Inclusion Aide

Ymcachicago; Palatine (IL); On-site; USD 24,659 - 25,416; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

PTO

Free family gym membership

Job summary

A community-focused YMCA in Palatine seeks an Inclusion Aide to provide one-on-one support to youth with disabilities. This role involves promoting participation, independence, and the development of life skills while ensuring a safe environment. Qualified candidates should have relevant experience or coursework and are passionate about inclusion. The position offers competitive pay ($17.90–$18.45/hr), health benefits, and a consistent weekday schedule. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to fostering inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Age 18+; relevant experience or coursework in childcare, education, or recreation.
• Experience working with school-age children with autism is 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 skills

Collaboration skills

Leadership skills

Education

Experience or coursework in childcare, education, or recreation

Job description

Buehler YMCA
1400 W. Northwest Hwy., Palatine, IL 60067, USA

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 guide program participants through activities that support a positive learning climate and development of life skills and healthy and safe behaviors. Experience working with school‑age children with autism is preferred for this role.

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

Competitive pay: $17.90–$18.45/hr

Consistent weekday schedule (AM and/or PM shifts). Currently looking for help Monday–Thursday 2:30–6pm, Friday 1:30–6pm

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

Qualifications

• Age 18+; relevant experience or coursework in childcare, education, or recreation
• Experience working with school‑age children with autism is preferred for this role
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
• Passion for inclusion and the Y’s mission
• Meet responsibilities and qualifications as outlined in the 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 monitoring and supervising of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.