Mini Kickers Program Staff - Community Y

YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 22,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

YMCA membership

Y at Home access

Childcare and camp discounts

Wellbeing and counselling services

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth seeks a part-time Mini Kickers Program Staff to supervise children aged 4–7 and lead developmentally appropriate soccer activities. You will create a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment while delivering engaging sessions that build social, emotional, and physical skills.

Reporting to the Community Y Program Coordinator, you’ll follow safeguarding policies, support families, and collaborate with staff to ensure a positive experience for every child

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework in education, recreation, or child development is an asset.
• Previous experience working with children in a group setting (e.g., coaching, daycare, summer camp, or school environment) is preferred.
• Experience coaching soccer is required.
• Knowledge of soccer development is required.
• CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain upon hiring.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to support groups of children with diverse needs and interests while demonstrating patience, kindness, and understanding.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to maintain control in challenging situations.
• Passion for working with children and commitment to creating a positive and inclusive environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide active supervision of children during all activities and transitions, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all participants.
• Plan, organize, and lead engaging, age-appropriate soccer sessions focused on developing fundamental skills, including dribbling, passing, shooting, ball control, movement, and teamwork.
• Create a positive and supportive environment that builds confidence, encourages individual strengths, promotes skill progression, and fosters a love for the game through fun, developmentally appropriate activities.
• Maintain a respectful environment using YMCA behaviour management techniques to encourage positive behaviour and conflict resolution.
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating strong communication skills, respect, cooperation, and problem-solving behaviours.
• Build meaningful relationships with children, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and heard.
• Learn children’s individual needs and interests to provide a personalized and engaging program experience. Offer additional support to children who may require assistance.
• Communicate effectively with children, parents, and YMCA staff to ensure a successful Mini Kickers experience.
• Provide parents with feedback regarding their child’s progress, behaviour, and participation.
• Work collaboratively with other program staff to ensure consistent and inclusive program delivery.
• Assist with registration, attendance tracking, and documentation of child progress.
• Complete First Aid and Incident reports according to YMCA procedures in a timely manner.
• Assist with preparing materials and supplies required for activities. Report safety concerns, incidents, or behavioural issues to the Program Coordinator promptly.
• Perform other duties as assigned.]
• Education And Skills Qualifications (continued) - See above.

Skills

Soccer coaching

Soccer development

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Patience/Empathy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College coursework in education/recreation/child development

Job description

Location: Community Y

Position Status: Part Time (2 hours per week)

Compensation: $16.75 per hour

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages and social isolation to mental health challenges, access to wellness, and more.

Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations throughout HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities through mental health supports, accessible childcare, support for an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, assistance navigating a changing labour market, wellness programming for all, and opportunities to create community for isolated older adults.

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When people know someone is in their corner with unconditional support, they realize they can achieve more than they thought possible.

It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.

With us at their side, they can Shine On.

As Part Of Your Total Compensation, You Will Receive

• Complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
• Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home
• Discounts on YMCA childcare and camp programs
• Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services

About The Role

Reporting to the Community Y Program Coordinator, the Mini Kickers Program Staff plays a vital role in supporting the YMCA’s mission to nurture and encourage children and youth in our community.

This position provides direct supervision, engaging activities, and a safe environment for children enrolled in the Mini Kickers program. The staff member will support children ages 4–7 through fun, structured activities and games designed to develop social, emotional, and physical skills.

The goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where every child feels supported, valued, and encouraged. Through this role, Mini Kickers Program Staff help create an environment where confidence can grow.

In This Role, You Will

• Provide active supervision of children during all activities and transitions, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all participants.
• Implement and follow YMCA Child Safeguarding policies while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children. Conduct regular headcounts and ensure children are signed in and out according to YMCA procedures.
• Plan, organize, and lead engaging, age-appropriate soccer sessions focused on developing fundamental skills, including dribbling, passing, shooting, ball control, movement, and teamwork.
• Create a positive and supportive environment that builds confidence, encourages individual strengths, promotes skill progression, and fosters a love for the game through fun, developmentally appropriate activities.
• Maintain a respectful environment using YMCA behaviour management techniques to encourage positive behaviour and conflict resolution.
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating strong communication skills, respect, cooperation, and problem-solving behaviours.
• Build meaningful relationships with children, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and heard.
• Learn children’s individual needs and interests to provide a personalized and engaging program experience. Offer additional support to children who may require assistance.
• Communicate effectively with children, parents, and YMCA staff to ensure a successful Mini Kickers experience.
• Provide parents with feedback regarding their child’s progress, behaviour, and participation.
• Work collaboratively with other program staff to ensure consistent and inclusive program delivery.
• Assist with registration, attendance tracking, and documentation of child progress.
• Complete First Aid and Incident reports according to YMCA procedures in a timely manner.
• Assist with preparing materials and supplies required for activities. Report safety concerns, incidents, or behavioural issues to the Program Coordinator promptly.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education And Skills Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework in education, recreation, or child development is an asset.
• Previous experience working with children in a group setting (e.g., coaching, daycare, summer camp, or school environment) is preferred.
• Experience coaching soccer is required.
• Knowledge of soccer development is required.
• CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain upon hiring.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to support groups of children with diverse needs and interests while demonstrating patience, kindness, and understanding.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to maintain control in challenging situations.
• Passion for working with children and commitment to creating a positive and inclusive environment.

Successful Candidates Are Required To Provide

• Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Registry Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older.
• Completion of Child Safeguarding Training upon hire.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification.

Please note that background checks are reviewed on an individual basis. Offences, if any, are considered based on the role and Child Safeguarding requirements and may not eliminate candidates from employment with the YMCA.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Accommodation

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences strengthen our organization, allowing us to better serve our community and achieve our mission.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse individuals, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance so we can arrange reasonable and appropriate support.

Application Deadline: August 21, 2026