Henson Child Watch Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Child Watch Associate is responsible for maintaining a safe and supportive environment for children in their care. Major areas of responsibility and accountability include, but are not limited to supervising and interacting with children, responding to emergencies promptly, and providing positive reinforcement and redirection when needed, all within the policies and guidelines of the YMCA.

OUR MISSION:  

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Supervise children in the Child Watch room and other assigned areas; scan room/area for potential harmful situations.
2. Major areas of responsibility and accountability include, but are not limited to supervising and interacting with children, responding to emergencies promptly, and providing positive reinforcement and redirection when needed, all within the policies and guidelines of the YMCA
3. Redirect children using positive reinforcement and redirection techniques within the guidelines of the YMCA. 
4. Engage with and welcome every child within the guidelines of the YMCA. 
5. Engage with parents in a positive and respectful manner.
6. Ensure that all children are dismissed to designated parent/guardian.
7. Arrive no more than 10 minutes before the start of the room’s opening and stay until the end of shift, unless otherwise requested by supervisor. 
8. Clean and maintain the Child Watch, Game Room, and Center at the end of each shift.
9. Attend and participate in open houses, program activities and events, staff meetings, and staff training as requested by supervisor. Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values
10. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them
11. Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions
12. Builds rapport and relates well to others
13. Takes initiative to assist in developing others
14. Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another
15. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• CPR/First Aid certified or willing to obtain within the first 30 day of employment.
• Ability to understand positive guidance and reinforcement techniques
• Ability to react to emergency situations within the policies and guidelines of the YMCA and in a calm and professional manner.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision and making sound decisions within the guidelines of the YMCA.
• Ability to communicate with a wide variety of members and guests in a professional manner, displaying tact and diplomacy when needed.
• Previous experience in one or more of the following areas preferred: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, or recreational games.
• Previous experience working with diverse populations. 
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Sufficient strength, ability, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to perform activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations.

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.