Program Specialist - Beyond the Bell

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides direct supervision of a group of children in Beyond the Bell. The Specialist shall design and deliver a program specialty in their designated area tailored to the skills and interests of each age group. They will work with other Y employees to bring about quality programming in that specialty area. Activities should nurture creativity, cooperation, skill and self-esteem and support the potential of all youth in programs and facilitate peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall program experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plan, setup and deliver a variety of activities within specialty areas that are age specific and that keep children’s interests high.
• Instruct Assistants and Group Leaders on how to teach activities within specialty if assistance is needed.
• Lead specialty activities/classes each program day.
• Control all supply inventory used in specialty. Keep supply storage area neat and organized.
• Greet participants with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm.
• Learn participants' names. Respond to participant needs.
• Encourage participants’ youth development progress. As a leader, set a good example for the children. Teach participants how to solve problems and maintain basic discipline and group control.
• Ensure that all volunteers have a great experience to help our association increase volunteer participation.
• Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y.
• Help group maintain program area cleanliness.
• Perform all responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner.
• Take the initiative to be actively participatory in all activities.
• Act as needed when not leading a specialty program.

Safety:

• Must attend and complete all required trainings.
• At all times, uphold safety standards. Maintain constant face counts. Will understand and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures.
• Help maintain group control and facilitate activities.
• Follow all YMCA and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality program.
• Secure and submit all accident reports, special plans, schedule changes, and evaluations to Director when appropriate.
• Report all immediate concerns to Director or nearest supervisor.
• Use two methods of discipline with participants to include redirection to appropriate activities and using positive reinforcement to commend good choices.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Always maintain a professional demeanor, as you are a representative of the YMCA.
• Wear Y T-shirt or designated attire daily.
• Maintain positive attitude, responsibility and self-motivation. Be punctual and reliable.
• Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience working with children.
• Interest and experience in area of specialty.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be capable of being on your feet for long periods and be able to actively supervise children in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.
• Must be capable of bending, kneeling, squatting and lifting 30 pounds.
• Must be able to visually account for all children in the program, whether inside or outside. Must be able to hear whistle or alarms. Clear speaking voice is needed to command control of group.