Group Program Instructor

YMCA of Greater Bergen County; New Jersey; On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Disability insurance

Professional development opportunities

YMCA facility access

Job summary

A community-focused recreation organization in New Jersey is looking for an enthusiastic individual to lead children's activities and programs in recreation settings. This role requires experience in Sports and Recreation, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage with parents and children. Competitive part-time benefits and flexible scheduling are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience in Sports and Recreation or similar fields.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications required.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications.
• YMCA program‑specific certifications preferred.
• Must have a flexible work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Lead instruction of a group, preparing lesson plans according to YMCA guidelines.
• Organize and deliver age-specific activities to engage children.
• Build relationships with students and parents to encourage involvement.
• Ensure organized class management so all participants can be seen at all times.
• Conveys instruction and ensures participants understand.
• Maintain records such as attendance and progress reports.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
• Follow YMCA policies, and safety procedures; complete incident reports as necessary.
• Organize and clean up class equipment and report damage.
• Uphold the four core values of the YMCA: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
• Create a positive, nurturing learning environment promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Confidentiality

CPR certification

First Aid certification

AED certification

Flexible schedule

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development or related field

Job description

Description

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.

Essential Functions

• Lead instruction of a group in accordance with YMCA guidelines, having prepared lesson plans accordingly.
• Plan, set up and deliver a variety of activities within the interest area that are age‑specific and keep children’s engagement and interest high.
• Builds effective, authentic relationships with students and parents; helps them connect with each other and the YMCA. Encourages parent involvement and identifies potential volunteers.
• Responsible for organized class management ensuring all participants can be seen at all times.
• Conveys instruction in alignment with appropriate age group. Ensures participants understand instructions.
• Uses teachable moments to discuss character development and provides constructive feedback during practice sessions using positive motivation techniques.
• Ensures lessons begin and end as scheduled. Maintains records as required (i.e., attendance, progress reports, etc.).
• Attends staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
• Follows all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Completes incident and accident reports as necessary.
• Utilizes equipment appropriately with activities and incorporates skill development. Organizes and puts away needed class equipment. Cleans up area after each session. Reports damaged equipment.
• Upholds, models, teaches and puts the four (4) core values of the YMCA into action in all activities - everyday: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
• Creates a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill and encourage youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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.

Part Time Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, which includes paid sick leave, a legal plan, disability insurance, life insurance, 12% retirement benefits upon eligibility, a 403(b) plan, an employee assistance program, professional development opportunities, Metro Y program discounts, and complimentary use of YMCA facilities.