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 leadership, instruction and motivation for students by teaching various techniques of Pickleball to various age groups and abilities. Creates positive, nurturing relationships with participants, while building cooperative relationships with all program participants.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• At all times, maintain a professional demeanor, as a representative of the YMCA. Wear YMCA T-shirt when on shift and on premises.
• Consistently greet participants with a smile and with enthusiasm. Learn all participants’ names.
• Group Instructor will design and deliver lesson plans in the designated program area tailored to the skills and interests of each age group.
• Lead instruction of participants in accordance with USA Pickleball and YMCA guidelines, having prepared lesson plans accordingly.
• Plan, setup and deliver a variety of activities within interest area that are age and skill specific and that keep participant’s engagement and interest high.
• Builds effective, authentic relationships with participants; help them connect with each other and the YMCA. Encourage involvement and identifies potential volunteers.
• Responsible for organized class management ensuring all participants can be seen at all times.
• Conveys instruction in alignment with appropriate age group and skill level. Ensures participants understandings of instruction.
• Uses teachable moments to discuss character development and provides constructive feedback during practice session using positive motivation techniques.
• Ensures lessons begin and end as scheduled. Maintains records as required (i.e. attendance, progress reports, etc.).
• Attends staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
• Follows all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Completes incident and accident reports as necessary.
• Utilize equipment appropriately with activities and incorporate skill development. Organizes and puts away needed class equipment. Clean up area after each session. Reports damaged equipment.
• Uphold, model, teach and put the four (4) core values of the YMCA into action in all activities - everyday: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility
• Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill and encourage youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma, Associate/Bachelors Degree in Education, youth work, recreation or related preferred or equivalent experience.
• Three (3) years’ experience in recreation or related field.
• Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) or International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) Certification.
• 4+ Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to relate to and communicate in various venues, i.e., public speaking, presentations.
• Proven ability to facilitate learning in others and ability to supervise others.
• Understanding age specific characteristics and positive behavior management techniques.
• Strong organizational skills, technologically proficient with various software applications.
• Strong knowledge of Pickleball rules and gameplay
• Must be able to demonstrate instructor skills in accordance with USA Pickleball Registry and YMCA standards.
• Previous experience working with diverse populations preferred.
• CPR and First Aid Certifications.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions. Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in accordance to instruction. 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. Must have the ability to instruct and actively observe participants. Ability to stand for long periods of time, walk, use hands, stoop, and crouch. Regularly lifts up to 10 – 50 pounds.