Child Watch Lead - Afternoon Shift

About the role

The Child Watch Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Child Watch program at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA. This position involves supervising and managing Child Watch staff, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for children, and maintaining the highest standards of care and safety. The Lead will work closely with the YMCA team to promote a positive experience for children and parents, ensuring the program aligns with the YMCA's mission and values. The Child Watch Lead will also communicate with parents and provide an exceptional member experience, handling any concerns or questions promptly. Additionally, the Lead will lean in to support and assist with youth enrichment programming as needed, contributing to the development of children in the community.

Responsibilities

• Ensure a safe and secure environment for children to play and grow
• Support director with interviewing, hiring, training and retaining staff
• Assist director and managers in carrying out supervisory responsibilities
• Help director in the delivery of engaging and impactful youth programming
• Communicate and maintain contact with parents to discuss achievements and concerns related to their child's care at the YMCA
• Perform general housekeeping tasks to set up/cleanup program areas and maintain a clean and safe environment at all times
• Document and notify director of incidents/accidents, damaged equipment and supply needs
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance and secure substitutes if unable to cover a scheduled shift; communication with director in regard to personal scheduling needs and the scheduling needs of other Child Watch staff
• Support other youth program areas as needed
• Pursue continuous professional growth through training and development opportunities, both within the YMCA and externally
• Seek opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills to improve personal performance and contribute to the success of the program
• Any other tasks deemed necessary by the direct supervisor

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age
• Previous experience in a childcare setting and leading a team preferred
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Positive attitude with excellent communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic backgrounds
• Possess a strong understanding of the YMCA and its purpose, mission and values
• Current certification in CPR and AED; complete trainings in Child Abuse Prevention and Blood Borne Pathogens (training provided)

Work conditions

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• Employee may occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds
• Flexible work hours as needed including evenings and weekends (2 Saturday's per month)
• The employee frequently is required to stand, sit, lift, bend and reach, and must be able to move around with the work environment
• Being able to tend to children at their level is required
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust
• The job entails frequent exposure to a computer screen

Core competencies

• Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
• Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Pay

$16.00-$18.00/hour

Schedule

Part-time, non-exempt. Evening shifts available, especially between 3:00–7:00 PM. Flexible work hours required including evenings and weekends (2 Saturdays per month).

Benefits

• $200 sign-on bonus for part-time hires, paid after 30 days of employment (minimum 10 hours per week required; offer valid through September 30, 2026)
• Prime pay offerings (extra $2/hr after 5pm, 8am-1pm on Saturday, and 9am-1pm on Sunday)
• Consistent scheduling
• Free membership
• Opportunity to serve and connect with community youth