Inclusion Aide

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 24,659 - 25,416; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay: $17.90–$18.45/hr

Health benefits

PTO

Free family gym membership

Employee discounts

Job summary

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is seeking an Inclusion Aide to assist individuals with disabilities in Y programs, enabling participation and independence.

The role offers competitive pay, health benefits, and a consistent weekday schedule. Applicants should be 18+ with relevant experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for inclusion.

Join a mission-driven team dedicated to fostering a compassionate and inclusive environment!

Qualifications

• Age 18+ years old.
• Experience working with children (experience with disabilities preferred).
• Passion for inclusion and the Y’s 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.

Skills

Strong communication

Collaboration

Leadership skills

Experience with disabilities

Education

Relevant experience or coursework in childcare, education, or 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 a professional role model and guiding program participants through activities that support a positive learning climate and the 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: $17.90–$18.45/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

Locations

Safe 'N Sound YMCA Before & After School programs throughout Naperville, Aurora, and North Aurora for the 2026-2027 school year!

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

Qualifications

• Age 18+ years old and 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

Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• 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