Company Overview

The Olympic Peninsula YMCA is a non-profit organization that oversees Y programs and focuses on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our mission is to build healthy minds, bodies, and spirits throughout the communities we serve. We strive to promote the values of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty. We are open to people of all ages, beliefs, incomes, races, genders, and abilities.

GENERAL FUNCTION:
Program assistants help a lead teacher provide instructional support to children and implement developmentally appropriate programming. Program assistants will have the understanding, ability, physical health, emotional stability, and good judgment to meet the needs of the children in care.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Be sixteen years of age or older
• Have a TB test as required under WAC 110-301-0105 before working with children
• Complete and pass a department background check, as required under chapter 110-06 WAC
• Have current child and adult CPR and first-aid training or complete agency training upon hire
• Complete HIV/AIDS training and annual bloodborne pathogens upon hire
• Have a current food handlers care or complete upon hire
• All employees that work in licensed childcare programs, license-exempt early learning, childcare, or youth development programs, as well as contractors (coaches, volunteers, and trainers, etc.) must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or obtain a religious or medical exemption, as a condition of employment.
• Have completed School Age Basics training or complete upon hire
• Functional computer skills.
• Ability to respond to safety and emergency situations

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Program assistants are counted in the staff-to-child ratio. Program Assistants under eighteen years of age will not be left in charge of a group of children and may care for children only under direct, visual, or auditory supervision by a lead teacher or higher. Program assistants eighteen years of age or older may have sole responsibility for a child or group of children for a brief period when there is a staff person on the premises who meets the lead teacher qualifications
• Effectively communicate with parents.
• Maintain ordered arrangement, appearance, décor, cleanliness and learning environment of the site.
• Assist with activities, lesson plan prep and care of children.
• Attend YMCA and childcare staff meetings.
• Adheres to policies related to boundaries with youths.
• Completes required child abuse prevention training.
• Adheres to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising youths.
• Reports suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations in accordance to mandated reporting requirements.
• Submits hours worked accurately on an electronic timecard, within timelines for supervisor approval
• Other duties as assigned

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT

Fast paced classroom environment with substantial time spent outdoors and on field trips.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Able to bend at the waist to pick up supplies, sit on the floor, play games, and perform daily cleaning tasks
• Ability to lift 30 lbs.
• Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods
• Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate computers and office equipment
• Vision capabilities adequate to monitor youth in program
• Hearing and speaking to exchange and gather information and provide assistance to youth and parents/guardians in program