Youth and Family Instructor

YMCA of Rock River Valley; Loves Park (IL); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

YMCA of Rock River Valley is seeking a Youth and Family Instructor to engage children in Kids' Care and other Youth & Family programs. You will guide development, ensure a safe, enriching environment, and foster families' involvement to support children's growth.

This part-time, non-exempt role offers weekend shifts, opportunities for professional development, and a chance to contribute to a welcoming community.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 16 years old.
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team dynamic.
• Ability to be flexible and problem solve quickly and effectively.
• Ability to engage in daily care, activities, and routines of program children, including physical activities and supervision.
• Passionate and enthusiastic about hospitality and recreational programming and events.
• Oral, auditory, and written communication skills appropriate for interacting with both children and adults.
• Capable of communicating concerns and needs to parents and supervisor to ensure a positive experience.
• CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days.
• Praesidium Academy trainings.
• Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations.
• Proven track record of developing authentic relationships with others.

Responsibilities

• Support daily childcare operations for Kids Care, Kids' Night Out, and other Youth & Family programs.
• Create engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences that support children’s growth.
• Provide attentive supervision to ensure child safety and well-being at all times.
• Foster a welcoming environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and positive play.
• Use program materials to create inclusive, multicultural experiences.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe spaces meeting YMCA and state standards.
• Communicate effectively with parents and leadership to support a positive family experience.
• Promote teamwork through respectful communication and collaboration with coworkers.
• Support special events and off-site youth programming as scheduled.
• Supervise swimming, water activities, and climbing wall based on training level.
• Organize supplies and complete daily operational checklists.
• Attend meetings, trainings, and development opportunities throughout the year.
• Support member retention and recruitment through excellent family experiences.

Job description

Career Opportunities with YMCA of Rock River Valley

YOUR IMPACT

The Youth and Family Instructor will be responsible for engaging in and implementing all programs and activities daily through Kids' Care and other Youth & Family programs. Youth and Family Instructors will guide the development of children, ensuring a safe, enriching, and healthy environment using materials and resources provided. Staff provide a safe and fun environment for children while parents are involved in YMCA activities. Staff will engage with children to allow them the opportunity to develop physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively within the context of a caring relationships with the adults in the program. Staff will provide a quality experience to children and parents with focus on quality program operations. This position may also be expected to support programs and events in the Youth & Family department including participating in a rotating weekend schedule.

WHAT YOUR DAY MAY LOOK LIKE

No two days are the same in this role — but every day centers on creating a safe, welcoming, and fun childcare environment where children can play, learn, explore, and families feel supported.

• Support daily childcare operations for Kids Care, Kids’ Night Out, and other Youth & Family programs
• Create engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences that support children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth
• Provide attentive, active supervision to ensure child safety and well-being at all times
• Foster a welcoming environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and positive play
• Use program materials responsibly to create inclusive, multicultural, and enriching experiences
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe program spaces that meet YMCA and state standards
• Communicate effectively with parents and leadership to support a positive family experience
• Promote teamwork through respectful communication and positive collaboration with coworkers
• Support special events, birthday parties, and off-site youth programming as scheduled
• Supervise swimming, water-based activities, and support the climbing wall based on training level
• Organize supplies, equipment, and complete daily operational checklists
• Make sound decisions quickly in fast-paced or urgent situations
• Attend meetings, trainings, and development opportunities throughout the year
• Support member retention and recruitment through excellent family experiences

If you love working with children, thrive in an active environment, and enjoy creating fun, safe experiences for families — this role is for you.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION: 5 Positions

Positions 1: Northeast Family YMCA

Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Program Type: Kids' Care
Monday - Wednesday 8:45 am- 12:15 pm
$15.00 per hour

Positions 2: Northeast Family YMCA

Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Program Type: Kids' Care
Tuesday and Wednesday 4:45 - 8:15 pm
Friday and Saturday 4:45 - 9:15 pm
$15.00 per hour

Position 3: Northeast Family YMCA & Puri Family YMCA

Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Program Type: Kids' Night Out
Monday 4:30 - 8:15 pm - Northeast Family YMCA
Wednesday and Thursday 3:45 - 7:15 pm - Puri Family YMCA
Friday 4:45 - 9:15 pm - Northeast Family YMCA
Saturday 7:45 - 11:45 am - Puri Family YMCA
$15.00 per hour

Positions 4 & 5: Northeast Family YMCA

Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Program Type: Kids' Night Out
Saturday 4:45 - 9:15 pm
$15.00 per hour

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum age of 16 years old.
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team dynamic.
• Ability to be flexible and problem solve quickly and effectively.
• Ability to engage in all activities associated with the daily care, activities, and routines of program’s children, including but not limited to: interacting with children at floor level, physical education activities such as running, jumping, etc., lifting children and equipment, and participating in outdoor activities, diapering and toileting as needed.
• Passionate and enthusiastic about hospitality and recreational programming and events.
• Oral, auditory, and written communication skills appropriate for interacting with both children and adults.
• Capable of communicating concerns and needs to parents and their supervisor to ensure a positive experience for the children, parents and staff at all times.
• CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days.
• Praesidium Academy trainings.
• Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations.
• Proven track record of developing authentic and deepened relationships with others.

The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility