Before-and-After School Program Associate in Oskaloosa, Iowa at Mahaska County YMCA

Position Summary
The Before and After School Program Associate supports the YMCA’s mission by providing a safe, nurturing, engaging, and inclusive environment for school-age children. This position helps children develop confidence, build positive relationships, explore new interests, and grow socially, emotionally, and physically.
Working as part of a collaborative team, the Program Associate supervises children, leads age-appropriate activities, supports positive behavior, and builds respectful relationships with children, families, and coworkers. The successful candidate demonstrates the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Child Safety and Supervision
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times and follow established child protection and safety procedures.
• Support safe arrival, departure, attendance tracking, and authorized child-release procedures.
• Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios in accordance with applicable regulations and YMCA policies.
• Respond appropriately to injuries, emergencies, and behavioral concerns, following established reporting procedures.
• Maintain clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate program spaces.

Program Development and Engagement
• Assist with planning and leading age-appropriate activities, including games, arts and crafts, physical activities, homework support, and enrichment opportunities.
• Encourage creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and positive peer relationships.
• Adapt activities to support children's varying interests, abilities, developmental needs, and participation preferences.
• Promote an environment where every child feels welcomed, respected, included, and valued.

Positive Guidance and Relationships
• Model appropriate behavior and use positive, developmentally appropriate guidance strategies.
• Help children resolve conflicts, develop self-regulation skills, and practice respectful communication.
• Build trusting relationships with children while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Communicate concerns about children's safety, well-being, or participation to the appropriate supervisor.

Family and Team Communication
• Greet families professionally and provide appropriate information about daily activities and program experiences.
• Work collaboratively with coworkers, school personnel, and program leadership.
• Follow YMCA policies, procedures, confidentiality requirements, and documentation expectations.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and ongoing professional development.

Other Responsibilities
• Assist with program setup, cleanup, transitions, and special events.
• Complete required attendance records, incident reports, and other program documentation accurately.
• Perform other duties consistent with the position and the needs of the program.
Qualifications

Required qualifications
• Ability to work effectively with school-age children in a group setting.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Dependability, punctuality, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Ability to follow safety procedures, program policies, and supervisor directions.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks and other screening procedures.
• Ability to complete required training and maintain any applicable certifications.

Preferred qualifications
• Previous experience working with children in a school, child care, camp, recreation, or youth development setting.
• Experience leading group activities and using positive behavior guidance.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications, or willingness to obtain them within the required timeframe.
• Familiarity with child development and inclusive youth programming.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements
The position requires active engagement with children in an indoor and outdoor environment. Duties may include standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting program materials, participating in physical activities, and responding to children's needs. Reasonable accommodations will be considered for qualified individuals with disabilities.

YMCA Values and Workplace Expectations
All staff members are expected to demonstrate:
• Caring: Show compassion, encouragement, and concern for each child's well-being.
• Honesty: Communicate truthfully and act with integrity.
• Respect: Recognize and value the unique contributions, identities, and needs of children, families, and coworkers.
• Responsibility: Maintain accountability for children's safety, assigned duties, and professional conduct.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The YMCA is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees can achieve, relate, and belong. Employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable equal employment opportunity laws. We welcome qualified applicants who are committed to supporting children, families, and our community.

Additional Employment Conditions
Employment is contingent upon completion of applicable background checks, required training, and any other screening or certification requirements established by law and YMCA policy.
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may be adjusted to meet program needs and applicable legal requirements.