Summer Day Camp Inclusion Aide

Champion Inclusion, Empower Abilities: Be an Inclusion Aide at South Side YMCA for Summer 2026!

At the Y, we create an exciting, safe camp environment for kids and staff to have an unforgettable summer. While campers are taking part in unique experiences and adventures, our Summer Day Camp Inclusion Aides are developing leadership skills and confidence while making lasting friendships and memories.

Pay starts at $17.90 per hour, Monday-Friday schedule

As a Summer Day Camp Inclusion Aide, you will be responsible for supporting and assisting one or more individuals who have a disability and are enrolled in Y programs to promote participation in program activities and independence to the fullest extent possible. You will ensure that individualized needs of participants are met, while serving as professional role model and guide program participants through activities that support a positive learning climate and development of life skills and healthy and safe behaviors.

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:

• Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
• Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
• Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.

What you'll do:

Program Participant Experience

• You will serve as a role model in supporting inclusion and high-quality camp programming, creating an outstanding participant experience for children, parents and families.
• You will modify learning or recreational activities as may be needed, including activities, rules, equipment, and/or supplies as needed. Promotes participation in program activities and independence to the fullest extent possible. Maintains the confidentiality of information pertaining to the individual(s) assigned for support.
• You will teach socially acceptable behaviors by serving as a role model and by using age-appropriate positive reinforcement and behavior management strategies. Implements individualized behavior management plans, when necessary.
• You will communicate consistently with team members and program leaders to keep abreast of activities and schedule, in order to prepare for activity modifications. Will offer suggestions for modifications, if applicable.
• You will communicate consistently with parents, classroom/program team and program leadership through completion of a weekly summary of the individual's participation.
• You will Support program activities as assigned by supervisor including substitute support for ongoing camp activities.

Participant Safety

• You will ensure the physical and emotional health and safety of participants by being safety conscious, following all established YMCA standards and critically evaluating situations for potential risks.
• You will be alert and responsive to any specific health and safety needs of the individual with a disability
• You will ensure compliance with established rules and regulations to ensure safety. Monitors participants and team members provides coaching and intervention as necessary
• You will set up facilities and/or equipment for activities and stores equipment appropriately after use. Immediately notifies program leaders of any broken or unsafe equipment or if more resources/equipment are needed
• You will work to keep program facilities clean at all times

What you'll Need

• High school diploma or equivalent; must be at least 18 years of age or older
• Must have prior experience working with children; experience with children with disabilities and/or in a similar program setting preferred.
• Commitment to, and passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago's mission and serving the needs of diverse youth
• Basic knowledge of child growth and development as well as developmentally appropriate practices for age group
• Ability to understand and implement an inclusion plan and provide recommended strategies for Ability to observe participant behavior and apply appropriate behavior management techniques is essential.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to build constructive relationships, act as role model, and communicate effectively with children, families, team members and others
• 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
• Meet additional program guidelines for background checks and medical screening where necessary based on program supported.

Child Abuse Prevention - Support the YMCA's commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training, as required

Qualifications

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.