Group Program Instructor

Sussex County YMCA, 15 WITS END DR, HAMBURG, New Jersey, United States of America Req #741

Monday, March 31, 2025

We are an all-inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. As a growing, mission-focused, and future-oriented association of YMCAs, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven candidate to join our team.

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the direction of the Youth & Family Engagement Director, the Group Program Instructor is responsible for the overall operation, continued development, and implementation of programs. The position is responsible for communicating with members and parents, establishing procedures, and ensuring the program reflects the YMCA’s commitment to member and child safety.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead instruction of a group in accordance with YMCA guidelines, having prepared lesson plans accordingly.
• Plan, setup and deliver a variety of activities within interest area that are age specific and that keep children’s engagement and interest high.
• Build effective, authentic relationships with students and parents; help them connect with each other and the YMCA. Encourage parent involvement and identify potential volunteers.
• Responsible for organized class management ensuring all participants can be seen at all times.
• Convey instruction in alignment with appropriate age group. Ensure participants understand instructions.
• Use teachable moments to discuss character development and provide constructive feedback during practice sessions using positive motivation techniques.
• Ensure lessons begin and end as scheduled. Maintain records as required (i.e. attendance, progress reports, etc.).
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
• Follow all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Complete incident and accident reports as necessary.
• Utilize equipment appropriately with activities and incorporate skill development. Organize and put away needed class equipment. Clean up area after each session. Report damaged equipment.
• Uphold, model, teach and put the four (4) core values of the YMCA into action in all activities - everyday: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
• Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill and encourage youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accept and demonstrate the Y’s values. Demonstrate a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruit volunteers and build effective, supportive working relationships with them. Support fund-raising.

Collaboration: Work effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Build rapport and relate well to others. Seek first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remain calm in challenging situations. Listen for understanding and meaning; speak and write effectively. Take initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Make sound judgments, and transfer learning from one situation to another. Embrace new approaches and discover ideas to create a better member experience. Establish goals, clarify tasks, plan work and actively participate in meetings. Follow budgeting policies and procedures, and report all financial irregularities immediately. Strive to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursue self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrate an openness to change, and seek opportunities in the change process. Accurately assess personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Have the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; use best practices and demonstrate up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Child Development, Sports Management, Recreation, or Physical Education, or equivalent.
• Minimum of three years of experience in Sports and Recreation, specific program specialty, and/or working with people/children in a group setting.
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Ability to demonstrate problem-solving and independent judgment and make decisions within the guidelines of the YMCA.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Current CPR, First Aid and AED certifications and Completion of YMCA program-specific certifications.
• Must have a flexible work schedule.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions. Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in accordance to instruction. 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. Must have the ability to instruct and actively observe participants. Ability to stand for long periods of time, walk, use hands, stoop, and crouch. Regularly lift up to 10 – 50 pounds.

INTERNAL CANDIDATES: Current active employees of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges should apply via the Careers section of the Dayforce Employee Account.

COVID-19 Precaution(s):

• Personal protective equipment provided.
• Symptom screening and self-reporting.
• Preventative guidelines/workplace safety trainings (social distancing, frequent handwashing, etc.).

*Please note that given the current situation with COVID-19 pandemic, the YMCA is and will continue to follow recommendations given by the CDC, local, state, and federal authorities.

Professional development opportunities and complimentary use of YMCA facilities.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA/employer M/F/D/V. Employment is subject to extensive background check.