Y Clubs: Teens Chess Instructor

Description

 POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y Clubs/Teens Chess Instructor at the Bloomington-Normal YMCA is responsible for overseeing the entirety of Chess across both Y Clubs and Y Teens programs that meet once a week from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Assists in the development and operations of Chess programs to help ensure that the programs meet their intended goals. The Y Clubs/Teens Chess Instructor will exemplify and foster our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility which promote healthy spirit, mind and body. 

YMCA MISSION AND CORE VALUES: 

The mission of the YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs, services, and relationships that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The core values of the YMCA are caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. At the Bloomington-Normal YMCA we are a team of employees dedicated to advancing the mission and values of the YMCA through service and support of all members in our unique community. 

OUR CULTURE: 

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

REQUIRED YMCA COMPETENCIES: 

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising. 

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others. 

Relationships: Builds authentic relationships in the service of enhancing individual and team performance to support the Y’s work. 

Communication: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a manner that reflects a true understanding of the needs of the audience. 

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1. Correctly using and teaching the appropriate terminology for the chessboard and the pieces. 
2. Knowledge of game-play-terminology and plans (specific openings, middle-gameplay, etc).
3. Initiate and run practice and team building activities as it relates to chess.
4. Provide individual and small-group instruction and adapt the curriculum to the needs of youth with varying chess abilities, and to accommodate a variety of instructional activities. 
5. Create an environment where participants feel safe, welcome, and engaged with activities and program participants 
6. Actively plan and execute Y Clubs/Y Teens plans tailored to youth participants.
7. Submit the chess curriculum to the Director of Youth Development for approval.
8. Assure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as they relate to program areas, including ADA accommodations where appropriate.
9. Ensure the YMCA program standards are met and safety procedures followed.
10. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with staff, parents, and caregivers to maximize program impact and drive overall outcomes.
11. Maintain regular, clear, and concise communication with Youth Development staff and Director of Youth Development. 
12. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Youth Development. 

NECESSARY SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Ability to interact with children and teens of grades 3rd-9th.

2. Ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently. 

3. Proficiency in understanding the developmental needs of youth. 

4. Proficient in Chess/ Chess Pieces/ Strategy

PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma (preferred) or equivalent experience.
• One to two years related experience (e.g Chess instructor in youth programming) preferred. 
• Ability to obtain CPR/First Aid, Mandated Reporter, and other relevant certifications. 
• Fulfillment of state-specific hiring standards and completion of YMCA program-specific training. 
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

1. Occasional lifting up to 25+ pounds. 
2. Prolonged standing, bending, or stretching.
3. Occasional stooping or kneeling.
4. Moderate to loud noise levels in the work environment. 
5. Ability to work evenings 5:00pm-7:00pm. 

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND REQUIRED TRAININGS & CERTIFICATIONS

The Bloomington-Normal YMCA adheres to the strictest regulations pertaining to Child Abuse Prevention and requires all staff and volunteers to complete Child Abuse Prevention Training at time of hire and on an annual basis. Other required trainings and certifications, provided by the YMCA during on-boarding or within the first 60 days of employment, include: Illinois Mandated Reporter Certification, Illinois Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Training, CPR/AED/First Aid certification, and OSHA training including Bloodborne Pathogens.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER  The Bloomington-Normal YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 

For a full listing of employee benefits, please visit: www.bnymca.org/workatthey