Job Opportunity

POSITION SUMMARY

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Youth Specialist role involves planning and implementing a variety of enrichment activities for elementary-aged children, promoting their development in a supportive and engaging environment.

ARTS & CRAFTS FOCUS

This Youth Specialist is responsible for the planning and leading of arts and crafts activities that foster creativity, skill development, and a passion for the arts among our participants. The Youth Specialist works with the Youth Leaders to guide the academic and social development of children, ensuring a safe, enriching, and healthy learning environment. The Youth Specialist works with the Site Coordinator in using a variety of resources, to introduce new skills through the execution of activities and assists them as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Plan and Lead Art Activities: Design and implement a variety of arts and craft projects suitable for elementary-age children, ensuring activities are age-appropriate, engaging, and educational.
2. Create Lesson Plans: Develop detailed lesson plans that outline objectives, materials needed, and step-by-step instructions for each activity.
3. Group Management: Maintain a positive and inclusive group environment, managing behavior effectively and ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.
4. Instruction and Support: Provide clear instructions, demonstrations, and individual assistance to students as needed, encouraging creativity and participation.
5. Material Preparation: Organize and prepare all necessary materials and supplies in advance of each group or session.
6. Assess and Adapt: Evaluate the progress and skill levels of students, adapting projects and instruction to meet diverse needs and abilities.
7. Encourage Expression: Foster an environment where children feel free to express themselves creatively, experiment with new ideas, and take artistic risks.
8. Collaboration: Work closely with other instructors, youth leaders, site coordinators, and volunteers to coordinate activities and events, and to support the overall mission of the program and organization.
9. Safety and Cleanliness: Ensure the art space is kept clean, organized, and safe for all participants, following all health and safety guidelines.
10. Communication: Communicate effectively with parents and guardians about their child's progress, upcoming projects, and any necessary information regarding the program.
11. Professional Development: Stay updated on best practices in art education and child development, seeking opportunities for professional growth and improvement.
12. Demonstrates a working knowledge of YMCA mission, purpose and goals, childcare policies and YMCA standards; ensures the program meets the highest standards of excellence.
13. Works with supervisor to ensure programs and services meet community needs to include supervising existing program activities, establishing new program activities, and expanding the program within the community as needed. Assists in marketing and distribution of program information.
14. Assures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as they relate to program areas, including ADA accommodations where appropriate; ensures that YMCA program standards are met and safety procedures followed.
15. Adheres to policies, standard operating procedures, and handbooks related to boundaries with youth.
16. Participates and attends all required abuse risk management training.
17. Adheres to standards & procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising youth.
18. Reports any suspicious, inappropriate behaviors and policy violations to the supervisor immediately and complies with mandated YMCA and State of Hawaii abuse reporting requirements.
19. Reinforces staff and volunteers to adhere to policies and procedures related to abuse risk.
20. Responds seriously and confidentially to reports of suspicious and inappropriate behaviors, and responds quickly to policy and procedure violations using the organization’s progressive disciplinary procedures.
21. Complies with the YMCA and State of Hawaii abuse reporting requirements.
22. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Level I Youth Enrichment Instructor (entry level):
  • Minimum 18 years of age.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Daily access to personal vehicles required.
  • Able to complete all virtual and in-person trainings related to Child Abuse Prevention within 30 days of hire.
  • Fulfillment of state-specific hiring standards and completion of YMCA program-specific training.
  • Able to be CPR, First Aid, and AED certified.
  • Able to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
  • Able to work collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Minimum one year related experience preferred.
• Level II Youth Enrichment Instructor (in addition to the Level I qualifications above):
  • All Level I Youth Leader requirements
  • One year or more of previous childcare experience with leadership responsibilities in group setting required.
  • YMCA Team Leader certification preferred.
  • Completion of some college or post high school education is preferred.