As a Youth Development Program Leader I for the Eugene Family YMCA, you will be part of an amazing team supporting our youth development programs. You will provide childcare, homework support, enrichment & physical activities, teach teamwork and social skills, and support children as they grow and learn. Program Leaders create positive, nurturing relationships with children while building cooperative relationships with families. Our programs and youth development staff provide quality experiences to children and parents that focus on the YMCA values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring.

Position hours will vary from site to site; however, afterschool hours are generally Monday - Thursday, 2p-6p & Friday 12:30p-6p and before school hours are generally Monday - Friday 6:45a-8:30a

This is an evergreen role, meaning we are always accepting applications for this position due to ongoing hiring needs.

• Acquire 15 hours of formal training or education annually (1.25 hours per month) related to childcare, of which at least 8 clock hours is in child development and 1 hour is in health, safety, and nutrition
• Attend New Staff Orientation within 10 days of hire date
• Follow program lesson plans and implements culturally relevant activities in a developmentally appropriate manner, meeting the individual physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs of the participants
• Serves as a positive role model, demonstrates professional behavior and understands positive youth development approaches to the academic and social development of youth
• Facilitates a programming environment that invites exploration, promotes positive play and welcomes children
• Promote a positive approach to supervision, communication and interactions with others; maintains ongoing communication with supervisor
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the YMCA mission, purpose and goals, childcare policies and YMCA standards; ensures the program meets the highest standards of excellence
• Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergency procedures
• Remain up to date and follows guidelines put forth by the Office of Childcare
• Check and respond to email and other communication regularly
• Actively engage with youth and activities during the program day
• Maintain positive relationships and effective communication with families, facility/school personnel, members, and coworkers
• Maintain program site and equipment, assists with setup and breakdown of activity centers, and cleans program areas
• Attend and participate in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training
• Respectfully relay information to families about a child's day
• May guide staff/volunteers overseeing the activities of groups of children
• Continue training in child development for a minimum of 1.25 hours per month
• Complete all required trainings as assigned by supervisor, by scheduled due date
• Other duties as assigned
• As a Y employee, you are a representative of our Y's mission and values; as such it is asked that you:
  • approach conversations with respect
  • uphold the Y's character values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in all interpersonal interactions
  • approach all people and situations with an open mind - we can never know all the many perspectives and experiences others bring with them just as they won't know yours
  • be accountable for the energy you bring into the conversation and into the workplace

• At least 18 years of age
• Enrolled in the Child Care Division Central Background Registry (oregonearlylearning.com) and proof of enrollment
  • Please complete the online application right away as it will take several weeks to process
• Must meet the Office of Child Care requirements for the position:
  • 60 hours of experience working in the program AND Completion of 20 clock hours of training, completed within the last five years, focused on school-age child care that meets the following core knowledge criteria:
    • Five clock hours in understanding and guiding behavior (UGB)
    • Five clock hours in learning environments and curriculum (LEC)
    • Five clock hours in human growth and development (HGD)
    • Five clock hours in program management (PM) 

OR

• At least 240 hours of qualifying experience working with school-age children in the last five years in a Certified Child Care Center or comparable group care program

OR

• At least an AA Degree in:
  Early childhood education, Child development, Elementary education, Special education, Physical education, Recreation, Human development, Child and family studies, Home economics

OR

• At least a Step 8 in the Oregon Registry

Professional Competencies

• Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from all background

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with diverse populations
• Bi-lingual; conversational in Spanish, French, Mandarin or Mam

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to plan, lead and participate in activities such as sports, games and curriculum activities and monitor behavior inside and outside
• Must be able to walk, run, stand, sit, kneel and get back to a standing position
• Ability to lift and carry the weight of 50lbs
• General housekeeping: mop/sweep, take the trash out, wash dishes, clean tables, toys, stack and put baskets away, and the like
• Follow all sanitation protocols

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.

Your Y is proud to be have earned a 2025 Best Place for Working Parents^® Designation, recognizing for our commitment to supporting working parents through family-friendly policies and practices.

• Paid vacation and sick time (for eligible employees)
• Employer retirement contribution of 12% of earnings for employees with 2-year tenure
• Voluntary 403b retirement savings account
• Free Facility and Nationwide Membership for employee, significant other and dependents under the age of 24, living at same address
• Generous discounts on various Y programming, including Health & Wellness, Swim, Tennis, Early Learning & After School programs and Summer Camp
• Professional development resources, including free and/or discounted trainings and certifications (such as CPR/First Aid certification)