Childcare Assistant

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the foundation of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively affects the lives of the people in your community. Working at the Y, you’ll discover more than just a job—you’ll enjoy a career with the chance to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Child Watch Childcare Assistant will be responsible for maintaining a safe, structured, and fun program for Child Watch and Kids Club participants. This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

·     Ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of children in the program by providing close supervision of all activities.

·     Supervise program participants, administer recreational activities for children.

·     Maintain a positive and respectful manner of communication with families/parents.

·     Provide a safe, fun and inviting environment for participant in our child watch areas.

·     Work cooperatively with professional staff, coworkers, and other departments.

·   Assist in maintaining attendance and sign in records.

·      Maintain knowledge of all YMCA programs and services to assist members in selection of services that meet their individual needs.

·      Assist in designing and implementing age appropriate activities for participants.

·      Additional duties as assigned by the Membership Experience Director.

·      Maintain the appropriate staff-to-child ratios.

• Have an understanding and follow all program and emergency procedures at the site.
• Documents accidents and incidents involving program participants following the YMCA’s procedures.
• Communicates all emergencies to supervisor immediately.
• Serve as a role model for all youth and all staff by displaying exemplary behavior at all times included but not limited to demonstrating YMCA core values, voice, and HEPA standards.

EFFECT ON END RESULTS:

• Provide a safe and loving environment for the children participating in the program.
• Provide positive relations with those associated with the YMCA, children and parents alike.
• A positive image of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit in the community.
• Sound management skills of the various components of the position, including al supervision.
• The degree to which the needs of the Child Watch participants, and their families are being met.

YMCA COMPETENCIES:

• 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. Build 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:
 

·       Good communication skills.

·       Experience working with children in a supervised setting preferred.

·       Must be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND 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 Child Watch activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings.