The YMCA of Southwest Florida is seeking a dedicated Group Leader to oversee the safety, development, and daily experience of children in our Before/After School Program and Summer Camp. In this role, you are directly responsible for the care, supervision, and well-being of all participants under the guidance of the Program Director and Site Coordinator.
What You'll Do
- Execute high-quality, age-appropriate activities for enrolled participants.
- Actively encourage participation to ensure growth and development.
- Ensure the physical safety of participants at all times, including understanding and implementing emergency procedures.
- Continuously monitor the program area to ensure physical safety and make immediate changes as necessary.
- Release participants only to authorized persons after verifying identification.
- Maintain a neat, orderly, and safe childcare facility free of hazards.
- Develop interpersonal relationships with participants and their families, creating a positive, welcoming environment.
- Actively listen to participants, showing patience, understanding, and respect.
- Protect the emotional safety of all participants and encourage development of social skills and emotional intelligence.
- Create an environment where participants are free to be themselves.
- Maintain open, trusting communication with caregivers and families.
- Establish structure, routines, boundaries, and behavior guidelines.
- Exemplify appropriate behavior as a role model for participants.
- Orient, instruct, and guide participants through program guidelines; discipline within established YMCA and caregiver policies.
- Document attendance, absenteeism, and incidents for each child per state, county, and district requirements.
- Immediately report all unusual incidents or accidents to the Program Director and complete all applicable reports.
- Appear clean, neat, and appropriately attired per Association policy.
- Adhere to all YMCA and DCF policies.
- Set measurable goals and evaluate their achievement.
- Report to work at the scheduled time and work as scheduled.
- Complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner.
What We're Looking For
- High School Diploma or being over the age of 18.
- Successful completion of a State of Florida Criminal History Background Check and adherence to the Association’s background screening policies.
- Prior experience working with children.
- Ability to adhere to a drug/alcohol/smoke free workplace policy.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- A positive attitude.
- Employment is contingent upon completing required Level 2 background screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.
Team & Environment
You will report directly to the Program Director and Site Coordinator.
Work Mode
This is an onsite position.
