Youth Program Leader

About the role

The Youth Program Leader implements the Operation Hero program and directly supervises school-age children, modeling and teaching the Armed Services YMCA’s values. This position ensures military youth in grades 2-8 engage in fun, meaningful activities that promote learning and caring for others.

Responsibilities

• Implement the Operation Hero program by preparing curriculum and coordinating activities, games, worksheets, songs, and lessons aligned with the weekly theme, incorporating YMCA character values (caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty).
• Arrange materials 30 minutes prior to the start of class, ensuring the program begins and ends on time and meets lesson plan guidelines.
• Develop and maintain relationships with school personnel and families to ensure effective communication, including conflict resolution using non-threatening methods for sensitive issues.
• Attend mandatory meetings and trainings, and coordinate research/resources with other facilitators.
• Work after school hours.
• Provide feedback to parents about their children, including referrals as needed.
• Prepare end-of-school-year reports, monthly class attendance records, and assemble classroom resources.
• Purchase or submit purchase orders, manage program cash receipts, and provide healthy snacks for participants.
• Take accurate attendance of students, verify military child requirements, and maintain an updated class roster (submitted to the Director by the 1st of each month).
• Ensure an organized, safe, and clean program space for children.

Requirements

• 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 pass a background check and drug testing.

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in writing reports and lesson plans.
• Highly self-motivated with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Able to maintain confidentiality of program information.

Physical, Mental & Environmental Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, and use hands, arms, and legs for dexterity, balance, and climbing stairs.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods.
• 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/projects requiring good memory, concentration, and analytical thinking.
• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions and safely supervise children’s activities.

Military spouses, veterans, and military-affiliated job seekers are encouraged to apply.