Club Y Advisor (Group Leader) - Teen Department

About the role

The Club Y Advisor supports the YMCA’s commitment to youth development by creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive before- and after-school environment for middle school students. This position plays a vital role in delivering age-appropriate enrichment activities, fostering positive behavior, and serving as a role model who upholds the YMCA’s core values. Club Y Advisors guide students through structured programming in areas such as leadership, academic support, arts, and social emotional learning, helping them build confidence, develop life skills, and strengthen their sense of belonging. The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South aims to provide quality and safe youth programs for all and is committed to preventing the abuse of children; any allegations or suspicions are taken seriously and reported to the State for investigation.

Responsibilities

• Appropriately supervise children and participate in all aspects of the program
• Observe children’s behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations/emergency procedures and apply appropriate behavior management techniques
• Prepare daily snack; provide homework assistance
• Assist in maintaining a safe, nurturing environment
• Establish positive relationships with all program participants and their families
• Provide a positive role model within the philosophy of YMCA standards and expectations
• Lead specialty experiences targeted at middle‑school interests: Art, Active Play & Sport, Music, Teen Leadership, STEM (Y‑CAP: Social Emotional Learning; Achievers: College and Career Readiness)
• Utilize approved curriculums to organize and lead activities
• Provide active supervision—be aware of the location of children at all times and never leave them unsupervised
• Utilize project‑based learning strategies to implement interest areas
• Encourage respect for personal property, program equipment, and facility
• Ensure all program areas and equipment are kept clean and safe
• Assist Club Y Site Director with sign‑in/sign‑out procedures
• Comply with and enforce all DHS licensing requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor
• Accurately report work time via the approved YMCA clocking‑in/out method

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old and pass pre‑employment background checks, drug screening, and DHS fingerprinting
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous work with middle school students preferred but not required
• Must meet minimum Tennessee Department of Human Services requirements
• Willingness to accept/provide supervision and guidance
• Ability to manage children's behavior without physical contact or force
• Complete 11 hours of pre‑hire training including: New Hire Orientation, DHS Background Disclosure Form & Fingerprint appointment, Abuse Registry Check, DHS Physical health form, Proof of education, Past Employment reference, DHS TCCOTS “Before you Begin” and “Shaken Baby” training (TN program sites), and Pre‑service training
• Obtain CPR/First Aid/AED (Infant/Pediatric) certification within 30 days of hire and maintain annual training requirements
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Work environment includes climbing, sitting, standing, pushing, walking, kneeling, stooping; some exposure to outdoor elements, electrical/mechanical mechanisms, and chemical elements

Skills

• Mission Advancement: reinforces Y’s values, communicates benefits and impact
• Collaboration: builds strategic relationships, serves as community leader, communicates for influence, provides tools for development of others
• Operational Effectiveness: integrates thinking processes, involves staff in program development, ensures execution, assigns accountability, drives continuous improvement
• Personal Growth: fosters learning environment, creates urgency for change, demonstrates functional/technical knowledge and up‑to‑date skills
• Behavioral Characteristics: Welcoming, Nurturing, Determined, Hopeful, Genuine

Schedule

This position follows a primarily weekday schedule (Monday through Friday), with occasional evening and weekend hours required based on program needs and special events. This is an in‑person role.