Program Specialist-Youth Sports

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges; New York (NJ, NY); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a highly motivated individual to lead youth sports programs. This role involves designing and delivering engaging activities for children, fostering positive relationships, and ensuring a nurturing environment. The ideal candidate will have experience working with diverse populations and demonstrate strong instructional skills. Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to community strength through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. If you are passionate about making a difference in children's lives, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities

Complimentary Use of YMCA Facilities

Sign-On Bonus

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and diverse populations preferred.
• Must demonstrate youth sports instructor skills per YMCA standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead youth sports programs for various age groups with engaging activities.
• Build positive relationships with students and parents, encouraging involvement.

Skills

Youth Sports Instruction

Relationship Building

Time Management

Character Development

Education

CPR Certification

AED Certification

Basic First Aid Certification

Job description

West Essex YMCA, 321 S LIVINGSTON AVE, LIVINGSTON, New Jersey, United States of America Req #1640

Sunday, April 20, 2025

We are an all-inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. As a growing, mission-focused, and future-oriented association of YMCAs, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven candidate to join our team.
Sign on bonus may apply

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Provides direct leadership, instruction, and motivation for students by teaching youth sports programs for beginner level, pre-school ages to intermediate level, elementary age groups. Creates positive, nurturing relationships with children while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Specialist will design and deliver a program specialty in their designated area tailored to the skills and interests of each age group.
2. Lead instruction of a group in accordance with YMCA guidelines, having prepared lesson plans accordingly.
3. Plan, setup, and deliver a variety of activities within specialty area that are age-specific and that keep children’s engagement and interest high.
4. Build effective, authentic relationships with students and parents; help them connect with each other and the YMCA. Encourage parent involvement and identify potential volunteers.
5. Responsible for organized class management ensuring all participants can be seen at all times during practice sessions. Utilize time management techniques ensuring practice time for every participant is maximized. Keep sessions moving smoothly.
6. Convey instruction in alignment with appropriate age group. Ensure participants understand instruction.
7. Use teachable moments to discuss character development and provide constructive feedback during practice sessions using positive motivation techniques.
8. Ensure lessons begin and end as scheduled. Maintain records as required (i.e., attendance, progress reports, etc.).
9. Attend staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
10. Follow all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Complete incident and accident reports as necessary.
11. Utilize equipment appropriately with activities and incorporate skill development. Organize and put away needed class equipment. Clean up area after each session. Report damaged equipment.
12. Uphold, model, teach, and put the four (4) core values of the YMCA into action in all activities - everyday: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
13. Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill and encourage youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

1. Mission Advancement: Accept and demonstrate the Y’s values. Demonstrate a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruit volunteers and build effective, supportive working relationships with them. Support fund-raising.
2. Collaboration: Work effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Build rapport and relate well to others. Seek first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remain calm in challenging situations. Listen for understanding and meaning; speak and write effectively. Take initiative to assist in developing others.
3. Operational Effectiveness: Make sound judgments, and transfer learning from one situation to another. Embrace new approaches and discover ideas to create a better member experience. Establish goals, clarify tasks, plan work, and actively participate in meetings. Follow budgeting policies and procedures, and report all financial irregularities immediately. Strive to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
4. Personal Growth: Pursue self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrate an openness to change, and seek opportunities in the change process. Accurately assess personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships. Have the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; use best practices and demonstrate up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Certifications: CPR, AED, Basic First Aid certification.
2. Previous experience working with children preferred.
3. Must be able to demonstrate youth sports instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
4. Previous experience working with diverse populations preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions. Ability to plan, lead, and participate in a range of activities in accordance with instruction. 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. Must have the ability to instruct and observe participants in proper techniques. Ability to stand for long periods of time, walk, use hands, stoop, crouch, or jump. Regularly lifts up to 10 – 50 pounds.

INTERNAL CANDIDATES: Current active employees of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges should apply via the Careers section of the Dayforce Employee Account.

Professional development opportunities and complimentary use of YMCA facilities.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA/employer M/F/D/V. Employment is subject to extensive background check.