After School Aide

Olympic Peninsula YMCA; Port Townsend (WA); On-site; USD 19,468 - 27,727; Part time

Job summary

The Olympic Peninsula YMCA in Port Townsend, WA, is looking for a dedicated After School Aide. You will provide supervision and facilitate engaging recreation and educational activities for school-age children.

Ideal candidates are over 16 years old with effective communication skills and the ability to create a safe, engaging environment. This is a part-time role requiring flexibility, and you must meet licensing requirements, including background checks.

Qualifications

• Sixteen years of age or older.
• Ability to assist with fun, safe projects.
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background screening.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision and care of children.
• Assist with the facilitation of age-appropriate activities.
• Maintain a safe and engaging environment for children.

Skills

Communication Skills

Ability to work with children

Problem-solving Skills

Education

High School Diploma or Currently Enrolled

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Jefferson County YMCA - Port Townsend, WA 98368

Position Type: Part Time

Salary Range: $17.13 - $17.13 Hourly

After School Aide

Company Overview

The Olympic Peninsula YMCA is a non‑profit organization that oversees Y programs and focuses on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our mission is to build healthy minds, bodies, and spirits throughout the communities we serve. We strive to promote the values of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty. We are open to people of all ages, beliefs, incomes, races, genders and abilities.

Job Description / General Function

After School Aides help provide high‑quality educational and recreational experiences that reflect the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. They ensure the safety and supervision of school‑age children through effective group management and activity facilitation. Under the direction of the Site Coordinator, Aides support engaging after‑school activities and assist with daily program operations, including food preparation, cleaning, sanitation, and health and safety procedures. Program assistants will have the understanding, ability, physical health, emotional stability, and good judgment to meet the needs of the children in care.

Areas of Responsibility

• May be counted in staff‑to‑child ratio as permitted by Washington State DCYF child care licensing requirements
• Provide supervision and care of children under direct, visual, or auditory supervision of a qualified Lead Teacher or higher
• Aides age 18+ may supervise a group of children independently for brief periods when a qualified Lead Teacher is present on‑site
• Support the safety, supervision, and engagement of school‑age children in accordance with DCYF licensing requirements and YMCA policies
• Assist with facilitation of age‑appropriate activities, including games, arts and crafts, STEM, enrichment, and group recreation
• Support planning and implementation of daily program activities under the direction of supervisory staff
• Use positive behavior guidance strategies, including redirection and appropriate discipline when needed, while treating children with respect and dignity
• Assist with daily program operations, including snack/meal preparation, cleaning, sanitation, setup, and organization of materials
• Help maintain a safe, positive, and engaging environment for children at all times
• Work collaboratively with staff to support program needs, smooth operations, and quality care
• Maintain professional communication with children, staff, and families as appropriate
• Participate in field trips and off‑site activities, including swimming, providing supervision and support as assigned
• Follow all DCYF licensing requirements, YMCA policies, safety procedures, risk management practices, mandated reporting, and youth boundary guidelines
• Attend required staff meetings and trainings
• Wear appropriate YMCA attire and follow organizational standards

Additional Expectations and Duties

• Complete the applicable pre‑service licensing requirements including a federal background check and negative TB test (or exemption)
• Complete all YMCA, DCYF, and MERIT trainings (YMCA funded) within designated timeframes
• Meet the annual professional development and ongoing training requirements to satisfy DCYF licensing requirements
• Help to maintain accurate and organized program records, including staff files, licensing documentation, and compliance reports
• May be asked to assist in fundraising and recruiting efforts on occasion, including YMCA initiatives and special events
• Flexible availability, including occasional evenings and weekends, as needed
• Reports suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations in accordance to mandated reporting requirements
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications / Minimum Requirements

• Be sixteen years of age or older
• Have a high school diploma or currently enrolled in high school
• Ability to assist with projects and activities that are fun, safe, and suitable for different age groups
• Ability to relate well and communicate effectively to a diverse group of individuals, in all circumstances
• Ability to assess and respond to safety and emergency situations
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background screening
• Have current CPR and first‑aid certification or be able to obtain within 30 days of hire

Working Conditions

Activities take place both indoors and outdoors at the school campus and at the assigned Olympic Peninsula YMCA branch. Some programs are held off‑site or during field trips. Participants and staff may encounter noisy and busy environments at times.

Physical Abilities

• Able to bend at the waist to pick up supplies, sit on the floor, play games, and perform daily cleaning tasks
• Ability to lift 30 lbs.
• Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods
• Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting the voice across distance in normal and loud situations
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate computers and office equipment
• Vision capabilities adequate to monitor youth in the program
• Hearing and speaking to exchange and gather information and provide assistance to youth and parents/guardians in the program

The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer