Learn & Play Specialist - Lohse YMCA

YMCA of Southern Arizona; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership for employee & up

12% retirement plan (employer funded)

Sick time accrual: 1 hour per 30 hours

50% off YMCA programs

Job summary

YMCA of Southern Arizona seeks a Learn & Play Specialist to support safe, engaging activities for children in a YMCA setting. The role focuses on developmentally appropriate programs that foster achievement and belonging, while maintaining clean, hazard-free sites and accurate records.

Candidates must be 18+, hold a current Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card, and have CPR/First Aid or complete within 30 days. Evening and Saturday shifts may be required.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older and have a current Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Current CPR, First Aid, AED or complete within 30 days of hire.
• High school diploma or GED; relevant education preferred.
• Experience with children in recreational settings; ability to engage diverse groups.
• Commitment to YMCA values and safety policies, including abuse reporting requirements.
• Availability Monday through Saturday; evenings and some Saturdays based on program needs.
• Completion of assigned online trainings at/after date of hire.

Responsibilities

• Implement developmentally appropriate activities aligned with YMCA values.
• Engage children and build belonging through purposeful programming.
• Maintain safety, supervision, and ADA accommodations where needed.
• Foster positive relationships with parents and volunteers.
• Keep program records and inventory organized and up to date.
• Attend staff meetings, events, and trainings; adhere to food program guidelines.
• Monitor and support high-risk activities with proper supervision.

Skills

Childcare experience

CPR/First Aid

Arizona Fingerprint Clearance

Communication with parents

ADA accommodations knowledge

Ability to work evenings

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDA/NAC/CCP or degree in Early Education

Job description

LEARN & PLAY SPECIALIST JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Learn & Play Specialist supports the work of the YMCA of Southern Arizona, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. This position is responsible for the monitoring of children while providing a safe, learning atmosphere.

Candidate must be willing and able to work Monday - Thursday evenings and occasional Saturday mornings at the Lohse Family YMCA.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A LEARN & PLAY SPECIALIST:

• Implement program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, and consistent with YMCA values and character development.
• Nurtures children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.
• Actively engages children during all program activities and including ADA accommodations where appropriate. Follows all procedures and standards.
• Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents.
• Engages parents and volunteers to connect them to the YMCA.
• Assist with maintaining program site and equipment to ensure it is hazard-free, clean and well organized.
• Assist with maintaining required program records and inventory of materials.
• Attends and participates in program activities, events, staff meetings, and staff training.
• Ensures the safety and well-being of consumers by maintaining professional boundaries, completing required abuse risk management training, following procedures for high-risk activities and supervision, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations, and adhering to mandated abuse reporting requirements.
• Adhere to guidelines applicable to Child and Adult Care Food Program.
• Obtain eighteen hours of training and/or course work annually within childcare field.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

*This is not an exhaustive list of job duties. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned.

REQUIREMENTS OF A LEARN & PLAY SPECIALIST:

• At Least 18 years of age
• Current Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Current CPR, First Aid, AED certifications or completion within thirty (30) days of hire
• High school degree or GED
• At least six months of experience working with multiple children in a recreational setting
• CDA, NAC, CCP, Associates degree or Bachelor's degree in Early Education or closely related field preferred
• Completion of assigned online training upon date of hire and periodically thereafter.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate program activities
• Previous experience with diverse populations and/or the ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds
• Understands the YMCA of Southern Arizona is a public accommodation committed to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Availability Monday through Saturday (times based on program needs)

PART-TIME BENEFITS:

• Free YMCA membership for employee, one additional adult and all the employee's dependents under age 24, living in the household
• 12% Employer funded retirement plan (once eligible)
• One (1) hour of sick time accrued for every 30 hours worked (can use up to 40 hours per year)
• 50% off YMCA of Southern Arizona programs (including swim lessons, camp registrations, sports programs, personal training packages, and more!)

OUR YMCA 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.

This job announcement is not intended to be inclusive of all functions, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position, however, representative of the essential job functions and typical criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the position.