Teaching Assistant I Intervention - Mills Park Middle School | Northwest Cary YMCA

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Teaching Assistant will support academic and enrichment programs for children in a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment. This role is responsible for assisting with daily activities, ensuring student safety and well-being, and building positive relationships with children, families, and staff.

The Teaching Assistant works closely with the Site Director and Teachers to support instructional plans, foster student growth, and model the YMCA’s mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

They are responsible for managing these functions in accordance with the stated mission, goals, and policies established by the administrative staff, governing committees, and Board of Directors of the YMCA. 

Job Schedule: 3:30pm - 6:30pm 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Interpret, communicate, and promote the YMCA’s mission, goals, and objectives.
• Build and maintain positive, supportive relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Promote inclusion and engagement for all by creating a welcoming environment for diverse populations.
• Interact with children daily, demonstrating sensitivity to individual needs and fostering a safe, nurturing program environment.
• Support academic and enrichment activities, assist with instructional plans, and help identify student needs.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children, providing guidance, discipline, and motivation in accordance with YMCA policies.
• Communicate regularly with the Site Director and/or Teacher regarding activities, student progress, and concerns.
• Maintain accurate program records and assist in collecting student progress data.
• Actively participate in staff meetings, trainings, field trips, and bus rides for supervision of student safety.
• Remain prepared, proactive, and engaged in all aspects of program delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program success.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Previous experience working with children in an academic or enrichment setting preferred.
• Strong skills in group management, activity leadership, planning, and organization.
• Ability to motivate and engage children, parents, and staff in a positive and supportive manner.
• Maturity, sensitivity, and leadership ability to effectively guide students of all backgrounds.
• Must obtain Basic Life Support/First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, and Epi-Pen certifications upon hire (additional trainings may be required).
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups across all social and economic segments of the community.
• Multi-lingual ability preferred but not required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.    
• Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, or special accommodations made of sufficient nature for completion of assigned tasks.    
• Ability to communicate clearly through speech and understanding of the English language.    
• Ability to walk, run, stand, kneel, stoop, and manual dexterity.    
• Ability to lift a maximum of 40 pounds.