The Senior Youth Development Associate provides developmentally appropriate activities and environment for school-age children as directed by Youth Development Leaders. Supervises children in AYS programs compliant with AYS standards, policies and procedures and assists Youth Development Leaders with various leadership duties. In addition, this role is responsible for providing direct support, care, and supervision to children with special needs enrolled in the program. This role ensures that all children are included, safe, engaged, and supported in accordance with individualized needs, program policies, and inclusive best practices.

Program Operations

• Serve as a positive and guiding force that fosters realization of the AYS mission, vision, and values
• Create a safe and stimulating environment for optimal youth development
• Supports the development of curriculum plans and executes appropriate activities
• Create an environment that inspires a sense of joy and belonging where all feel accepted
• Build honest, trusting, and respectful relationships with families in the community
• Participates in the weekly job rotation of duties, including, but not limited to snack preparation, sign-in procedures, clean up, bathroom monitoring, equipment maintenance, etc.
• Works co-operatively with staff members, parents and children
• Works alongside site YDL closely to carry out duties
• Works unassisted with a group of children
• Monitors playground, gym and any other areas where the children may be
• Ensure that childcare routines are carried out in a manner that is prompt, hygienic and consistent with good child development principles. This includes routines related to bathroom use, hand washing, snack preparation, eating habits, transitions between activities, cleaning the area etc.
• May require travel to other program sites on occasion to support overall program needs

Leadership

• Provide guidance, mentoring, and coaching to all Youth Development Associates in all aspects of program implementation and stakeholder engagement
• Continually assess daily site operations and provide feedback to staff and supervisors to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and overcome obstacles
• Supervise and provide site level decision-making
• Uphold the AYS brand by exhibiting professionalism and commitment to the AYS values.
• Communicates respectfully with all stakeholders to ensure situational understanding
• Assist in goal setting and planning for the program

Administrative

• Attend and participate in scheduled team meetings
• Assist in responding to Ring Central phone and text messages professionally
• Participate and represent AYS, Inc. in school functions, including, but not limited to; teacher meetings, PTA/PTO meetings, and ice cream socials or other social events hosted by the school
• Assist in maintaining a clean and clutter-free office, storage, and program space
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Compliance and Training

• Follow all AYS policies and procedures as directed in the Personnel Manual and the Program Manual
• Attends all required annual training, continuing education classes, or other approved training courses

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of a high school diploma or a GED
• Degree (or experience equivalent) or certification in special education, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy preferred
• Coursework or training in child development, special education, or related field preferred.
• Experience working with children with special needs (in school, recreational, or clinical settings).
• Implementing lesson plans preferred