Youth Coach, Ninja Zone - East Valley

Ymca; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Silicon Valley is seeking a NinjaZone Coach to lead engaging classes for children aged roughly 18 months through 9 years. You will teach obstacle courses, gymnastics, parkour-inspired movement, and related skills in a safe, developmentally appropriate environment.

Responsibilities include providing clear instructions, maintaining supervision, following safety policies, and assisting with setup, cleanup, and records.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in recreational, educational, athletic, camp, gymnastics, or similar setting.
• Ability to actively participate in and demonstrate physical activities.
• Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate teaching techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead NinjaZone classes for children ages 18 months to 9 years, adapting to age and abilities.
• Instruct movement skills: balance, coordination, agility, strength, flexibility, climbing, jumping, tumbling.
• Ensure safety, equipment checks, and a welcoming program environment.
• Communicate progress and program expectations to parents/guardians.
• Assist with setup, cleanup, and attendance records.
• Participate in staff trainings and YMCA events.

Skills

Child engagement

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Education

CPR/AED and First Aid certification

Job description

The Ninja Zone Coach is responsible for creating a fun, safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate experience for children participating in the YMCA of Silicon Valley's NinjaZone program. The Ninja Zone Coach leads classes that incorporate obstacle courses, gymnastics, parkour-inspired movement, strength, coordination, balance, agility, and character development.

SALARY RANGE: $23.00 - $26.00/hour

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead engaging NinjaZone classes for children ages approximately 18 months--9 years, adapting instruction to the age, ability, and developmental needs of participants.
• Teach age-appropriate movement skills including balance, coordination, agility, strength, flexibility, climbing, jumping, tumbling, and obstacle-course skills.
• Demonstrate and safely instruct NinjaZone activities and equipment.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and welcoming program environment.
• Provide clear instructions, demonstrations, encouragement, and positive reinforcement.
• Modify activities to accommodate different skill levels and abilities.
• Build positive relationships with children and families while providing excellent member service.
• Maintain appropriate supervision of all participants throughout each class.
• Follow YMCA safety, emergency, child protection, and risk-management policies and procedures.
• Conduct appropriate equipment and facility safety checks before and during programming.
• Communicate professionally with parents/guardians regarding participant progress, program expectations, and concerns.
• Assist with class setup, cleanup, transitions, and equipment organization.
• Maintain accurate attendance and other required program records.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development as required.
• Support YMCA events, demonstrations, special programs, and other activities as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, crawl, climb, jump, and move quickly during classes.
• Demonstrate basic gymnastics and obstacle-course movements.
• Assist or spot participants when appropriate and within training.
• Lift, carry, move, and set up program equipment.
• Respond quickly to safety concerns or emergencies.
• Work in an active environment with frequent movement and noise.

Requirements

• Previous experience working with children in a recreational, educational, athletic, camp, gymnastics, or similar setting.
• Ability to actively participate in and demonstrate physical activities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to create a positive and inclusive environment for children of varying abilities and skill levels.
• Experience in gymnastics, parkour, ninja/obstacle-course training, martial arts, cheer, dance, physical education, or another youth movement program.
• Experience working with children ages 18 months--9 years.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
• Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate teaching techniques.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Engaging Community: Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y's work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit.

Collaboration: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community.

Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y's cause.

Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence.