OUTDOOR EDUCATION ASSISTANT TEACHER

POSITION SUMMARY: This position supports the Outdoor Education Coordinator in planning and implementing outdoor curriculum that is developmentally appropriate for children ages 6-12. Provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal day program. Creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers.

OUR CULTURE: 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develops a positive environment for children, parents and staff.
• Follow planned schedule of activities and arrive at each session promptly.
• Acquaint youth with rules, activities, daily schedules, and traditions at the Y.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the developmental needs of children and families. Being a positive role model demonstrates good judgment.
• Supervise and ensure proper safety for a group of children.
• Keep daily attendance and be constantly aware of the youth under their care throughout the day.
• Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergencies. Follow state rules and regulations.
• Maintains safety and cleanliness standards at all times
• Attends required trainings and meetings to stay current with information and program requirements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The requirements 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 regularly required to walk outside on uneven trails and terrain, up and down steep hills, and over obstacles on the ground.
• Must possess the ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor settings.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Must possess the ability to perform the following activities, but not limited to: balancing, walking, running, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, reaching, standing, pushing, pulling, lifting, throwing, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
• The employee will be regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve non-routine and complex problems; may use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks and work under intensive deadlines with frequent interruptions.
• The employee must be able to interact with members, staff, volunteers, and others encountered in the course of work, some of whom may be dissatisfied individuals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Be a minimum of 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
• Experience working with children in an outdoor setting preferred.
• Experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: archery, canoeing/kayaking, camping, fire building, plant identification, foraging, fishing, outdoor skills, etc.
• Must have child development knowledge and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Must have a TB Test by Mantoux method, HIV/AIDS/BBP awareness, and Food Handler’s Permit prior to start.
• First Aid, Pediatric CPR/AED, Child Abuse and Mandatory Reporting training, and a DCYF portable background clearance within 30 days of hire.
• Complete STARS basic 30-hour training or educational exemption within 6 months of hire.

BENEFITS

From Day 1:

• Free YMCA household membership
• 403(b) Saving Account enrollment;
• 8 paid federal holidays a year (full-time benefited employees to be eligible)
• Additional bilingual, premium pay of $0.50 for those who are fluent bilingual Spanish, Triqui, Mixtec, Russian and Ukrainian speakers. Ability to write or translate written materials is not required to receive this premium.

Your other benefits will be (waiting period applies):

• Paid Sick & Vacation Day (accrual begins from day-1, eligible to use after 90-days)
• 2 paid personal days & 1 paid birthday per year
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance (full-time benefited employees to be eligible)
• 403 (b) Retirement Employer Match (after 2 years with 1,000 hours)
• Life insurance, and more! (full-time benefited employees to be eligible)