Child Watch Assistant - Part Time

YMCA of Central New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,705,600 - 45,460,800; Part time

Job summary

YMCA of Central New York is seeking a Child Watch Assistant to supervise children in the YMCA Child Watch Program, ensuring safety and well‑being in accordance with YMCA policies. This role involves active supervision, emergency procedure readiness, and positive engagement with members within a community-focused environment.

The position requires a genuine desire to work with children, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Qualifications

• Desire and ability to work with and relate to children.
• Effective communication skills to inform, counsel, motivate, and support members.
• Ability to supervise and protect children in a program setting.
• Calm, patient, and able to react quickly in emergencies.
• Willingness to follow YMCA policies and health and safety guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Supervise children in the YMCA Child Watch Program according to USA guidelines.
• Maintain constant awareness and safety of all participants while on duty.
• Follow emergency procedures and complete required reports.
• Interact with members to foster engagement and community belonging.
• Attend mandatory trainings and support program needs as directed.

Skills

Child care

Communication

Supervision

Safety awareness

Job description

Description

$16.00/hour

Mon-Fri 8:30 am-12:00 pm; 4:00-7:30 pm; Saturdays 8:30 am - 12:00 pm

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.

Position Summary:

This position supports the mission and work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization. The

Child Watch Assistant provides supervision to children in the YMCA Child Watch Program. The Child Watch Assistant assures the well-being for each participant in line with YMCA of the USA guidelines and association policies in accordance with their training.

Essential Functions:

• Models the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with individuals and groups at all levels of the organization; supporting members connect with each other and the YMCA.
• Maintains physical presence, always remains alert while on duty, maintains constant visual attention to children in the care of the Y, and remains aware of surroundings.
• Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures; completes related reports as required.
• Ambassador of all YMCA programs with a focus on Membership and member engagement that fosters loyalty among those we serve.
• Follows all Child Watch procedures and guidelines including those pertaining to health and safety, child supervision, drop-off/pick-up, attendance, forms, reports, and staff expectations as required by the YMCA and the state health department.
• Knows, follows, and enforces all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, procedures, and staff expectations, including those for the prevention of child abuse.
• Ambassador of all YMCA programs with a focus on department offerings and member engagement.
• Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed. Clean and store equipment per branch procedures.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and trainings.
• Is willing to step up, even if outside of the position description, to contribute to the overall success of the YMCA.

YMCA Leadership Competencies:

• Engaging Community: Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y’s work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit
• Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause
• Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence
• Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations

Requirements

Experience, Education, and Qualifications:

• Desire and ability to work with and relate to children.
• Experience working with children between six (6) weeks old to eleven (11) years old preferred.
• Willingness to accept supervision and guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to teach and assist in teaching skills and activities.
• Good role model, with integrity and adaptability.
• Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.
• Effective communication skills necessary to inform, counsel, motivate, and support members.
• Must be observant, safety-conscious, and able to react calmly and quickly in an emergency.

Trainings & Certifications:

• Must complete annual safety, combating sexual-harassment, and child abuse prevention trainings assigned by human resources prior to direct service.
• Must have current CPR and First Aid

Physical Requirements:

• On occasion ability to lift and carry children and equipment, may spend time sitting on the floor or child sized furniture.
• Prolonged periods of standing and frequent bending.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time.
• Will be exposed to illness-causing bacteria and viruses.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a recreational and/or educational environment. This role routinely uses standard recreation and/or office equipment. At times, employees may be exposed to undesirable working conditions, communicable infectious diseases, and risk of injury from others. All employees are required to always follow the preventative health policies of the YMCA. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.