Program Instructor - West Park YMCA

YMCA; Cleveland, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership and program-disc

Employee discounts

Comprehensive Benefits: Health, Dental

Retirement plan and paid vacation

Job summary

West Park YMCA is hiring a Program Instructor in Cleveland to lead age-appropriate sports programs and branch activities. You will implement program plans, supervise gym activities, and reinforce YMCA values in every lesson.

The role requires a high school diploma, 1+ year of related programming experience, and CPR/First Aid certification within 90 days of hire. Join a mission-driven team focused on healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; associates degree preferred.
• Minimum one year experience in programming, youth programming or sports.
• CPR and First Aid certification and safety training required within 90 days of hire.
• Adhere to Bloodborne Pathogen standards and attend annual training.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver age-appropriate sports programs and activities.
• Lead classes and supervise activities in gym and program sites.
• Incorporate YMCA Character Development values in lessons.
• Maintain attendance records and track skill progression.
• Ensure safety, cleanliness, and adherence to YMCA policies.
• Communicate with staff and participate in meetings/trainings.
• Build positive relationships with patrons and staff.

Skills

Program instruction

Customer service

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team player

Relationship-building

Education

High school diploma

Associates degree in related field preferred

Job description

West Park YMCA, 15501 Lorain Rd, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, October 28, 2025 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.

The program instructor is responsible for providing age appropriate sports programs and branch activities. The program instructor is responsible for implementing program plans and supervising activities in the gym and at program sites. The program instructor will incorporate YMCA Character Development values into each lesson and reinforce the Y culture.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plan all activities in advance, be prepared to be on time, with proper material, equipment, and in proper attire.
• Incorporate YMCA Character Development values into each lesson.
• Maintain class/participant attendance and student skill accomplishment records.
• Keep gym area clean, recognize potential hazards, communicate and eliminate hazards relative to program and program areas.
• Plan and implement program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values.
• Adhere to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings.
• Ensure all classes taught are in accordance with YMCA of Cleveland standards and guidelines.
• Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.
• Maintain positive relations with patrons and other staff. Model relationship-building skills in all interactions.
• Responsible for following the child abuse and neglect reporting process including 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). All employees of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland are mandated reporters for any signs or suspicion of child abuse and neglect.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• High school diploma required, Associates Degree in related field preferred

Experience:

• Minimum of one year's experience in programming/program growth. (Youth oriented Programming and Sports)

Certification(s):

• CPR and First Aid certification and Safety training required within 90 days of hire.
• Adhere to Blood borne Pathogen standards and attend annual training.

Technical Skills and Knowledge

• Program expertise to instruct / lead class(s), team(s) when assigned instruction is unavailable.
• Demonstrated strong customer service skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated team player.
• Must be able to model the key attributes; Welcoming, Genuine, Hopeful, Nurturing and Determined
• Must show commitment to the mission and cause of the YMCA and uphold its values and ethics
• Ability to work effectively work with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions

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 8% paid by the YMCA of Greater Cleveland and paid vacation.

West Park YMCA, 15501 Lorain Rd, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America