Child & Youth Instructor

Child and Youth Instructor

Work for a charity that ignites the potential in people. Every. Single. Day.

At the YMCA of Niagara, you’ll be part of a purpose-led organization with a clear focus on community well-being. Our work is powered by relationships and grounded in inclusion. We support people of all ages and circumstances with opportunities that build health, belonging, and connection so individuals and families can grow, lead, and give back.

For more than 150 years, we have been part of the fabric of this region, evolving alongside Niagara and showing up where the need is greatest. With a presence in over 125 program sites, we continue to expand what well-being can look like, creating welcoming spaces where more people can participate and feel they belong.

Guided by our shared values of caring, health, honesty, inclusiveness, respect, advocacy, and responsibility, the YMCA offers meaningful roles where your work is felt every day. If you’re ready to bring energy and care to a team that keeps moving forward, you’ll find purpose here.

NATURE & SCOPE

The role of the Child and Youth Program Instructor is to plan and deliver curriculum based recreational, educational and active programs following YMCA goals and objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for providing excellent member service following Y WAY standards and principles.


• Deliver a variety of YMCA of Niagara Child and Youth programs for 3 to 15 year olds.


• Demonstrate enthusiasm, flexibility, and willingness to learn.


• Follow curriculum outlines and implement lesson plans in a consistent manner.


• Planning and adapting activities based on the needs and interests of participants to promote engagement and skill development.


• Demonstrate effective communication with participants, parents, coworkers, etc.


• Actively participate with the children in a positive and supportive manner taking into consideration each child’s uniqueness and abilities.


• Monitor, track and evaluate participants’ progress over 12 weeks.


• Support and work as part of a staff team.


• Responsible for the safety and security of the children.


• Build relationships with and be a role model for children and youth.


• Keep program areas clean, organized and safe for everyone’s use.


• Participate in training and adhere to the YMCA Child Protection Policies and Procedures as established by the YMCA of Niagara.


• Be available to consistently lead/participate in all sessions of a 12-week program.


• Actively participate in all required program trainings.


• Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with children and/or youth in a recreational setting (i.e. Day Camp, after school programs, etc.)


• Experience with fitness or physical education is an asset.


• Current Intermediate / Standard First Aid and CPR[C].


• The YMCA is looking for applicants who want to be a role model of healthy lifestyles and physical activity for children and make a difference within their community.


• Team members must be willing and able to physically participate in active games on a regular basis and carry equipment.


• Ability to work at various program locations throughout the Niagara Region is an asset.


• Upon hiring, a clear and satisfactory criminal reference check inclusive of the vulnerable sector search (PVSC)  issued for the YMCA of Niagara.

COMPETENCIES:

Child and Youth Focused
Commits to assisting growth and development among children and youth 

Commitment to Organization Vision and Values
Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the mission, vision, strategic outcomes and values of the YMCA 

Concern for Health and Safety
Acknowledges and understands how to manage and educate others of risk and harm reduction 

Team Work
Actively builds teams and encourages open relationships for maximum organizational effectiveness 

Creativity and Innovation
Develops new ways or adapts existing ideas to help us achieve desired results 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested applicants are invited to submit an application by noon on July 20, 2026.

Internal applicants are encouraged to apply on our internal job board by logging into their UKG portal and navigating to Myself > My Company > View Opportunities. Internal applicants are also encouraged to notify their supervisor before applying.

All applicants are thanked for their interest. Only those applicants being considered for an interview will be contacted by email.

Accessibility accommodations and materials in alternate formats for individuals with disabilities can be arranged upon request.

For more information on other opportunities at the YMCA of Niagara, please visit: ymcaofniagara.org