Inclusion Assistant/Paraprofessional

YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South; Cordova (TN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

The YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South is seeking a part-time Inclusion Assistant/Paraprofessional to support individuals with disabilities in YMCA programs. You will promote participation, model positive behavior, and guide activities that teach life skills and healthy living.

You will collaborate with staff to modify activities and ensure safety while fostering independence for participants in before/after school programs. Prior experience with youth is essential.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Prior experience working with youth is required.
• Experience with individuals with disabilities is preferred.
• Excellent verbal communication and ability to tailor messaging to different audiences.
• Passion for working with diverse youth and providing high-quality instruction.

Responsibilities

• Modify activities, rules, and equipment to promote participation and independence.
• Maintain confidentiality of participant information.
• Lead and adapt recreational activities to fit abilities and interests.
• Model positive behavior and use behavior management strategies.
• Implement individualized behavior plans when needed.
• Communicate with supervisor and team about activities and schedules.

Skills

Verbal communication

Observation of behavior

Relationship building

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The part - time Inclusion Assistant/Paraprofessional is 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. The Inclusion Assistant/Paraprofessional serves as a professional role model by leading through example and guiding recreational activities that teach life skills, encourage healthy and safe behaviors and create a positive experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Modify activities, rules, equipment, and/or supplies as needed to promote participation in program activities and independence to the fullest extent possible.
• Maintain the confidentiality of information pertaining to the individual(s) that you are assigned to support.
• Modify recreational activities for assigned individuals as needed, including but not limited to, arts and crafts, sports, social recreation, songfests, and other games and hobbies.
• Teach socially acceptable behaviors by serving as a role model and by using age-appropriate positive reinforcement and behavior management strategies.
• Implement individualized behavior management plans, when necessary.
• Communicate consistently with supervisor, team leader, and other team members to keep abreast of activities and schedule, in order to prepare for activity modifications. Will offer suggestions for modifications, if applicable.
• Communicate consistently with parents and the Director of Exceptional Children through completion of a weekly summary of the individual’s participation.
• Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned by and agreed to by their supervisor to meet the changing needs of the program and/or branch.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the Y’s efforts for all stakeholders.

Collaboration: Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the Y. Serves as a community leader building collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance the Y’s mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.

Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves staff at all levels in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.

Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Behavioral Characteristics: Welcoming, Nurturing, Determined, Hopeful, and Genuine.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have prior experience working with youth
• Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly and concisely present ideas and concepts and tailor communication to multiple audiences
• Passion for working with diverse youth and ability to provide a high-quality of instruction using age appropriate practices.
• Ability to observe student behavior and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
• Proven ability to establish constructive relationships and interact as a positive role model
• Continuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skills
• Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in the job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Certifications Required:

Before a new hire is scheduled to work, they must complete 15 hours of training.

WORK SCHEDULE: This part-time position is a split shift position that takes place Monday - Friday during before school and/or after school hours. Available work schedules...

• before school (only)
• after school (only)
• before and after school

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Climbing, sitting, standing, pushing, walking, kneeling, and stooping
• Some Exposure to the outdoor elements
• Exposure to electrical/mechanical mechanisms
• Exposure to some chemical elements
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South aims to provide quality and safe youth programs for all. We are committed to making a continuous effort to prevent the abuse of children: verbally, physically, emotionally and sexually. All allegations or suspicions of child abuse are taken seriously and will be reported to the State for investigation with full cooperation from the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South.