Program Associate

101 Walter Ward Blvd, Abingdon, MD 21009, USA • Harford County, MD, USA Job Description Posted Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 4:00 AM Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they’ve made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us. At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference! POSITION SUMMARY Under the supervision of the Youth and Family Services Program Director, or other assigned associate, Youth and Family Program Associate is responsible for delivering excellent services to all members, guest, and program participants. The primary function of the Youth and Family Program Associate will be to highly engage with members, guest, and program participants including supervising children whose parents/guardian are participating in activities in the Y family center, protecting children, and maintaining a safe environment, and supporting youth programming by leading activities and stepping in to facilitate programs such as Familyhood Crafts, Little Movers, and other youth enrichment offerings as needed. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Reports to work in uniform a minimum of ten minutes prior to assigned shift in order to receive communications and instructions from supervisor or associate. Provide excellent services to members, guest, and program participants in the Y center, on the phone, and through email exchange Implements quality experiences and engagement within programs, services, and activities Through engagement, build meaningful relationships with members, guest, and program participants with positive and solution driven interaction Providing a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment which fosters the social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and creative development of each child in our care Communicates effectively and professionally with children and parents/guardians. Actively engaged with children by greeting them by name, guiding them through activities, and monitoring their safety and participation throughout their time in the center Maintain clean and disinfected environment for children’s safety Maintain all proper paperwork including sign in/out process, communication reports, attendance data, incident report, etc. Must have understanding of the age and stages of youth development, and work with children Follows and enforces all Y of Central Maryland policies, guidelines, rules, and best practices while fostering positive interactions. Leader in handling conflict, concerns, member frustrations, and unusual center situations Informing proper leaders of operating challenges and/or conflicts during operating hours (either with members and/or associates) Promotes a professional image and maintains a clean and safe environment at all times. Ability to work with diverse population, all ages, genders, and sexual orientations Attend and actively participate in all meetings as assigned Incorporate the four character values of the Y: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility and adhere to the YCM Code of Conduct Communicate the Y mission and objectives to the community. Assist in all other areas as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Youth and Family Program Associate will meet the qualifications set forth by the Y in Central Maryland. Associates shall be of good character and reputation; capable of carrying out assigned responsibilities; capable of accepting training and supervision; and capable of communicating effectively both orally and in writing as applicable to the job responsibility. Minimum qualifications include: Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community Ability to be effective communicator especially with children Must have experience working with youth and/or youth programming Current CPR/AED/O2/First Aid certification (or within 30 days of hire) Flexible Schedule, days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Completion of new associate training (including Child Abuse Prevention) before scheduled to work PHYSICAL DEMANDS Will be required to walk, stand, kneel, stoop, push, and lift up to 50 pounds. While performing duties the employee may occasionally work in the outside weather conditions, and is exposed to wet, cold and /or humid conditions. Continuous operations requiring attention to detail and multi-tasking. Will be exposed to cleaning supplies. Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time. Must be physically able to successfully complete required certifications. An offer of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements for the position. They may include a background check, drug test, driver’s license record, CPS, and/or Criminal Background check. Additional driver’s license check, CPS, Criminal Background check, alcohol and/or drug testing may be required to be processed in the future in order to meet and maintain the minimum requirements of this position. All Y associates agree to abide by The Code of Conduct with Youth that sets clear expectations for associates and volunteers to ensure a safe and respectful environment for young people. It emphasizes treating youth with respect and fairness, avoiding inappropriate physical or verbal interactions, and adhering to established standards of affection. The policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment and mandates the reporting of suspected mistreatment. Additionally, associates and volunteers must complete training on child abuse prevention and comply with legal reporting requirements to safeguard youth. #J-18808-Ljbffr