Family Experience Leader

YMCA of Portsmouth; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads is seeking a Family Experience Leader to create a joyful, safe, and inclusive space where children and families can play, learn, and grow. You will work under the Family Experience Director to deliver engaging experiences that build confidence and belonging.

You will provide direct service in Family Programs, Stay & Play, and Interactive Zone spaces, planning events and ensuring high-quality care while promoting the YMCA’s core values in every interaction.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and families preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, community-based environment.

Responsibilities

• Greet youth and families to ensure a welcoming environment.
• Assist in planning and delivering Family Experience programs and events.
• Provide safe, nurturing care in Stay & Play and Interactive Zone.
• Follow YMCA policies to maintain a clean, safe environment.
• Model YMCA core values in all interactions.

Job description

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life through our culture. At the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.

Our mission and core values are brought to life through our culture. At the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.

We are welcoming: we are open to all and create spaces where people can belong and become.

We are genuine: we value people and embrace individuality.

We are hopeful: we believe in the potential of people to grow, lead and become catalysts for change.

We are nurturing: we support individuals throughout their journey to reach their full potential.

We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with our people.

Our culture is not a People & Culture initiative; it is how we lead, serve, develop talent, make decisions and deliver on the YMCA's mission.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Family Experience Director, the Family Experience Leader creates a joyful, safe, and inclusive environment where children and families can play, learn, and grow. This role supports holistic youth development by delivering engaging experiences that build confidence, spark friendships, and foster a sense of belonging. The Family Experience Leader provides direct service in Family Programs and ensures high-quality care in early childhood and drop-in child care spaces.

Essential Functions

• Warmly greet all youth and families to build connections and ensure everyone feels welcomed, accepted, and valued.
• Support daily activities, experiences, and routines under the guidance of the Family Experience Director.
• Deliver safe, nurturing care in Stay & Play, Interactive Zone, and other drop-in child care services.
• Assist in planning and delivering Family Experience programs, including family events, Parents Time Out, birthday parties, and holiday activities.
• Use a diverse range of materials, play experiences, and equipment to promote learning, creativity, and developmental growth.
• Follow YMCA policies and procedures to ensure a safe, clean, and energetic environment for all participants.
• Complete opening and closing procedures accurately and consistently.
• Report unusual incidents immediately using the Association Occurrence Report process.
• Follow check-in/check-out procedures and age-appropriate equipment guidelines at all times.
• Ensure shift coverage when unavailable and communicate scheduling needs appropriately.
• Model YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith in all interactions.
• Promote a positive, collaborative team environment through clear communication and supportive relationships.
• Maintain a professional appearance and participate in required meetings and trainings.
• Support the YMCA mission advancement through participation in the Annual Giving Campaign efforts.

Requirements

• Helps to carry out activities, experiences, and routines under the direct supervision of the Family Experience Director.
• Promotes a team environment through a positive approach in supervision, communication, and interactions with others.
• Assists and delivers care to drop in child care services (Stay and Play and Interactive Zone) as scheduled.
• Assists in planning and implementing YMCA events to include but not limited to: Family Programming, Parents Time Out, Birthday Parties, Holiday Events, etc.
• Use a diverse selection of materials, equipment, and experiences for all participants.
• Ensure safety of participants and staff at all times.
• Complete all opening and closing procedures as established.
• Attend mandatory staff meetings and training.
• Maintain a professional, clean appearance and a respectful and committed attitude, adhere to association dress code, and attend and participate in required training and meetings.
• Follow age guidelines and proper equipment setting needs.
• Accurately report all out of the ordinary incidents immediately on an Association Occurrence Report promptly forwarding it to the Family Experience Director.
• Ensure shift coverage is available should you be unavailable for a shift.
• Communicate YMCA policies, programs and special events.
• Follow procedures for participants checking in and out.
• Actively participate in Annual Giving Campaigns.
• Greet all youth and families participating in the program in order to establish a connection.

Ymca Leadership Competencies

• Collaboration
• Developing Self & Others
• Inclusion

Working Conditions And Physical Requirements

This position operates in a dynamic, community-based environment and regularly interacts with children, families, team members, volunteers, and other stakeholders. The role requires frequent movement throughout the facility and may include prolonged periods of standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, and bending. The employee must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds as needed to perform essential job functions. The position requires continuous attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple activities and priorities simultaneously, and effective communication in an active environment with frequent noise and activity. Employees may be exposed to cleaning supplies, including bleach, vacuuming equipment, and bodily fluids as part of the normal working environment.

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position, consistent with applicable law.

Accountability

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory performance and successful completion and maintenance of applicable position requirements, which may include background screening, driver's license review, CPS screening, drug and/or alcohol testing, or other screenings as required by the position or applicable law.

Compensation & Benefits

Wage Range: $12.77- $14.50 hourly

The wage range provided reflects the YMCA of South Hampton Roads’ good-faith determination of the minimum and maximum starting salary for this position.

Salary Description

$12.77 / hour