Program Assistant - Birthday Parties at Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges Inc – Maplewood, New Jersey

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides direct supervision of children at Birthday Parties. Creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall program experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Keeps children focused and engaged in activities.
• Assist Party Coordinator during the party.
• Consistently greet children and families with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm.
• Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y.
• Learn children's names. Respond to children's needs.
• Assist Coordinator, Group Instructors, Specialists, and all program staff in carrying out themes, special events, and all activities.
• Help group maintain facility cleanliness.
• Work cooperatively with all program staff while planning all party activities.
• Perform the above responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner. Do more than the minimum for children. Treat them as special. Treat children and fellow staff members with respect.
• Use redirection to appropriate activities when needed and use positive reinforcement to commend good choices.
• Teach and instill the Four Core Values of the YMCA in all activities: Caring, Respect, Honesty, & Responsibility.
• Act as requested by the supervisor.

Safety:

• Must attend and complete all required trainings.
• At all times, uphold safety standards. Maintain constant face counts. Will understand and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures.
• Help maintain group control and facilitate activities.
• Follow all YMCA and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality program.
• Secure and submit all accident reports, special plans, schedule changes, and evaluations to supervisor when appropriate.
• Report all immediate concerns to supervisor.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Always maintain a professional demeanor, as you are a representative of the YMCA.
• Wear Y T-shirt daily.
• Maintain positive attitude, responsibility and self-motivation. Be punctual and reliable.
• Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school student or equivalent.
• Previous experience working with children.
• At least 15 years of age.
• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.