Teen Program Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Teen Adventure Director, the Teen Adventure Assistant supports the daily operation of the teen adventure program. This position is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, engaging and inclusive environment for youth ages 11-14. Staff will assist in planning and implementing age‑appropriate activities that promote teens’ social, emotional, physical and intellectual development in an all‑day recreational summer program.

• Plan in advance and implement age‑appropriate activities to promote teen development through creative, educational, and recreational experiences.
• Build positive relationships to foster a sense of belonging by actively engaging with participants both in an indoor or outdoor setting, on field trips, or during free time.
• Supervise teen participants to ensure safety and positive behavior by maintaining awareness, setting clear expectations, and following YMCA policies.
• Encourage teamwork and leadership to develop confidence and cooperation through group challenges, service projects, and various activities while asking teens for input and ideas to implement.
• Communicate effectively with teens, parents, and peers to support program goals through regular updates and respectful interactions.
• Collaborate with co‑workers to maintain high program quality by attending weekly meetings and contributing to continuous improvement efforts.
• Evaluate program activities regularly to ensure effectiveness and participant satisfaction by collecting feedback from participants and suggesting improvements.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Prior experience working with youth (preferably middle school‑age) in a recreational and/or educational setting (camp, coaching, classroom, etc.) preferred.
• Must be CPR and First Aid certified.
• Must have good communication skills, enjoy planning a variety of activities and be able to relate well with teens, their families and school personnel.

• Accountability:
  Takes ownership of decisions, actions, and results. Follows through on commitments and accepts responsibility. Completes assigned tasks on time and accepts feedback without defensiveness. Adheres to established policies and procedures.
• Adaptability:
  Welcomes and respects all participants by valuing diverse backgrounds and abilities. Adapts activities to ensure every child feels included and supported.
• Communication:
  Listens actively and speaks clearly with children, families, and team members. Shares information in a timely and respectful manner to promote understanding and cooperation.
• Teamwork and
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Works effectively with colleagues to achieve program goals. Demonstrates reliability, cooperation, and mutual respect in all interactions.
• Trustworthiness:
  Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and reliability in all interactions. Follows through on commitments and maintains confidentiality of sensitive information. Acts consistently with organizational values and ethical standards to build confidence and respect among children, families, and colleagues.
• Conflict Resolution:
  Addresses disagreements or concerns calmly and constructively. Listens to all perspectives, identifies underlying issues, and works collaboratively toward positive solutions. Seeks guidance when needed and promotes understanding, cooperation, and respect among participants and staff.

• This job is performed primarily in a school environment. The program would take place in a gym, cafeteria or designated program space and programming allows for both inside and outside activities.
• As a first responder the ability to crouch, stoop, kneel, move quickly and/or lift at least 30 pounds with or without assistance.
• Moving about freely is essential to assist co‑workers and teens.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support organizational goals. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.