Specialty Instructor- Youth Program (YCSI: Little Investigators)

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Specialty Youth Program Instructor at The YMCA of the Jersey Shore intentionally fosters a cause-centered culture that is welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined. Under the direct supervision of the Youth & Family Coordinator, the Specialty Youth Program Instructor will 
carry out sport program curriculum, promoting skill development, good sportsmanship, healthy living and a passion for program participation.

Under the direct supervision of the Youth & Family Coordinator, the YCSI: Little Investigators Program Instructor will lead participants through an engaging, age-appropriate introduction to forensic science, investigation, problem-solving, and STEM concepts. The instructor will carry out the established YCSI: Little Investigators curriculum through hands-on experiments, mock investigations, evidence examination, observation activities, puzzles, and collaborative challenges. The instructor will promote curiosity, critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and a positive attitude toward science and learning. Previous experience working with children is preferred. A background or interest in science, STEM, education, forensics, criminal justice, or hands-on youth programming is beneficial but not required.

• Lead participants through the established YCSI: Little Investigators curriculum, providing clear, engaging, and age-appropriate instruction.
• Prepare for each week's investigation or activity by reviewing lesson plans, understanding the experiment or investigation, and organizing necessary materials before participants arrive.
• Introduce participants to age-appropriate forensic science and investigative concepts, which may include fingerprinting, observation and evidence collection, chromatography, handwriting analysis, codes and puzzles, mystery-solving, scientific testing, and other hands-on STEM activities.
• Explain scientific and investigative concepts in a way that children can understand while encouraging participants to ask questions, make predictions, examine evidence, and develop their own conclusions.
• Encourage participants to think critically and work through problems rather than immediately providing them with answers.
• Create an exciting investigative environment where participants feel like active investigators while ensuring activities remain appropriate for the age group.
• Lead individual, partner, small-group, and whole-group activities as outlined in the program curriculum.
• Demonstrate YMCA core character values of honesty, respect, responsibility and caring in all interactions with employees, members, staff and others; commit to ongoing professional development.
• Leads participants through the intended individual, small group and/or group program curriculum. Maintaining the roster and attendance tracking.
• Monitors participants activity to ensure all are participating, being treated fairly and provided equal opportunities. Proactively make adjustments to engage those not actively participating.
• Interacts with participants and parents in a positive manner that reflects a “family friendly” YMCA.
• Exercise sound judgment in relationship to member safety & injuries. Follow all
emergency procedures
• Visually inspect work area and equipment for safety and risk, report to supervisor in writing any problems. Responsible for filling out accident/incident reports and getting these reports to the Regional Youth & Sports Director. Additionally, immediately report any unsafe or suspicious activity directly to Youth & Family Coordinator or Director on Duty.
• Embrace and adhere to service excellence standards; provide outstanding service to your customers and constituents.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with youth. Complete required abuse risk management training. Follow mandated abuse reporting procedures, including reporting suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations
• Represent the YMCA in a professional manner and promote a positive and cheerful environment.
• Attend and participate in all required staff meetings and continuing job training.
• Be able to complete payroll on time each week on the ADP Mobile application on your personal phone.
• Perform any other reasonable duties assigned by Youth & Family Coordinator or Branch Executive Director.
• Any person who cannot be present for their assigned shift because of an appointment, sick or vacation time is required to find a substitute and notify the Membership Director by phone and/or email at your earliest available time.

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years of age or older
• High school education/GED equivalent
• Previous experience in program area
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in program area
• Certification or equivalent training in program area preferred
• Ability to communicate to youth and adults
• First Aid, CPR/AED certification within 90 days of hire date
• The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County New Team Member Orientation
• YMCA Child Abuse Prevention Online Training
• Blood borne Pathogen Online Training
• Notify Wellness Director within 60 days before First Aid, CPR/AED expiration date. The YMCA provides First Aid, CPR/AED recertification classes.