POSITION SUMMARY
At the Y, we help youth set and achieve personal and educational goals. Youth gain confidence through leadership and academic enrichment programs centered around mentoring, recreation and college preparation, as we make sure that every child has an opportunity to envision a positive future and to take an active role in strengthening their community. This position is grant funded and supports year-round, grant-funded programming.

The Youth After-School Program Instructor is primarily responsible for engaging in and implementing all daily scheduled programs and activities for the Good Shepherd year-round, after-school program. The ideal staff member will have the ability to guide the development of young people in grades K-5, ensuring a safe, enriching and healthy environment while utilizing the resources and supplies for the program. Staff will engage with young people to allow them the opportunity to develop physically, emotionally and socially. The staff will also be responsible for having positive engagement with and providing excellent service to all families and program participants.

LOCATION

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
1829 N. Rockton Ave
Rockford, IL

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. Provides guidance and leadership to a group of participants in grades K-5.
2. Supports programs under the allocated grants to reach the goals and objectives stated. Facilitates surveying and reporting on behalf on grant management aims.
3. Actively and appropriately engages with participants, providing support and setting a good example for them.
4. Leads group activities and implementing the provided curriculum throughout the daily schedule.
5. Develops a caring, consistent adult relationship with the participants.
6. Provides consistent adult supervision with each activity to ensure the safety of the participants.
7. Provides opportunities for discussion of individual or group concerns as appropriate.
8. Assists the Program Coordinator and Senior Program Director in dealing with discipline, complaints and conflict resolution.
9. Aids in reporting including tracking participation, attendance and demographics using the appropriate logs to meet needs of program and grant. Provides leadership with regular updates. Submits all required documents in a timely manner.
10. Implements R3 curriculum as applicable and as outlined on R3 Instructor job description.
11. Treats all participants, parents and other staff with respect, providing a safe, inclusive and warm environment for all.
12. Works collaboratively with YMCA staff, branch managers and school districts.
13. Ensures a strong focus on character development and diversity, equity and inclusion throughout programming.
14. Reports damaged equipment or safety hazards promptly.
15. Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum age of 18 years old.
• Ability and willingness to work a regular schedule that includes evening and weekend hours.
• Genuine desire and ability to work with school-aged youth.
• Must be able to pass fingerprinting background check through Rockford Public School District 205.
• CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days.
• Praesidium Academy trainings.
• May be required to pass fingerprinted background check per grant requirements.
• Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations.
• Proven track record of developing authentic and deepened relationships with others.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION

5 Positions
Part Time, Non-Exempt, Grant-Funded
Monday- Friday, 1:45-6:00 pm
$15.00 per hour

FUNDING SOURCE

Live, Learn, Play grant, 100%, 7/1-6/30

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. The Y offers work/life balance, and excellent membership & program benefits.

• Complimentary YMCA Membership
• Program Discounts
• 8% Retirement contribution following 2-year vesting requirement

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