Youth Progression Assistant

YMCA OF GREATER KALAMAZOO JOB DESCRIPTION

JobTitle:     Tennis Youth Progression Assistant

Status:        Part-Time

Pay Rate:    Dependent on experience and certifications

Reports to:  Association Tennis Director

Position Summary:

The Youth Progression Assistant will support and help lead the YMCA Tennis Department’s youth development pathway, with a primary focus on players ages 3–11.

This position will be responsible for overseeing the Tiny Tykes and Futures programs for ages 3–6, Monday through Thursday during evening programming. The Youth Progression Assistant will also assist with the Competitor 2 and Competitor 3 programs for ages 8–11, helping provide a consistent progression for players as they develop their tennis skills.

In addition to evening programming, this position will assist with preschool tennis programming offered during the daytime, including approximately three weekday sessions from 12:00–1:00 PM and Friday programming from approximately 9:00 AM–12:00 PM.

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.

EssentialFunctions:

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Oversee the Tiny Tykes and Futures youth programs and ensure classes are properly staffed and operating each session.
2. Assist with Competitor 2 and Competitor 3 classes and help provide a consistent player-development progression.
3. Oversee preschool tennis programming and provide age-appropriate instruction and activities.
4. Help maintain appropriate class sizes and build enrollment in youth programs.
5. Monitor class attendance and identify opportunities to improve participation and retention.
6. Ensure classes are offered and running consistently each session.
7. Communicate with the Director of Tennis regarding enrollment, attendance, staffing, and program needs.
8. Help create a positive, fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment for young players.
9. Follow the YMCA Tennis Department’s curriculum, standards, and player-progression expectations.
10. Help identify players who are ready to progress to the next level of programming.
11. Provide feedback to parents and the Director of Tennis regarding player development when appropriate.
12. Other duties as assigned.

Administrative Responsibilities:

The Youth Progression Assistant will be allotted three administrative hours per week to support the responsibilities of the position.

Administrative duties may include:

• Monitoring and maintaining class attendance.
• Reviewing enrollment and identifying classes that need additional participants.
• Communicating with families regarding available youth programming.
• Assisting with class-building and retention efforts.
• Helping ensure upcoming sessions are properly organized and ready to launch.
• Identifying scheduling, staffing, or enrollment issues before they become problems.
• Providing the Director of Tennis with regular updates regarding youth programming.

Schedule:

The primary teaching responsibilities will occur Monday–Thursday from approximately 4:30–7:30 PM, with additional daytime preschool programming approximately three days per week from 12:00–1:00 PM and Fridays from approximately 9:00 AM–12:00 PM.

The position includes three hours of administrative time per week in addition to on-court responsibilities.

YMCA Competencies(Leader)

Mission and Community Oriented:Accepts and demonstrates YMCA values. Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs.

People Oriented:Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Results Oriented:Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another.

Personal Development Oriented:Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the changeprocess.

Benefits:

• Paid sick leave
• 12% Funded Retirement Savings
• Free Family Membership and program/activity discounts

Qualifications

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will be energetic, dependable, organized, and comfortable working with young children. They should have strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to create an engaging tennis environment for beginning players while also helping older youth progress toward competitive tennis.

This position is intended to be a key part of the YMCA Tennis Department’s youth progression pathway, helping ensure that players have a clear and consistent path from their first introduction to tennis through competitive junior programming.

Work Environment & PhysicalDemands:

Frequently stands, runs short distances, walks, uses hands, talks, hears, reaches with hands and arms, climbs, balances, stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls. Occasionally sits. Regularly lifts up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifts up to 50 pounds. Running, walking, and standing for consecutive hours without breaks.