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.

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 and provide homework assistance
• Assist in maintaining a safe, nurturing environment
• Establish a positive relationship 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 the interest of Middle School students:
  • Art, Active Play & Sport, Music, Teen Leadership, STEM
  • For Y-CAP: Social Emotional Learning
  • For 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 do not 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
• Comply with and enforce all DHS licensing requirements
• Perform all other duties as assigned by Supervisor
• Accurately report work time via 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

Certifications

Required before a new hire is scheduled to work:

• New Hire Orientation training
• 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)
• Pre-service training

Within 30 days of hire:

• CPR/First Aid/AED (Infant/Pediatric)
• Must maintain annual training requirements

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.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Climbing, sitting, standing, pushing, walking, kneeling, and stooping
• Some exposure to outdoor elements
• Exposure to electrical/mechanical mechanisms
• Exposure to some chemical elements
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds