Lead Mentor - BHLH

GENERAL FUNCTION:

This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Youth Mentoring and Development Coordinator, helps to support the established policies, goals and objectives of the YMCA Indiana County. The Lead Mentor works as a supportive leader among staff and volunteers to provide effective mentoring programs in a safe, caring and nurturing environment in which children can grow physically, emotionally and intellectually.

Provides direct supervision of a group of children in various settings; including but not limited to after school care, when school is not in session, all day and part day summer activities, events and programming.

This job description is not an express or implied contract, and the YMCA of Indiana County reserves the right to change this job description as necessary.

KNOWLEDGE – SKILLS - ABILITIES:

• Previous experience working with children preferably in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, educational support/tutoring, homework help, crafts, leading physically active games, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.
• Enthusiastic, energetic, fun loving and able to lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings and motive and inspire others.
• Ability to lead a group of children in a manner to help them grow in their knowledge, skills, and capabilities.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship building skills with an ability to negotiate and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedicated to the mission of the YMCA.
• Ability to make independent appropriate decisions and determine the appropriate course of action.
• Able to manage difficult situations with a high level of professionalism.
• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse Prevention training within 90 days of hire date. (provided by YMCA)

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create an environment of interest, confidence, and support, with which the children can grow in a physically and mentally safe environment and be a positive role model.
• Attend YMCA programs for “no school days” and other YMCA programs where mentees will attend.
• Oversee appointment record keeping in accordance with grant guidelines and adherence to all YMCA regulations and grant requirements.
• Plan and implement quality program curriculum and lesson plans of the daily program and monthly events. Plan and implement quality program curriculum and lesson plans of the daily program and monthly events.
• Supervise and lead other paid and volunteer mentors.
• Establish positive relationships with parents, children, school personnel and other staff members.
• Oversee positive reinforcement and disciplinary needs of children.
• Actively support and participate in YMCA functions as identified by the Youth Mentoring and Development Coordinator, including but not limited to monthly family events, field trips, and YMCA events where mentees are in attendance.
• Support and participate in any fundraising events identified to benefit the program.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physical Activity: The ability to be physically active for long periods of time without getting tired or out of breath.
• Lifting: The ability to lift or push/pull 35 pounds occasionally.
• Standing: The ability to stand for extensive periods of time.
• Movement: The ability to bend, stretch, twist, reach out, squat, kneel and sit on the floor frequently.
• Coordination: The ability to coordinate the movement of several parts of the body such as arms and legs, while moving frequently.
• Balance: The ability to keep or regain balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Hearing: The ability to hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Vision: The ability to see differences between colors, shades and brightness.
• Gross Manipulation: The ability to seize, hold, grasp, turn or otherwise work with the hands.
• Alternate sit/stand: The ability to choose between sitting or standing as needed.
• Outdoor: The ability to work outdoors for an entire day.

The YMCA of Indiana County complies with ADA and considered reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicant/employee to perform essential job functions.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodation will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential function of their job, absent undue hardship.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains positive relations with parents and other staff. model relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions.
• Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse
• Supervises a group of children, volunteers and other mentors.
• Plans and implements program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values.
• Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards.
• Attends staff meetings and training as assigned.

EFFECT ON END RESULT:

The effectiveness of this position can be judged by:

• Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the YMCA’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them.
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• Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establish goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
• Supports fund-raising: Works collaboratively with program and YMCA leaders to effectively engage participants, sponsors and other stakeholders to organize and execute fundraising events aimed at the advancement and support of the program
• Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.