YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago·Chicago, Illinois
The Inclusion Aide will support and assist individuals with disabilities enrolled in Y programs to promote full participation in activities and foster independence. This includes modifying learning or recreational activities, teaching socially acceptable behaviors, and ensuring the physical and emotional health and safety of participants.
Be an Inclusion Aide at South Side YMCA for Summer 2026!
At the Y, we create an exciting, safe camp environment for kids and staff to have an unforgettable summer. While campers are taking part in in unique experiences and adventures, our Summer Day Camp Inclusion Aides are developing leadership skills and confidence while making lasting friendships and memories.
Pay starts at $17.90 per hour, Monday-Friday schedule
As a Summer Day Camp Inclusion Aide, you will be responsible for supporting and assisting one or more individuals who have a disability and are enrolled in Y programs to promote participation in program activities and independence to the fullest extent possible. You will ensure that individualized needs of participants are met, while serving as professional role model and guide program participants through activities that support a positive learning climate and development of life skills and healthy and safe behaviors.
Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:
Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.
Program Participant Experience
You will serve as a role model in supporting inclusion and high-quality camp programming, creating an outstanding participant experience for children, parents and families.
You will modify learning or recreational activities as may be needed, including activities, rules, equipment, and/or supplies as needed. Promotes participation in program activities and independence to the fullest extent possible. Maintains the confidentiality of information pertaining to the individual(s) assigned for support.
You will teach socially acceptable behaviors by serving as a role model and by using age-appropriate positive reinforcement and behavior management strategies. Implements individualized behavior management plans, when necessary.
You will communicate consistently with team members and program leaders to keep abreast of activities and schedule, in order to prepare for activity modifications. Will offer suggestions for modifications, if applicable.
You will communicate consistently with parents, classroom/program team and program leadership through completion of a weekly summary of the individual’s participation.
You will Support program activities as assigned by supervisor including substitute support for ongoing camp activities.
Participant Safety
You will ensure the physical and emotional health and safety of participants by being safety conscious, following all established YMCA standards and critically evaluating situations for potential risks.
You will be alert and responsive to any specific health and safety needs of the individual with a disability
You will ensure compliance with established rules and regulations to ensure safety. Monitors participants and team members provides coaching and intervention as necessary
You will set up facilities and/or equipment for activities and stores equipment appropriately after use. Immediately notifies program leaders of any broken or unsafe equipment or if more resources/equipment are needed
You will work to keep program facilities clean at all times
What you’ll Need
High school diploma or equivalent; must be at least 18 years of age or older
Must have prior experience working with children; experience with children with disabilities and/or in a similar program setting preferred.
Commitment to, and passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission and serving the needs of diverse youth
Basic knowledge of child growth and development as well as developmentally appropriate practices for age group
Ability to understand and implement an inclusion plan and provide recommended strategies for Ability to observe participant behavior and apply appropriate behavior management techniques is essential.
Demonstrated interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to build constructive relationships, act as role model, and communicate effectively with children, families, team members and others
Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Y Team competencies in previous experience or practice
Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
Meet additional program guidelines for background checks and medical screening where necessary based on program supported.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be at least 18 years old, with prior experience working with children, preferably with disabilities or in a similar program setting. Essential abilities include understanding and implementing inclusion plans, observing behavior, and applying appropriate behavior management techniques.
Market context
In Illinois, Summer Day Camp Inclusion Aide roles are often sought by candidates with child-care experience and comfort supporting children with disabilities. These positions can be competitive because employers look for a high school diploma, age 18+, mission alignment, and practical knowledge of child development. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then highlight any hands-on inclusion or camp experience in your application.