Program Assistant (3509)

Position Summary This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Program Assistant (youth programs) creates positive, nurturing relationships with children while building cooperative relationships with parents, staff, and partners. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer‑to‑peer connections as part of the overall program experience. Essential Functions Nurtures children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families. Maintains close visual supervision of a group of assigned children, following ratios based on specific program or class. No child is left unsupervised or staff alone with a child at any time while attending program or class. Help children manage behavior using a positive approach, including proactive strategies, redirection and using constructive discipline with natural and logical consequences. Actively supports the YMCA’s commitment to inclusion and compliance with the American with Disabilities Act where appropriate. Planning and implementing classes based on a specific topic and skill mastery, culminating in an exposition or showcase at the end of the session. Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness, maintains site and equipment, and maintains required program records in accordance with YMCA expectations. Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents. Engages parents as volunteers and connects them to the YMCA. Attends and participates in family events, program activities, staff meetings and trainings. Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies. Follows reporting procedures and proactively responds to situations to ensure a safe environment for all involved. Understands and complies with current federal, state, local regulations, and YMCA policies and procedures at all times. Maintains positive relationship with parents, other YMCA team members and community partners. Models relationship‑building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions. Attend meetings and trainings as needed. Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management. Demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character – Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Fairness – as well as the YMCA Core Values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility in all dealings with members, guests, volunteers and fellow staff. Demonstrate competencies in and willingness to develop in the Cause‑Driven Leadership areas of mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness and personal growth. All other duties as assigned by your supervisor. YMCA Leadership Competencies Advancing Our Mission and Cause Change leadership Engaging community Philanthropy and volunteerism Building Relationships Collaboration Communication and influence Inclusion Leading Operations Critical thinking and decision making Fiscal management Functional expertise Innovation Program and project management Developing and Inspiring Others Emotional maturity and development of self and others Critical competencies for success in this position: Engaging Community, Inclusion, Critical Thinking and Decision Making, Emotional Maturity. Qualifications Age: 21 years or older. Education: High school diploma or equivalent. School‑issued work permit required for employees under the age of 18. Related experience: Previous experience working with school‑age children in a group setting (preferred). Ability to assist in planning, organization and implementation of age‑appropriate or developmentally appropriate program activities around a specific area of focus (arts and humanities, sports skills, etc.). Previous experience with diverse populations preferred. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds. Completed semester units in child development, human services, or related fields, preferred. Specialized skills: Strong character values (respect, responsibility, honesty, caring), strong communication skills, emotional maturity. Licenses and certifications: Current approved First Aid, Adult, Infant and Child CPR certifications. Completion of child abuse prevention training prior to first day in program. Work Environment and Minimum Physical Requirements You must have the physical, visual and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations. Ability to plan, lead and participate in activities. Job is performed in indoor and outdoor environments throughout the year. Job does include water‑related activities. Ability to lift 30 to 35 pounds. #J-18808-Ljbffr YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles