Play Specialist

LEARN & PLAY SPECIALIST

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Learn & Play Specialist supports the work of the YMCA of Southern Arizona, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. This position is responsible for the monitoring of children while providing a safe, learning atmosphere.

• Implement program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, and consistent with YMCA values and character development.
• Nurtures children through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.
• Actively engages children during all program activities and including ADA accommodations where appropriate. Follows all procedures and standards.
• Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents.
• Engages parents and volunteers to connect them to the YMCA.
• Assist with maintaining program site and equipment to ensure it is hazard‑free, clean and well‑organized.
• Assist with maintaining required program records and inventory of materials.
• Attends and participates in program activities, events, staff meetings, and staff training.
• Ensures the safety and well‑being of consumers by maintaining professional boundaries, completing required abuse risk management training, following procedures for high‑risk activities and supervision, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations, and adhering to mandated abuse reporting requirements.
• Adhere to guidelines applicable to Child and Adult Care Food Program.
• Obtain eighteen hours of training and/or course work annually within childcare field.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

* This is not an exhaustive list of job duties. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned.

• At Least 18 years of age
• Current Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Current CPR, First Aid, AED certifications or completion within thirty (30) days of hire
• High school degree or GED
• At least six months of experience working with multiple children in a recreational setting
• CDA, NAC, CCP, Associates degree or Bachelor’s degree in Early Education or closely related field preferred
• Completion of assigned online training upon date of hire and periodically thereafter.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement age‑appropriate and developmentally appropriate program activities
• Previous experience with diverse populations and/or the ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds
• Understands the YMCA of Southern Arizona is a public accommodation committed to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Availability Monday through Saturday (times based on program needs)

• Free YMCA membership for employee, one additional adult and all the employee's dependents under age 24, living in the household
• 12% Employer funded retirement plan (once eligible)
• One (1) hour of sick time accrued for every 30 hours worked (can use up to 40 hours per year)
• 50% off YMCA of Southern Arizona programs (including swim lessons, camp registrations, sports programs, personal training packages, and more!)

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.

This job announcement is not intended to be inclusive of all functions, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position, however, representative of the essential job functions and typical criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the position.