Y-Abilities Instructor

The Program Instructor will provide motivational and knowledgeable leadership to members, volunteers, families, and program participants while adapting activities to meet a variety of individual needs and abilities. In addition, all Merrimack Valley YMCA staff are expected to foster a culture of service excellence and actively support and promote the mission and core values of the YMCA.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Work closely with the Inclusive Coordinator to plan and implement inclusive, developmentally appropriate programming and activities designed to support youth with physical and intellectual disabilities.
• Maintain a safe, organized, clean, and welcoming environment that supports the needs, comfort, and accessibility of all participants.
• Prioritize the physical safety, emotional well-being, and inclusion of all staff, volunteers, members, families, and program participants utilizing YMCA facilities and program spaces.
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating and promoting the YMCA’s core character values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in all interactions.
• Build supportive and meaningful relationships with youth participants while encouraging social development, confidence, independence, and positive peer engagement.
• Adapt activities, instruction, and communication styles to meet the varying abilities and individual needs of participants to ensure an inclusive and successful program experience.
• Report all accidents, behavioral concerns, and unusual incidents immediately to the Inclusive Coordinator and complete all required documentation in a timely manner.
• Collaborate closely with fellow instructors, support staff, volunteers, and families to ensure consistency, quality of care, and positive participant experiences.
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to assist with additional responsibilities that support the overall success of the program and organization.
• Provide a high level of service, professionalism, patience, and compassion to all YMCA members, participants, volunteers, and families.
• Maintain knowledge of YMCA programs, services, and special events, and actively encourage participant and family engagement within the YMCA community.
• Be available to participants, families, and staff to address questions, concerns, feedback, and follow-up needs in a timely and supportive manner.
• Support YMCA fundraising initiatives, including the Annual Campaign, by promoting community involvement and helping advance the YMCA’s mission and goals.
• Actively promote YMCA membership and inclusive programming opportunities while increasing awareness of and access to programs for youth with diverse abilities and needs.
• Wear your staff shirt and name badge during work hours.
• Attend all required training per year and update your skills as the position demands.
• Attend and help out at YMCA Branch events.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Senior Management.