Youth Enrichment Instructor

Job Summary and Key Accountabilities: The Youth Enrichment Instructor (YEI) is responsible for implementing and adapting a wide variety of enrichment activities for grades K-8 in a before or after school program setting. The YEI plays a key role in ensuring that program participants have a safe, supportive, interactive and enriching program experience while ensuring the safety and security of all program participants.

Scope of Responsibilities: • Creates a safe, supportive, interactive and engaging environment for youth that is characterized by teamwork, camaraderie and inclusiveness. This includes demonstrating an appreciation of the youths’ efforts and accomplishments and providing assistance and encouragement to program participants when needed. • Provides effective supervision of youth that is age-appropriate, considers diverse abilities and interests and meets program quality, safety and policy requirements. • Positively interacts with youth, parents/guardians and other team members to create a respectful, warm, supportive environment. Models self-control, respect and cooperation to teens and other team members. Utilizes youth arrival/departure ensure to share information with parents/guardians and to build relationships. • Prepares lesson plans on a daily and/or weekly basis outlining program activities, ensures materials and supplies are available and ready for daily program activities, and ensures all program areas and supplies are clean and well maintained regularly. • Maintains accurate attendance, instructional and other records as necessary to meet program requirements. • Participates in team meetings and other special events

Minimum and Preferred Requirements Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 18 years of age and at least 5 years older than the oldest child with whom they work • H.S. Diploma or GED along with related college coursework and/or equivalent experience in a childcare, education, recreation or related program. Additional age, educational or experience requirements may be required based on program license requirements. • Must have the proven ability to establish constructive relationships and interact as a positive role model for youth and staff demonstrating the values of respect, responsibility, caring and honesty. • Commitment to and passion for the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission is required including a passion for working with diverse youth. • Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly and concisely present ideas and concepts and tailor communication to multiple audiences. • Ability to identify and leverage developmentally appropriate practices in conducting after-school activities; ability to observe student behavior and apply appropriate behavior management techniques. • Continuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skills. • Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Y Team competencies in previous experience or practice. • Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.