POSITION SUMMARY:
The Program Specialist (Youth Development) plays a vital role in advancing the YMCA’s mission of strengthening community by connecting people to their potential, purpose, and one another. This position creates a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children build confidence, develop new skills, and form meaningful connections. It also supports a strong team culture by modeling positive practices and contributing to the development of staff. Guided by the YMCA’s core values—Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility—we foster a culture that is Welcoming, Genuine, Hopeful, Nurturing, and Determined.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Foster a warm and supportive environment where children feel a sense of belonging and develop confidence through achievement.
- This role supports the supervision of early learning and school-age programs, including summer camp and before and after-school care.
- Ensure a physically and emotionally safe learning space for all children.
- Develop and implement curriculum that encourages positive youth development.
- Provide active supervision of children and staff in a variety of settings, including classrooms and recreational program areas, maintaining proper ratios and engagement throughout the day.
- Build strong, positive relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open and professional communication.
- Prepare and organize materials for daily activities.
- Ensure program space and equipment are clean, organized, and safe; promptly report any safety concerns.
- Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and family engagement events.
- Model professional behavior while following YMCA policies related to confidentiality, conduct, and behavioral expectations.
- Adhere to all local, state, and YMCA policies and procedures, including ADA accommodations where appropriate.
- Model YMCA core values and use the Y-Voice: Welcoming, Hopeful, Determined, Genuine, and Nurturing. Support and guide other staff in demonstrating these behaviors consistently across the program.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support the program and broader YMCA mission.
YMCA COMPETENCY AREAS:
- Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Uses sound judgment to design and deliver programs that align with child development best practices, program goals, and safety standards.
- Communication & Influence: Communicates effectively with children, staff, and families. Inspires trust and helps maintain a positive, collaborative program culture.
- Functional Expertise (Youth Development): Demonstrates expertise in curriculum development and implementation. Supports quality assurance and program consistency across multiple age groups or sites.
- Program/Project Management: Plans, coordinates, and delivers youth programs in alignment with YMCA goals and expectations. Monitors outcomes and makes adjustments as needed
- Developing Self & Others: Mentors peers, contributes to training, and fosters a learning culture. Actively seeks feedback and opportunities for professional growth.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Two years of previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
- Previous experience supervising or leading staff in a developmental setting preferred.
- Associate degree; Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Ability to plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
- Previous experience with diverse populations.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Understands that the YMCA is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
REQUIRED TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS (or willingness to obtain upon hire):
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training (or equivalent approved by the YMCA)
- Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Certification
- Emergency Procedures Training
- CPR and First Aid Certification
- All state-specific licensing and training requirements for the state of employment (Iowa, Nebraska, or South Dakota)
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds safely and repeatedly using proper technique.
- Physically able to stand, walk, bend, stoop, sit on the floor, and move quickly to respond to children's needs.
- Participate in active play, including indoor and outdoor activities in a variety of weather conditions.
- Maintain continuous visual and auditory supervision of children in busy, dynamic environments.
- Adapt to a fast-paced, team-centered work environment with frequent interruptions and shifting priorities.
- Must demonstrate emotional resilience, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This role directly contributes to the Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA’s mission by creating transformational experiences through meaningful connections, quality service, and a welcoming environment. In doing so, it strengthens both our Siouxland community and the broader impact of the YMCA across the country.
