Youth Program Specialist

Under the direction of the Executive Director of the Scantic Valley YMCA, the Youth Program Specialist is responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and implementing engaging, high-quality youth and family programming. This position takes an active role in curriculum development, program scheduling, activity coordination, and program evaluation to ensure programming meets participant needs and supports the YMCA’s mission.

• Plan, develop, and implement engaging, age-appropriate activities and curriculum for youth and family programs.
• Develop lesson plans, program schedules, and activity resources that support participant development and program objectives.
• Coordinate program logistics, including supplies, equipment, space preparation, and activity materials.
• Lead program activities and create an environment that promotes participation, skill development, creativity, and positive relationships.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and participant engagement, identifying opportunities for improvement and growth.
• Build positive relationships with participants, families, members, and community partners through effective communication and relationship-building.
• Support program marketing, outreach, recruitment, and retention efforts to increase participation and strengthen community engagement.
• Maintain program documentation, records, and reports as needed.
• Monitor the proper use, care, and storage of program equipment and supplies.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to identify program needs, establish priorities, and implement improvements aligned with organizational goals.
• Model the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in all interactions.

• One to two years of related experience working with children, such as youth programming, coaching, teaching, or instruction.
• Experience in program planning, curriculum development, lesson planning, or activity coordination preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently plan and coordinate activities while maintaining communication with the Executive Director.
• Ability to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for youth and families.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications, or the ability to obtain them as required.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, stand or reach for extended periods of times, move around the work environment independently, push, pull or lift up to 25 pounds for short periods of time.
• Employee is exposed to noise and fluctuating temperatures.