this position provides classroom support, reinforces instruction, supervises transitions and enrichment periods, and helps foster a positive culture of belonging and achievement.

Successful candidates are relationship-builders who bring energy, flexibility, and a genuine passion for helping young people succeed. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families.

OUR PATH

For 150 years, the YMCA of Metro Denver has been more than a place - it is a movement that lifts spirit, mind and body for all.  Our direction is clear: Elevate Lives and Rise Together.  Grounded by our mission and strengthened by the global YMCA movement we will elevate our people, purpose, partnerships and promise.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Support Academic Teachers in delivering high-quality literacy and mathematics instruction aligned with program goals.
• Reinforce academic learning through small-group support, individualized assistance, and active classroom engagement.
• Assist with scholar assessments, including pre- and post-program academic testing and progress monitoring.
• Help maintain a structured, safe, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes positive behavior and active participation.
• Supervise scholars during classroom transitions, meals, brain breaks, recreation, and enrichment activities while maintaining active supervision standards.
• Build positive relationships with scholars that foster trust, belonging, confidence, and engagement in learning.
• Collaborate with teachers and program staff to identify scholar needs and support instructional and behavioral strategies.
• Communicate professionally with staff, families, and community partners as needed to support scholar success.
• Attend required trainings, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of program operations and scholar success.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Relationship Building
• Clear & Compassionate Communication
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Youth Engagement
• Active Listening
• Inclusion & Cultural Humility
• Adaptability
• Safety & Accountability
• Initiative / Problem Solving

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

          None

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Work is performed in classrooms, learning spaces, recreation areas, cafeterias, and occasionally outdoor settings as part of summer learning and enrichment programming.
• Regular interaction with scholars, families, volunteers, school partners, and YMCA staff in a collaborative, youth-centered environment focused on academic growth and positive youth development.
• Frequent transitions between classrooms, enrichment activities, meals, recreation, and supervised movement throughout the program day.
• Moderate to high noise levels typical of active youth programming and classroom environments.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions, including heat, sunlight/UV exposure, wet conditions, and changing weather during outdoor activities or transitions.
• Fast-paced environment requiring flexibility, active supervision, and the ability to support multiple program needs while maintaining a safe and welcoming atmosphere.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Ability to remain actively engaged with scholars throughout the program day, including regularly sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and moving between program areas.
• Ability to use hands and arms to operate instructional materials, classroom technology, and program equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, and move classroom supplies, activity materials, or equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively with scholars, families, and colleagues; observe scholar behavior and learning needs; and respond appropriately to routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to participate in indoor and outdoor program activities, including active supervision during transitions, recreation, and enrichment periods.

DISCLAIMER

The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver reserves the right to modify, add, or remove job duties and responsibilities as business needs evolve.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position.

Employment with the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the organization at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION & RISK MANAGEMENT

The YMCA is committed to the safety and well-being of all children and vulnerable individuals. As part of our commitment to child abuse prevention and Praesidium accreditation standards, all employees are required to comply with YMCA abuse prevention policies, including screening, training, supervision, and reporting requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a high school diploma or GED and 48 credit hours of early childhood, elementary or related human services field education, or 15 college credit hours and one year experience related to the care and development of children in a school setting or high school diploma and SAT scores (within the last 5 years, required minimum scores 500 in Math and 470 in Reading).
• At least 18 years of age or older
• Ability to plan, organize and implement program activities.
• Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback.
• Commitment to teamwork and collaboration with diverse populations.
• Outstanding verbal, written, and technological (computer/ internet) skills.
• Ability to build relationships and influence scholars, staff, community members & families.
• Current CPR/AED and Standard First Aid certification 

BENEFITS 

• Free individual membership 
• Program discounts
• Generous Retirement Contribution Options -Includes company contribution of 10% once eligibility is met
• Employee Assistance Program
• Accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked
• Paid Time off for those scheduled and working 20 per week

Salary : $20