What are the responsibilities and job description for the Specialty Instructor- Youth Program (YCSI: Little Investigators) position at YMCA OF THE JERSEY SHORE?
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Specialty Youth Program Instructor at The YMCA of the Jersey Shore intentionally fosters a cause-centered culture that is welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined. Under the direct supervision of the Youth & Family Coordinator, the Specialty Youth Program Instructor will
carry out sport program curriculum, promoting skill development, good sportsmanship, healthy living and a passion for program participation.
carry out sport program curriculum, promoting skill development, good sportsmanship, healthy living and a passion for program participation.
Under the direct supervision of the Youth & Family Coordinator, the YCSI: Little Investigators Program Instructor will lead participants through an engaging, age-appropriate introduction to forensic science, investigation, problem-solving, and STEM concepts. The instructor will carry out the established YCSI: Little Investigators curriculum through hands-on experiments, mock investigations, evidence examination, observation activities, puzzles, and collaborative challenges. The instructor will promote curiosity, critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and a positive attitude toward science and learning. Previous experience working with children is preferred. A background or interest in science, STEM, education, forensics, criminal justice, or hands-on youth programming is beneficial but not required.
- Lead participants through the established YCSI: Little Investigators curriculum, providing clear, engaging, and age-appropriate instruction.
- Prepare for each week's investigation or activity by reviewing lesson plans, understanding the experiment or investigation, and organizing necessary materials before participants arrive.
- Introduce participants to age-appropriate forensic science and investigative concepts, which may include fingerprinting, observation and evidence collection, chromatography, handwriting analysis, codes and puzzles, mystery-solving, scientific testing, and other hands-on STEM activities.
- Explain scientific and investigative concepts in a way that children can understand while encouraging participants to ask questions, make predictions, examine evidence, and develop their own conclusions.
- Encourage participants to think critically and work through problems rather than immediately providing them with answers.
- Create an exciting investigative environment where participants feel like active investigators while ensuring activities remain appropriate for the age group.
- Lead individual, partner, small-group, and whole-group activities as outlined in the program curriculum.
- Demonstrate YMCA core character values of honesty, respect, responsibility and caring in all interactions with employees, members, staff and others; commit to ongoing professional development.
- Leads participants through the intended individual, small group and/or group program curriculum. Maintaining the roster and attendance tracking.
- Monitors participants activity to ensure all are participating, being treated fairly and provided equal opportunities. Proactively make adjustments to engage those not actively participating.
- Interacts with participants and parents in a positive manner that reflects a “family friendly” YMCA.
- Exercise sound judgment in relationship to member safety & injuries. Follow all
- Visually inspect work area and equipment for safety and risk, report to supervisor in writing any problems. Responsible for filling out accident/incident reports and getting these reports to the Regional Youth & Sports Director. Additionally, immediately report any unsafe or suspicious activity directly to Youth & Family Coordinator or Director on Duty.
- Embrace and adhere to service excellence standards; provide outstanding service to your customers and constituents.
- Adhere to policies related to boundaries with youth. Complete required abuse risk management training. Follow mandated abuse reporting procedures, including reporting suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations
- Represent the YMCA in a professional manner and promote a positive and cheerful environment.
- Attend and participate in all required staff meetings and continuing job training.
- Be able to complete payroll on time each week on the ADP Mobile application on your personal phone.
- Perform any other reasonable duties assigned by Youth & Family Coordinator or Branch Executive Director.
- Any person who cannot be present for their assigned shift because of an appointment, sick or vacation time is required to find a substitute and notify the Membership Director by phone and/or email at your earliest available time.
- Minimum 18 years of age or older
- High school education/GED equivalent
- Previous experience in program area
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in program area
- Certification or equivalent training in program area preferred
- Ability to communicate to youth and adults
- First Aid, CPR/AED certification within 90 days of hire date
- The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County New Team Member Orientation
- YMCA Child Abuse Prevention Online Training
- Blood borne Pathogen Online Training
- Notify Wellness Director within 60 days before First Aid, CPR/AED expiration date. The YMCA provides First Aid, CPR/AED recertification classes.
Salary : $18 - $20