Youth Leader - Before and After School

Before Or Afterschool Youth Leader

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 Before/After School Youth Leader at the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all youth, and provides a quality experience to both youth and their families.

Supervises a group of children and program activities, keeping an accurate count of children in his/her group at all times and ensuring child safety.

Follows all policies, procedures, and standards as established by TDFPS licensing, the law or the Y (e.g., safety or emergency procedures, behavior guidance strategies, child abuse prevention policies); makes ADA accommodations where appropriate; maintains the program site, equipment, and required program records.

Nurtures children through purposeful programming; plans, sets up, and executes activities that are intended to achieve program goals and outcomes, are culturally relevant, are developmentally appropriate, and are consistent with the Y's values. A few examples of curriculum include physical activities, arts & crafts, STEM, homework assistance, character development, and snack time.

Creates a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth; models relationship-building skills in all interactions.

Provides opportunities for youth to lead, problem-solve, and make decisions and choices within the program and provides daily opportunities for youth to reflect on and respond to their experiences.

Provides and welcomes ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their child's needs and progress; connects families to the Y.

Attends and participates in program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.

Applies all YMCA policies and procedures and exemplifies the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith.

Must safely operate a 14-passenger YMCA bus to transport children to and from local schools and program sites for the afterschool program; Defensive Driving Course is required (offered through the Y as an online training course).

All other duties as assigned.

Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or GED; may be 16 or 17 years old if enrolled in an approved High school Career Program and under direct supervision of qualified staff; one year or more of college preferred.

Must like children; previous experience working with children in a licensed program preferred.

Must be able to attend and complete all required trainings.

Must have or obtain a current TB test prior to employment.

Must have reliable transportation.

Previous experience in one or more of the following areas preferred: songs/music, crafts, STEM, team building, skits, sports, or recreational games.

Possess strong conflict management, decision making and communication skills.

Capacity to be flexible and adjust to changing work environment.

Previous experience working with diverse populations.

Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

CPR/AED/O2/First Aid certifications and Child Abuses Prevention, Understanding Your Biases, Anti-Harassment, Blood Borne Pathogens, Hazard Communication Awareness, and Slips, Trips, and Falls trainings required within 30 days of hire.

Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.