YMCA After School Program Aide, Kirk Family YMCA

Licensed Childcare Program Aide

Description 

The Program Aide is responsible for providing leadership, guidance, effective communication and maintaining the overall well being and safety of Y After School participants.  They must possess high energy, enthusiasm, genuinely enjoy working with children, and be team oriented. The Program Aide is responsible for assisting the Site Director and the Program Lead in the planning, implementation, and facilitation of a structured daily schedule. The Program Aide must be positive, with a patient and respectful demeanor towards children, parents, coworkers, and administration. All staff are expected to be interactive and engaging with the children throughout the day. This includes standing for long periods and participating in physical activities both indoors and outdoors.

Our Culture

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture.  In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.  

We are welcoming:  we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. 

We are nurturing:  we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.  

We are determined:  above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Essential Functions 

1. Supervises a group of children alongside Program Lead, being responsible for their overall health and well being. Provides careful, attentive supervision; alert at all times.

2. Promote and maintain a safe, supportive environment for all youth in our care by following child abuse prevention and safety protocols, recognizing and reporting concerns, and consistently modeling appropriate professional boundaries and interactions.

3. Take group attendance daily.

4. Maintains site and equipment daily.

5. Implements program activities that are engaging, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values.

6. Adheres to program standards regarding  safety, cleanliness, and adherence to licensing  protocol.

7. Attends training and staff meetings with Y After School leadership.

8. Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical emergencies, behavior policy implementation, child abuse prevention and all other emergency situations.

9. Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents, children and other staff. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions.

10. Maintains ongoing communication with Program Lead and Site Director.

11. Sets up for and cleans up after all YAS activities.

12. Performs other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

1. Must be at least 16 years of age or older.

2. Must complete 24 hours of training to meet the licensing standards of a licensed child day center.

3. Preferred CPR/First-Aid. If not certified, will receive training through the YMCA.

4. Exceptional group management, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

5. Experience in creating, planning, and facilitating interactive and educational/artistic activities relating to  youth development, physical fitness, and academic enrichment is preferred.

6. Must possess speaking, listening and writing skills appropriate for interacting with both children and adults.

7. Must be capable of implementing directives related to the daily program.

8. Must have flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

9. Demonstrate a working knowledge of YMCA mission, purpose and goals, childcare policies and YMCA standards; ensures the program meets the highest standards of excellence.

Work Environment & Physical Demands 

1. 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.

2. Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to supervise as well as participate in program activities.

The YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge is a Drug Free Workplace and is committed to the policy of Equal Opportunity prohibiting discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

If you value a culture of excellence, transparency, servant leadership, and accountability, please apply at ymcavbr.org.