ACCESS & ABILITY SUPPORT STAFF

Job Title: Access & Ability Support Staff

Reports to: Senior Director of Access & Ability

FLSA: Part-time nonexempt

Salary Rate: $17.00/hour

Work Location: Hal Welsh East Area Family YMCA

Work Schedule: Varies (afternoon, evening, weekends)

A Career with a Cause:

We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and grow. 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 purpose is to strengthen the foundations of communities and families through our key areas of focus: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We are committed to these causes because a strong community is achieved when we invest in our children, health, neighbors, and values. Historically founded on the Christian principles of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility; our mission is to put these principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

We are for ALL.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Statement | YMCA OF CENTRAL NEW YORK (ymcacny.org) (https://www.ymcacny.org/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-belonging-statement)

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Access & Ability Director, the Access & Ability Support Staff is responsible for working with special needs children and teens in a recreational and/or organized program setting that will meet the objectives of the YMCA. Provide opportunities for all children to build confidence, learn new life-skills, and develop friendships by actively participating in YMCA activities. The Access & Ability Support staff assures the well-being for each participant in line with YMCA of the USQA guidelines and association policies in accordance with their training.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary Range: $17.00/hour, Part-time non-exempt

• YMCA Membership

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Establish positive relationships with parents, children and other staff members; be a positive role model.

• Attend required staff meetings and trainings, giving input on programming issues.

• Work with other staff to develop and implement a full recreational experience.

• Assist all participants with the daily organization of their belongings.

• Act in a professional manner at all times by following and enforcing association and departmental policies, including the dress code and substitute policy.

• Oversee supervision of all inclusion children; maintain that children are supervised at all times and never left alone.

• Oversee positive reinforcement and behavior management of inclusion children.

• Handle all personal care and feeding needs of inclusion participants as needed.

• Work within the structure and goals of the intended program so that the participant receives the highest quality of inclusion.

• Swim and support participants in the pools.

• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Experience, Education and Qualifications:

• High School diploma or above.

• Minimum of one-year experience working with individuals with developmental delay.

• Prefer knowledge in sensory integration.

• Experience in recreational settings, to include sports, clubs, swimming, etc.

• Bring to this position maturity, responsibility and a sincere interest in working with people.

• Possess knowledge of various resources for programming ideas and the skills to utilize that information in assisting with the program.

• Must be reliable and report to work as scheduled, on time and work entire shift.

• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills are critical to the success of this position.

• The ability to work independently at times, solve problems and take a leadership role in handling a variety of situations, problems, issues and/or complaints from members.

• Ability to observe confidentially.

Trainings & Certifications:

• Must complete online Bloodborne Pathogens and Employee Safety trainings prior to initial assignment to position.

• If applicable obtain CPR, AED & First Aid certifications or successfully complete no later than 30-days after employment begins.

• Must complete online Hazard Communication training within the first 90-days of employment.

• Must complete Youth Protection Series, Bullying Prevention, Darkness to Light and Listen First within the first 90-days of employment.

YMCA Leadership Competencies:

• Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence

• Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment

• Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• On occasion ability to lift and carry children and equipment, may spend time sitting on the floor or child sized furniture.

• Prolonged periods of standing and frequent bending.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time.

• Will be exposed to illness-causing bacteria and viruses.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a recreational and/or educational environment. This role routinely uses standard recreation and/or office equipment. At times, employees may be exposed to undesirable working conditions, communicable infectious diseases, and risk of injury from others. All employees are required to always follow the preventative health policies of the YMCA. The noise level in the work environment is moderate t