Youth Program Leader

Armed Services YMCA National Headquarters; California (MO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization is seeking a Youth Program Leader for overseeing the Operation Hero program for children grades 2-8. This position involves planning engaging activities, ensuring safety, and fostering a love for learning among military youth. Ideal candidates will have relevant educational background, leadership skills, and a commitment to high standards of child development. This role offers a chance to positively impact the lives of children and families associated with the military.

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience working with children in a group setting preferred.
• Equivalent experience may be substituted for the college degree.
• Must pass a background check and drug testing.
• Background check and drug screening will be conducted.

Responsibilities

• Implement the Operation Hero program by preparing curriculum.
• Arrange materials for class 30 minutes before it starts.
• Develop relationships with school personnel and families.
• Attend mandatory meetings and trainings.
• Ensure program space is organized and safe.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Proficient in writing reports and lesson plans

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks

Relationship building with school personnel and families

Conflict resolution skills

Education

College degree focusing on child development or related field preferred

Tools

CPR and First Aid certification

Valid driver’s license

Job description

Youth Program Leader

Join to apply for the Youth Program Leader role at Armed Services YMCA National Headquarters

The Youth Program Leader is responsible for the implementation of the Operation Hero program and the direct supervision of school-age children. This position models and teaches the Armed Services YMCA’s values and ensures military youth, grades 2-8, are provided fun and meaningful activities to promote learning and caring of others.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement the Operation Hero program by preparing curriculum and coordinating activities, games, worksheets, songs, and lessons with the current week’s theme as well as incorporate the YMCA character values of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty into the position.
• Arrange materials as needed for each day 30 minutes prior to the start of class and ensure program begins and ends on time and meets lesson plan guidelines.
• Develop and maintain relationships with school personnel and families to ensure effective communication. Able to negotiate and resolve conflict by utilizing non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues.
• Attend all mandatory meetings and trainings as requested and be prepared to coordinate research and share resources with other facilitators.
• Able to work after school hours.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide feedback to parents regarding their children; provide information and/or referrals as needed.
• Prepare end of school year report, class attendance on a monthly basis, assemble any needed resources for the classroom.
• Purchase or submit purchase orders, program cash receipts, and healthy snacks for the program participants.
• Take accurate attendance of students and ensure they meet the military child requirements. Maintain clear and updated class roster with pertinent information; provide a copy to Director by the 1st of each month with prior month information.
• Ensure an organized, safe, and clean program space for the children.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficient in writing reports and lesson plans.
• Highly self‑motivated and able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Able to maintain confidentiality of program information.
• Armed Services YMCA employee guidelines apply.

Qualifications

• College degree focusing on child development or related field preferred; equivalent experience may be substituted.
• 2+ years’ experience working with children in a group setting preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certification required within 15 days of hire.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Able to successfully pass a background check and drug testing.

Physical Demands

• Sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel and use hands, arms and legs for dexterity, balance and climbing stairs frequently. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Occasionally lifts, carries and balances objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Pulls and pushes objects such as file drawers and supplies.
• Prioritizes and multi‑tasks work and projects requiring good memory, concentration and analytical thinking.
• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to safely supervise children’s activities.