MEMBER CHILD WATCH

Department: Member Experience
Reports To: Member Services or Child watch supervisor

Position Summary

The Child Watch Attendant provides a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for children while parents or guardians participate in YMCA programs or activities. This position supports the YMCA’s mission by ensuring quality care, positive interactions, and adherence to all safety and child protection policies.

Essential Functions

• Supervise and engage children in a safe, nurturing, and age-appropriate manner

• Ensure children are signed in and out according to YMCA procedures

• Maintain constant visual and auditory supervision of all children

• Enforce YMCA Child Watch guidelines, safety rules, and behavior expectations

• Respond appropriately to minor incidents, conflicts, or emergencies

• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary Child Watch area

• Communicate professionally with parents and guardians

• Model YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility

Child Abuse Prevention language:

Employees and volunteers who directly supervise consumers will:

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
• Attend required abuse risk management training.
• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising consumers.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

Employees and volunteers who do not directly supervise consumers will:

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
• Attend required abuse risk management training.
• Report suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
• Adhere to job specific abuse risk management responsibilities.
  • Maintenance employees and volunteers—ensure unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely monitor high-risk locations (locker-rooms and bathrooms), etc.
  • Front desk personnel—ensure consumers are properly signed in and signed out,ensures only authorized adults are allowed in the facility, etc.

Qualifications

• Minimum age: typically 16–18 years old (per YMCA policy)

• Experience working with children preferred

• Ability to relate effectively to children and families

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to remain attentive, calm, and positive in a busy environment

Certifications & Training

• CPR/AED and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)

• Completion of YMCA Child Abuse Prevention training

• Compliance with all YMCA safety and supervision requirements

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the shift

• Ability to lift and carry children or equipment as needed

• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations

Work Environment

• Indoor child care setting with moderate noise levels

• Flexible hours, including mornings, evenings, and weekends. 

  Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

  The YMCA of South Alabama is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and members.

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