Job Description

School-Age Group Leader

POSITION SUMMARY
The School-Age Group Leader is a dedicated and enthusiastic individual responsible for guiding and mentoring a group of children in before and after school programs, as well as summer camp activities. Reporting to the School-Age Area Coordinator and working closely with the Site Lead, the Group Leader plays a key role in implementing engaging, educational, and recreational activities that support the academic and social/emotional development of youth. This position requires a commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment, fostering positive relationships with participants, parents, and school staff, and modeling the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith. The Group Leader must demonstrate excellent organizational skills, proactive communication, and a passion for youth development, ensuring that all program operations align with the YMCA’s mission, culture, and values. Regardless of primary assignment, this position may be required to travel between program sites as needed.

HOME LOCATION

Good Shepherd YMCA
1829 N. Rockton Ave
Rockford, IL

WORK LOCATION
This position may serve schools in these districts: RPS 205, Harlem 122, Winnebago and Pecatonica schools. Placements will be determined at time of hire.
Regardless of primary assignment, this position may be required to travel between sites as needed.

OUR CULTURE
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The Y is made up of people of all ages, from all walks of life, working side-by-side to strengthen communities. Together, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith — they guide everything we do.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUTH PROTECTION
The YMCA of Rock River Valley has a responsibility to provide safe and secure programs and services for our community. The YMCA is a leader in child abuse prevention to support the safety of children in our care.

• You'll support the commitment of the YMCA to child abuse prevention by:
• Report any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor.
• Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.
• Report any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
• Complete all child abuse prevention training as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Be a positive YMCA role model for all youth achievement programs by modeling the YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility & Faith.
2. Supports day-to-day operations of assigned before and/or after school sites during the school year.
3. Leads and mentors a group of children, fostering a positive and engaging environment.
4. Facilitates and participates in group activities throughout the daily schedule, ensuring they are educational, recreational, and aligned with program goals.
5. Ensures youth safety by actively participating in and supervising all swimming and water-based activities.
6. Provides a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for all participants.
7. Builds caring, consistent, and positive relationships with program participants to support their development.
8. Provides constant supervision during program to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
9. Supports students in academic, recreational, and enrichment activities, using provided curriculum materials.
10. Assists the Site Lead in handling discipline, complaints, and conflict resolution, employing positive youth discipline techniques.
11. Uses positive youth discipline techniques, such as Core Values, Redirect, and Behavior Agreements, to manage conflicts among participants.
12. Models appropriate behaviors, including cleanliness, punctuality, sharing, healthy habits, sportsmanship, and table manners.
13. Treats all students, parents, and fellow staff with respect and fosters a culture of respect within the program.
14. Performs duties and tasks as assigned by the Site Lead, supporting the smooth operation of the site.
15. Treats and cares for the site and equipment respectfully, ensuring the space is kept clean and well-maintained.
16. Attends and actively participates in all team meetings and trainings.
17. Communicates all concerns to leadership in a timely manner.
18. Ensures a strong focus on character development and diversity, equity and inclusion throughout programming.
19. Adheres to all state, local, and YMCA policies and procedures.
20. Reports damaged equipment or safety hazards promptly.
21. During no school days and summer camp programs, serve as a group leader as assigned by Area Coordinator.
22. Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• 1-year related experience of leadership in a childcare setting preferred.
• YMCA Leader certification preferred.
• Training required upon hire: IL Gateways Child Development Health & Safety, IL DCFS Child Abuse and Neglect/Mandated Reporter. Any additional certifications that are required by the state of Illinois.
• CACFP/SFSP Training required within 90 days.
• CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days.
• Praesidium Academy trainings.
• Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations.
• Proven track record of developing authentic and deepened relationships with others.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION

Seeking to Hire 5 Group Leaders
Part Time, Non-Exempt
Regardless of primary assignment, this position may be required to travel between sites as needed.
Monday-Friday, varies between 6:30 - 9:00 am and 1:45 - 5:45 pm (School Year)
This is a Year-Round Position with hours subject to change for School's Out Days and during summer months.
$15.00 per hour

The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

ALL STAFF BENEFITS:

• Discounted Programs & Services, Including Child Care
• Pay Differential for Bilingual Employees
• Paid Time Off: Paid Leave for All Workers
• Employee Crisis Fund
• Employee Assistance Program
• Cell Phone Discounts with Participating Providers
• Tickets At Work Discount Program
• 401 (a) Retirement Plan: 8% YMCA Contributed Retirement
• 403 (b) Savings Plan: Tax-Deferred Account and Roth Account Options
• For retirement plan eligibility requirements, and additional information, visit www.yretirement.org.

FULL TIME STAFF BENEFITS:

• Free Family Membership
• 3 Paid Floating Holidays
• 10.5 Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time: Varies by Employment Type
• Short-Term Disability Program
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance: Partially Employer Paid. Employee Contribution Required
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance: YMCA Sponsored and Employee Contribution Programs Available
• Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Insurance Plans: Employee Contribution Required
• Tuition Reimbursement: Must Meet Qualifications

PART TIME STAFF BENEFITS:

• Free individual Membership
• Discounted Rate to Upgrade to Another Membership Category

The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility

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