LAKELAND HILLS YMCA·Mountain Lakes, New Jersey
Support the Site Director in executing Kids Club procedures while ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Facilitate developmentally appropriate activities including STEM, arts and crafts, and sports to promote youth development.
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Support Staff are responsible for aiding the Site Director and Co-Director in making sure the Kids Club procedures and requirements, detailed in the staff handbook, are being executed. Responsible for the supervision, safety, and well-being of the children. Creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. Promotes and supports the potential of participants and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall Kids Club experience. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Communicate with co-staff daily. Assist in the planning of upcoming events and activities. Follow all state regulations as outlined in Staff Orientation. Executes program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, and consistent with YMCA values. These must include: SEL, Arts & Crafts, STEM, Sports & Games, Community Projects, and Literacy. Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards. Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies. Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents, children, and staff. Must model relationship-building skills in all interactions. Take daily attendance and follow “Missing Child Procedure” Why Work at the Y? Paid Sick Time Free YMCA membership including Brand New State of the Art Health & Fitness Center, Group Fitness Classes such as Pilates, Yoga, Strength, etc; regulation-sized pool and member discounts and exclusive opportunities. Experience working in school and youth setting. We believe in promoting from within whenever possible and encourage internal career growth. Employees will have first access to opportunities to transfer to other departments and explore new roles as positions become available, providing a pathway for professional development within the organization Why Work at the Y! Paid Sick Time Free YMCA membership, including access to our brand-new, state-of-the-art Health & Fitness Center, group fitness classes such as Pilates, Yoga, Cycling, and more. Enjoy our regulation-size pool, exclusive member discounts, and special member-only opportunities! We believe in promoting from within whenever possible and encourage internal career growth. Employees will have first access to opportunities to transfer to other departments and explore new roles as positions become available, providing a pathway for professional development within the organization. QualificationsQUALITIES: Enthusiastic, Responsible, Dependable, Consistent, Level-Headed, Flexible, and Calm in all situations. Ability to help children grow in character, experiences, and insights. Ability to always guard the health and well-being of children.
Capable of being flexible and taking direction well Prior experience working with children WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands 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. Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings
Candidates must have prior experience working with children and the ability to follow directions flexibly. Personal qualities such as dependability, enthusiasm, and a calm demeanor in all situations are required.
Market context
In New Jersey, seasonal camp and recreation roles often draw steady interest when they require lifeguarding and safety credentials. This type of position is competitive because employers look for candidates who already have, or can quickly obtain, Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid certification; the listed sign-on bonus and training support can help offset that. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certifications and apply early.