Summer Day Camp Inclusion Aide

Ymcachicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 24,659 - 25,416; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous PTO and paid holidays

403(b) plan with contributions

Learning opportunities

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Chicago is seeking an Inclusion Aide for Summer 2026. The role involves supporting individuals with disabilities to participate in camp activities, fostering independence and leadership skills. Responsibilities include modifying activities for inclusivity, ensuring participant safety, and communicating effectively with parents and staff. Ideal candidates must have a high school diploma and a passion for empowering diverse youth. Competitive pay and benefits are offered in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Prior experience with children, especially with disabilities.
• Commitment to YMCA's mission for diverse youth.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals with disabilities in activities.
• Modify activities for inclusivity and safety.
• Maintain health and safety standards during programming.

Skills

Experience with children

Communication skills

Role model behavior

Behavior management techniques

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

South Side YMCA
6330 S Stony Island
Chicago, IL 60637, USA

Pay: $17.90 to $18.45 USD per hour (based on skill set, experience, etc.)

Description

Champion Inclusion, Empower Abilities: Be an Inclusion Aide at South Side YMCA for Summer 2026!

At the Y, we create an exciting, safe camp environment for kids and staff to have an unforgettable summer. While campers engage in unique experiences and adventures, our Summer Day Camp Inclusion Aides develop leadership skills and confidence while making lasting friendships and memories.

Pay starts at $17.90 per hour; Monday‑Friday schedule.

As a Summer Day Camp Inclusion Aide, you will support and assist one or more individuals who have a disability and are enrolled in Y programs to promote participation in program activities and independence to the fullest extent possible. You will ensure individualized needs of participants are met, while serving as a professional role model and guiding participants through activities that support a positive learning climate and development of life skills and healthy and safe behaviors.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work‑life balance.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
• Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
• Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company‑sponsored events.

What You’ll Do

Program Participant Experience

• Serve as a role model in supporting inclusion and high‑quality camp programming, creating an outstanding participant experience for children, parents, and families.
• Modify learning or recreational activities as needed, including activities, rules, equipment, and supplies. Promote participation and independence to the fullest extent possible. Maintain confidentiality of information pertaining to the individual(s) assigned for support.
• Teach socially acceptable behaviors by serving as a role model and using age‑appropriate positive reinforcement and behavior‑management strategies. Implement individualized behavior‑management plans when necessary.
• Communicate consistently with team members and program leaders to keep abreast of activities and schedule, in order to prepare for activity modifications. Offer suggestions for modifications when applicable.
• Communicate consistently with parents, classroom/program team, and program leadership through completion of a weekly summary of the individual’s participation.
• Support program activities as assigned by supervisor, including substitute support for ongoing camp activities.

Participant Safety

• Ensure the physical and emotional health and safety of participants by being safety conscious, following all established YMCA standards and critically evaluating situations for potential risks.
• Be alert and responsive to any specific health and safety needs of the individual with a disability.
• Ensure compliance with established rules and regulations to ensure safety. Monitor participants and team members, providing coaching and intervention as necessary.
• Set up facilities and/or equipment for activities and store equipment appropriately after use. Immediately notify program leaders of any broken or unsafe equipment or if more resources/equipment are needed.
• Keep program facilities clean at all times.

What You’ll Need

• High school diploma or equivalent; must be at least 18 years of age or older.
• Prior experience working with children, preferably with children with disabilities and/or in a similar program setting.
• Commitment to, and passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission and serving the needs of diverse youth.
• Basic knowledge of child growth and development as well as developmentally appropriate practices for the age group.
• Ability to understand and implement an inclusion plan and provide recommended strategies; ability to observe participant behavior and apply appropriate behavior‑management techniques.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to build constructive relationships, act as a role model, and communicate effectively with children, families, team members, and others.
• Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Y Team competencies in previous experience or practice.
• Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in the job description; the YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
• Meet additional program guidelines for background checks and medical screening where necessary based on program supported.

Child Abuse Prevention

• Report any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor.
• Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.
• Report any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
• Complete all child abuse prevention training, as required.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.