Inclusion Aide

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Crystal Lake (IL); On-site; USD 25,485 - 26,174; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Consistent weekday schedule

Health benefits

Free family gym membership

Job summary

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is seeking an Inclusion Aide to support youth with disabilities in Y programs at Hilltop Elementary School (McHenry, IL) and Johnsburg Elementary School (Johnsburg, IL). You will promote participation, independence, and life skills in a safe, inclusive setting.

The role emphasizes collaboration with families and staff, modeling positive behavior, and upholding the YMCA mission. Training and development are provided, with weekday shifts in a supportive team

Qualifications

• Age 18+ with relevant coursework or experience in childcare, education, or recreation.
• Experience working with children; disabilities preferred.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Passion for inclusion and YMCA mission.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support to youth with disabilities.
• Promote participation, independence, and skill-building.
• Collaborate with staff and families to ensure inclusive experiences.
• Model positive behavior and maintain a safe, respectful environment.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Leadership

Inclusion passion

Education

Coursework in childcare/education/recreation

Job description

As an Inclusion Aide, you will be responsible for supporting and assisting one or more individuals who have a disability and are enrolled in Y programs to promote participation in program activities and independence to the fullest extent possible. You will ensure that individualized needs of participants are met, while serving as professional role model and guide program participants through activities that support a positive learning climate and development of life skills and healthy and safe behaviors.

Why You'll Thrive Here

• Make an impact — foster independence, model inclusion, and contribute to a culture built on compassion
• Grow with purpose — receive extensive training and professional development
• Lead with heart — be part of a mission-driven, inclusive team

Perks & Benefits

• Competitive pay: $18.50–$19.00/hr
• Consistent weekday schedule (AM and/or PM shifts)
• Health benefits, PTO, wellness resources, retirement contributions, and more
• Free family gym membership and employee discounts

What You’ll Do

• Provide 1:1 support to youth with disabilities
• Promote participation, independence, and skill-building
• Collaborate with staff and families to ensure inclusive experiences
• Model positive behavior and ensure a safe, respectful environment

Locations

• Hilltop Elementary School (McHenry, IL)
• Johnsburg Elementary School (Johnsburg, IL)

Qualifications

• Age 18+ years old relevant experience or coursework in childcare, education, or recreation
• Experience working with children (experience with disabilities preferred)
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
• Passion for inclusion and the Y’s mission
• Meet responsibilities and qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Child Abuse Prevention

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required