CHILD WATCH ASSISTANT

YMCA of Central New York; Town of Lysander (NY); On-site; USD 17,616 - 25,089; Part time

Job summary

A community-focused organization seeks a Child Watch Assistant to create a safe and nurturing environment for children ages 6 weeks to 11 years. The role involves supervising children, establishing positive relationships with families, and engaging children in activities. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and experience working with young children. This part-time position offers flexible work hours and the chance to contribute to community development.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills are critical for success.
• Ability to multi-task and handle demands with minimal direction.
• Knowledge of age-appropriate activities and developmental milestones.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe environment for children.
• Oversee and supervise all children effectively.
• Establish positive relationships with parents and children.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

Creative thinking

Problem solving

Education

Prior experience with children (ages 6 weeks to 11 years)

Job description

Work Location: Northwest Area Family YMCA

FLSA: Non-exempt – Part-time

Work Schedule: Varies

Salary Range: 15.50/hour

A Career with a Cause

We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and grow. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Our purpose is to strengthen the foundations of communities and families through our key areas of focus: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We are committed to these causes because a strong community is achieved when we invest in our children, health, neighbors, and values. Historically founded on the Christian principles of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility; our mission is to put these principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

We are for ALL.

General Functions

Under the direction of the Family Director, the Child Watch Assistant provides an excellent member experience by directing the Child Watch Center towards its primary objective of putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all by performing the following duties in accordance with the YMCA’s policies and procedures. The incumbent is a team player that demonstrates strong communication, organization and interpersonal skills. The incumbent accepts, demonstrates and teaches the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

YMCA Family Department Quality Service Theme: By acting as role models and building lasting relationships, we make a positive difference in families’ lives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a physically and mentally safe environment of interest, confidence, and support, within which children can grow.
• Oversee supervision of all children; maintain that children are never left alone; make sure all children are watched at all times.
• Establish positive relationships with parents, children, volunteers, and other staff members; be a positive role model.
• Oversee positive reinforcement and redirection of children.
• Provide an outstanding member experience by addressing members concerns and implementing feedback.
• Be familiar with the reception area for child check-in and checkout procedures.
• Engage children in quality, age-appropriate activities, weekly craft calendar, arts & crafts, active games, and center-based learning.
• Inventory, maintain supplies, and supply requests under the direction of the Family Prime Time Supervisor.
• Maintain cleanliness in the Family Prime Time Center.
• Transport children to class via Wee Deliver and ensure they are signed-in to class (may not pertain to all branches).
• Be familiar with programs and special events throughout the facility and encourage families to participate.
• Actively support and participate in YMCA functions as notified by the supervisor.
• Attend all required staff meetings and provide constructive input.
• Substitute for staff when needed.
• Know, understand and abide by all branch specific emergency procedures; provide first aid to children and/or staff if/when needed
• Oversee toileting and diaper changes for children as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Experience and Education:

Prior experience working or volunteering with children ages 6 weeks to 11 years old.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills are critical to the success of this position.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and handle multiple demands simultaneously with minimal direction.
• Possess and demonstrate excellent customer service, decision-making, problem solving, team oriented, creative thinking, and leadership skills.
• Ability to read, interpret and effectively communicate document, information and instructions such as safety rules, membership procedures, customer service, YMCA promotion and programs, and YMCA policies and procedures etc., train and instruct other staff members; promote the benefits of the YMCA, the facility and programs; and solve problems and take a leadership role in handling a variety of situations, problems, issues and/or complaints from members.
• Brings to this position maturity, responsibility and a sincere interest in working with people of all ages.
• Possess knowledge of various resources for programming ideas and the skills to utilize that information in program implementation.
• Possess knowledge of age appropriate activities, developmental milestones, and expectations of children ages 6 weeks to 11 years old.
• Ability to observe confidentiality.
• Able to work a flexible work schedule to include evenings and weekends.

Trainings & Certifications

• Must complete online Bloodborne Pathogens, Employee Safety and Youth Protection Series trainings prior to initial assignment to position.
• Must hold CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications, or successfully complete these certifications, within the designated time frame per your branch requirements.
• Must complete online Hazard Communication training within the first 90-days of employment.
• Must attend and complete other trainings as assigned by director per branch requirements

Core Competencies

Supports the Mission, Vision, and Direction of the YMCA: Understands and supports the mission of the YMCA; displays the YMCA values; displays flexibility and accepts changes; is willing to try new methods and make suggestions; shows a strong commitment to the YMCA; conveys enthusiasm for the YMCA and his/her work.

Builds Community: Understands and embraces the role of volunteers; helps members and participants make connections to others and to the YMCA; practices effective relationship-building techniques; supports the role of fund-raising in achieving the YMCA mission.

Provides a Quality Experience for Members, Participants, Internal Customer and

Other: Possesses the ability to deliver outstanding experiences for members, participants, internal customers and others; builds warm and supportive relationships; consistently greets and assists everyone in a positive way; strives to provide service that will exceed expectations; responds to concerns and complaints in a way that makes each person feel valued; initiates action for prompt resolution; looks for better ways to serve in involve members, participants, internal customers and others.

Works Productively: Demonstrates responsible actions; consistently performs duties in a safe and conscientious manner within the agreed upon timeframe; follows standards, policies and procedures; is reliable and consistently punctual; actively participates in staff meetings, required trainings, and other work related activities; uses good judgment; uses YMCA resources appropriately and efficiently.

Uses Effective Personal Behaviors/Communicates Effectively: Treats everyone with courtesy, respect, and consideration; displays integrity; listens actively and genuinely; communicates in a clear and pleasant manner; embraces differences among people; demonstrates an active willingness to learn and grow; accepts constructive criticism; works cooperatively as a team member.

Effect on End Results

• Family members are informed of Y programs and involved in various program areas
• Strong relationships with parents and positive community image is developed
• The Family Prime Time Assistant has safe and age-appropriate activities
• High performing staff team with high rates of retention.

Physical Demands

Ability to frequently sit, use his/her hands and fingers, stand, walk, reach, balance, stoop, crouch, kneel, and climb. Ability to lift and/or carry and move up to 35 pounds (occasionally this could be more). Specific vision abilities required: close, color, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Duties are performed in a childcare setting; at times childcare employees may be exposed to undesirable working conditions, communicable infectious diseases, and the risk of injury from children. All childcare employees are required to follow the preventive health policies of the Family Prime Time Center at all times. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to above average.