Mini Kickers Program Staff - Community Y

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Halifax; On-site; CAD 19,000 - 27,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary YMCA membership

Access to YMCA at Home

Discounts on YMCA childcare and camp

Wellbeing and counselling services

Job summary

The YMCA is seeking a part-time MiniKickers Program Staff in Halifax to support children aged 4–7 with fun, structured soccer activities and a safe, inclusive environment. You will supervise activities, follow safeguarding policies, lead sessions on dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork, and work with families and staff to provide a positive, developmental experience in a welcoming setting.

Reporting to the Community Y Program Coordinator, you will assist with registration, attendance, and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience coaching soccer is required.
• Knowledge of soccer development.
• CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Ability to support diverse groups of children with patience.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to handle challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide active supervision of children during activities and transitions.
• Follow safeguarding policies, conduct headcounts, and sign in/out per procedures.
• Plan, organize, and lead age-appropriate soccer sessions focusing on fundamentals.
• Create a positive environment that builds confidence and love for the game.
• Maintain respectful behavior and support positive conflict resolution.
• Be a positive role model with strong communication and cooperation.
• Build relationships with children, parents, and YMCA staff.
• Assist with registration, attendance tracking, and documentation of progress.
• Complete First Aid and Incident reports as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Soccer coaching

Child supervision

Communication

Teamwork

Safety awareness

First Aid/CPR

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College coursework in education/recreation/child development

CPR/First Aid certification

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 inus to shine.

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

Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locationsthroughout HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of ourcommunities through mental health supports, accessible childcare, support foran 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 todiscover their inner strength. When people know someone is in their corner withunconditional support, they realize they can achieve more than they thoughtpossible.

It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps peopleignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant andhealthy 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 & Fitnessfacilities
• Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from yourown home
• Discounts on YMCA childcare and camp programs
• Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services

About the Role

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

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

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

In this role, you will:

• Provide active supervision of children during allactivities and transitions, ensuring a safe and secure environment for allparticipants.
• Implement and follow YMCA Child Safeguarding policies while ensuring thesafety and wellbeing of all children. Conduct regular headcounts and ensurechildren are signed in and out according to YMCA procedures.
• Plan, organize, and lead engaging, age-appropriate soccer sessions focused ondeveloping fundamental skills, including dribbling, passing, shooting, ballcontrol, movement, and teamwork.
• Create a positive and supportive environment that builds confidence,encourages individual strengths, promotes skill progression, and fosters a lovefor the game through fun, developmentally appropriate activities.
• Maintain a respectful environment using YMCA behaviour management techniquesto 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 andengaging program experience. Offer additional support to children who mayrequire assistance.
• Communicate effectively with children, parents, and YMCA staff to ensure asuccessful Mini Kickers experience.
• Provide parents with feedback regarding their child’s progress, behaviour,and participation.
• Work collaboratively with other program staff to ensure consistent andinclusive program delivery.
• Assist with registration, attendance tracking, and documentation of childprogress.
• Complete First Aid and Incident reports according to YMCA procedures in atimely manner.
• Assist with preparing materials and supplies required for activities. Reportsafety concerns, incidents, or behavioural issues to the Program Coordinatorpromptly.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Skills Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; collegecoursework 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 whiledemonstrating patience, kindness, and understanding.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to maintain control in challengingsituations.
• Passion for working with children and commitment to creating a positive andinclusive environment.

Successful candidates are required to provide:

• Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and ChildAbuse 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 anindividual basis. Offences, if any, are considered based on the role and ChildSafeguarding requirements and may not eliminate candidates from employment withthe YMCA.

Application Deadline: August 21, 2026

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, andexperiences strengthen our organization, allowing us to better serve ourcommunity and achieve our mission.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applicationsfrom individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People ofColour, racially diverse individuals, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diversepeople, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faithgroups, foreign-born residents, and veterans.

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