Inclusion Aide

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Palatine (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

PTO

Wellness resources

Retirement contributions

Free family gym membership

Employee discounts

Job summary

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is seeking an Inclusion Aide to provide 1:1 support to youth with disabilities and promote participation in YMCA programs. You will collaborate with staff and families to foster inclusive experiences, modeling positive behavior and ensuring a safe environment.

Ideal candidates are 18+ with experience or coursework in childcare, education, or recreation, and demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills in a mission-driven, supportive setting.

Qualifications

• Age 18+ years old
• Experience or coursework in childcare, education, or recreation
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
• Passion for inclusion and YMCA mission
• Reasonable accommodations provided for persons with disabilities

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

Passion for inclusion

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

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 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