YOUTH & TEEN CENTER STAFF

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 Youth & Teen Service Provider at the Valley Shore 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. The position is responsible for ensuring that the mission, purpose, image and core values of the Valley Shore YMCA is conveyed.

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 are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: 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 the children and program activities; knows all youth and teens by first name. 
2. Takes responsibility for the leadership and guidance of children.

      a. Acquaints children with rules, activities, daily schedules and area.

      b. Takes responsibility for the safety/welfare of each child including attendance.

      c. Reports all accidents to the Supervisor, and completely fills out proper incident form.

1. Follows all procedures and standards as established by the law or the YMCA; maintains the program site, equipment and required program records to maintain a safe and clean environment. Keep supplies organized, maintain and clean the facility and care for equipment. Takes responsibility for helping maintain good working conditions, inventory, and clean-up after all activities.
2. Creates a positive rapport and shared interests with youth, teens, staff, and members. Plans, organizes, implements activity plans for special interest activities and assists with Birthday Parties and rentals.
3. Deliver exceptional service by remaining positive, listening, and communicating with respect to members, staff, and youth; uphold YMCA policies and procedures. 
4. Maintain a professional appearance and manner reflective of Y standards.
5. Attends and participates in program activities, staff meetings, and staff training. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Exceptional customer service and oral communication skills. 
• Child Abuse Prevention training required within 7 days of hire.  
• Meets minimum age standards (18) as established by state law and/or the Y.  
• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting is preferred. 
• Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities. 
• Must understand their relationship to the children, parents, and the YMCA.  Must possess character that is above reproach and worthy of emulation by the children. Show maturity and have the ability to relate to children from all social/economic segments of the community.
• Must possess effective communication and organizational skills.
• Preferred previous experience with diverse populations.
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions.
• Within 90 days of hire, CPR, AED, and First Aid certification 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.
• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of the position and to supervise program activities and respond to emergencies and challenging situations
• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; bend, stoop, kneel, crouch.
• Must be able to have physical strength to safely hold an infant for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to physically and verbally interact with members
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud and supportive of children laughter and play.