Special Needs Aide

YMCA of Honolulu; West Virginia; On-site; USD 24,108 - 26,863; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Y membership with employment

Referral bonuses

Up to 60% discounts on Y programs

Job summary

YMCA of Honolulu in West Virginia is seeking a Special Needs Aide responsible for providing one-on-one assistance to program participants with special needs. This role supports inclusion in group activities while ensuring a nurturing environment and is essential for empowering youth. Candidates must hold a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old. Desired skills include effective communication and positive role modeling.

In addition to competitive pay, employees enjoy free YMCA membership and various discounts on programs and childcare services.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years old and a high school graduate or equivalent are required.
• Working with school-aged children is highly desired.
• Reliable and dependable.

Responsibilities

• Assist Site Coordinators and Youth Directors in program operation.
• Implement curriculum with age-appropriate learning experiences.
• Research and develop new activities for participants.

Skills

Supervising participants

Positive role modeling

Effective communication

Education

High school graduate or equivalent

Job description

PAY RANGE

$17.50 - $19.50 Hourly

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 Special Needs Aide is responsible for providing one‑on‑one assistance to a program participant with high‑functioning or low‑functioning special needs. This position supports the inclusion of participants with special needs in group activities such as homework help, arts and crafts, and outdoor games while reinforcing positive behavior, and ensuring a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment. The Special Needs Aide is responsible for assisting in the planning, development, and implementation of program components and activities. The Special Needs Aide uses a variety of resources to introduce new skills throughout the execution of activities. The Special Needs Aide will comply with and adhere to all standards, policies, and procedures established by the YMCA of Honolulu, DOE, and other agencies associated with YMCA Childcare and DOE A+ Afterschool Programs.

LOCATION

• Alvah Scott Elementary A+
• Inouye Elementary A+
• Waialua Elementary A+
• Waiau Elementary A+
• Wilson Elementary A+

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND JOB DUTIES

• Assists Site Coordinators and Youth Directors in the overall program operation and supervision of participants while adhering to program policies and standard operating procedures.
• Implement curriculum by leading age‑developmentally‑appropriate learning experiences in the classroom or group settings, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.
• Research and develops new activities that are age‑appropriate for the group they are leading whilst collaborating with others to share ideas to enhance the overall program.
• Facilitates programming that invites exploration, promotes positive play, and welcomes children in an all‑inclusive environment.
• Communicate effectively, consistently, and professionally with participants, parents, co‑workers, and others associated with the program such as DOE and DHS contacts.
• Ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the children assigned as well as all other children in the program that may not be overseen directly.
• Serve as a role model by relating to program participants through respect and understanding, being sensitive to each child’s needs, and providing guidance toward positive youth development.
• Maintain accurate participant records and documentation as assigned, following program requirements.
• Attend all general and site staff meetings and training sessions and give input. Be open to criticism, suggestions, and training from other staff.
• Assist with the responsibility to ensure all facilities, equipment, and supplies at the site are maintained/good/organized/clean.
• Ensure that all staff and participants are respectful of facility/property, and all of their rules and expectations are followed.
• Wears the required nametag, and is neat, clean, and professional in appearance in accordance with the required dress code.
• Exemplifies the core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Attend all general and site‑specific staff meetings/ training sessions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• At least 18 years old and a high school graduate or equivalent are required.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Working with school‑aged children is highly desired.
• Must have the ability to demonstrate and show competency in the following areas:
  • Supervising participants and presenting positive role modeling through all interactions with program participants and others associated with the program.
  • Meet program goals and expectations as outlined in the Youth Program Policies and Procedures Handbook.
  • Reliable and dependable.
  • Work a flexible schedule to meet program staffing and planning needs.
  • Exercise mature judgment and sound decision‑making.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

WHY THE Y?

• Free Y membership with employment
• Referral bonuses – Y employees can earn cash or Y credit bonuses for referring a new hire
• Up to 60% discounts for yourself, family, and even your siblings on Y programs, camps, preschool, childcare, and more.

Child Protection Commitment

The YMCA requires all staff to share responsibility for preventing child abuse by upholding professional boundaries, completing mandatory Praesidium training, and reporting concerns. All candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background screening, including criminal and sex offender checks.

See job opportunities page for full details