Program Instructor, Pathways - Lakewood YMCA

Cleveland YMCA; Lakewood (OH); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership

Employee discounts on programs

Comprehensive Benefits Plan including retirement and vacation

Job summary

The Cleveland YMCA in Lakewood, Ohio, is seeking a Program Instructor for youth programs. This role involves planning activities and engaging with children and families, ensuring a safe and positive environment.

Candidates must have at least one year of youth programming experience, be CPR and First Aid certified within 90 days of hire, and be at least 16 years old. The position offers a free YMCA membership and other employee discounts.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year youth programming experience.
• CPR and First Aid certification within 90 days of hire.
• Must be at least 16 years of age.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver effective activities for youth programs.
• Develop positive rapport with youth and parents.
• Ensure safety and standard guidelines are followed.

Skills

Excellent personal computer skills

Strong customer service skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Self-motivated team player

Ability to work with diverse backgrounds

Job description

Program Instructor, Pathways – Lakewood YMCA

Lakewood YMCA, 16915 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, Ohio, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Monday, May 18, 2026 at 4:00 AM

At the Y, our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Join our Greater Cleveland YMCA team in living our cause and helping to provide quality, safe and healthy programs and services in our community.

Position Summary

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Pathways Instructor is responsible for planning and delivering effective activities in the designated youth program areas for YMCA members and program participants. This role will have direct responsibility for providing age‑appropriate activities in pathways and assist with family nights.

Essential Functions

• Plan each activity in advance, be prepared to be on time, with proper material, equipment, and in proper attire.
• Develop and maintain positive rapport with our youth and their parents.
• Leave program area in a safe, clean and properly arranged.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Adhere to Blood borne Pathogen standards and attend annual training.
• Ensure all classes taught are in accordance with YMCA of Cleveland standards and guidelines.
• Ensure YMCA program standards are met and safety procedures are followed at all times.

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum 1 year youth programming experience.

Certifications and Requirements

• CPR and First Aid certification and Safety training required within 90 days of hire.
• Completed the Red Cross Babysitter Certification if under the age of 18.
• Must be at least 16 years of age.

Technical Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent personal computer skills.
• Demonstrated strong customer service skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self‑motivated team player.
• Demonstrate commitment to the mission, cause of the YMCA, and uphold its values and ethics.
• Ability to work effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions.
• Willingness and ability to be a mandated reporter for any signs or suspicion of child abuse and neglect. All employees are required to follow the child abuse and neglect reporting process: completion of Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect reporting form, calling children protective services (696‑Kids) and notifying your immediate supervisor, branch executive, risk management and human resources department(s).

Benefits

About YMCA of Greater Cleveland: Our vision is to be the premier community-based, charitable organization that embraces collaborations to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. That’s why we offer an exceptional package that includes:

• A free membership to your local YMCA and discount to YMCA programs including childcare (part‑time positions do not receive discount on childcare).
• Additional employee discounts at many places in and around town, just for being a YMCA of Greater Cleveland employee.
• Eligible employees receive comprehensive Benefits Plan including Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Plan, Retirement 9% paid by the YMCA of Greater Cleveland and paid vacation.