Kids Zone Attendant

Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA; Ocean Springs (MS); On-site; USD 13,776 - 20,664; Part time

Job summary

A community-focused nonprofit organization in Ocean Springs is seeking a Kids Zone Attendant to ensure the safety and engagement of children in their care. This role involves actively supervising children during activities, maintaining a safe environment, and communicating effectively with parents about their child's needs. Required certifications include CPR and First Aid within 30 days of hiring. Ideal candidates will have experience working with children and the ability to create welcoming, supportive interactions. Join our mission to strengthen community through youth development.

Qualifications

• Must have CPR and First Aid certifications within 30 days of hire.
• Prior experience with children is preferred.
• Ability to implement age-appropriate activities.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and participate in activities with children.
• Communicate with parents about children's needs.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in Kids Zone.

Skills

Supervision and engagement with children

Communication skills

Conflict resolution

Organizational skills

Inclusivity

Education

CPR and First Aid certification

Child Abuse prevention training

Experience working with children

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the direction of the Program Coordinator, the Kids Zone Attendant will be responsible for caring for children, ensuring safety, constant surveillance at all times.

OUR CULTURE

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Actively supervises and participates in activities with all children.
• Greets parents; be informed of each child’s needs.
• Always use gentle firmness and kind voice when dealing with problem situations.
• Provide direction of the expectations in the area to the children and their parents.
• Respects confidentiality when discussing issues concerning children.
• Upholds all YMCA policies, procedures, standards and code of conduct.
• Treats all children and parents with dignity and respect
• Maintain a neat, clean and organized Kids Zone area.
• Communicates all suggestions, hazards, incidents and feedback to the Director.
• Attend any pertinent YMCA trainings.
• Maintain updated files and documents related to the Kids Zone area, e.g. attendance, incident reports, payment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (LEADER)

• Mission Advancement: Models and teaches YMCA values, Champions inclusion activities, strategies and initiatives, ensures high‑level services that differentiate the YMCA from other providers, provides volunteers with orientation, training, development and recognition.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high‑value experience for members.
• Personal Growth: Pursues self‑development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. 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.

REQUIREMENTS

• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire date.
• MS‑121 Immunization form on file.
• New employee orientation and leader certification completed in the first 6 months.
• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
• Ability to plan, organise and implement age‑appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Previous experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Understands that the YMCA is a public accommodation committed to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to safely supervise children’s activities.