Youth Support Program Staff

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Join Y Afterschool in Waterbury this school year as a Youth Support Program Staff and make a lasting impact by providing one-on-one support to a youth participant with individualized needs. In this role, you’ll work closely with the Program Director, program staff, and the child’s family to foster growth, inclusion, and connection. You’ll help adapt activities, guide social-emotional development, and ensure the child can fully participate in all aspects of Y Afterschool.

This is a great opportunity for someone with experience supporting youth with diverse learning or behavioral needs who is passionate about inclusion, compassion, and creating a positive experience.

Schedule and Location:
This is a grant funded position at Y Afterschool, based at the Waterbury Brookside Primary School. Afterschool runs Monday–Friday from 2:00 PM–6:00 PM , this role supports a student in attendance 3 days a week during this window of time, August 26th- mid June.

Why You’ll Love This Job:
• Create Real Impact: Help a child grow, thrive, and feel included in afterschool activities.
• Be Part of a Team: Work alongside supportive, mission-driven staff and leadership.
• Model Inclusion: Support a culture of empathy, understanding, and respect for differences.
• Enjoy Y Benefits: Free Y membership, program discounts, meaningful training, and the chance to make a difference.

What You’ll Do:
• Provide one-on-one emotional and behavioral support to a youth through their afterschool hours.
• Maintain constant visual and auditory supervision to ensure safety and inclusion.
• Adapt activities using accessibility tools and differentiated instruction to match the child’s needs.
• Support daily routines, including transitions, hydration, self-care need, and sensory breaks.
• Implement positive behavior strategies and follow any Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).
• Collaborate with staff and leadership to track progress and improve support strategies.
• Communicate regularly with the child’s guardians and the Program Director.
• Foster peer inclusion by encouraging positive interactions and modeling respectful behavior.
• Assist with activity setup and clean-up, ensuring any adaptive tools are available.
• Uphold the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Bring:
• Must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent (Associate degree preferred).
• Experience working 1:1 with youth with behavioral, learning, or social-emotional needs (e.g., paraeducator, behavioral aide, or similar).
• Knowledge of accessibility strategies and positive behavior interventions.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and empathy skills.
• Ability to remain calm and adaptable in changing or challenging situations.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certified or willing to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Must pass a background check and meet all state-licensed training requirements.