POSITION SUMMARY:
The Child Watch Lead provides direct supervision of children in a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment while supporting the daily operations of the Child Watch program. This role serves as a consistent staff presence during peak hours and assists with basic leadership responsibilities, including staff support and scheduling assistance.
This role works directly under the Senior Program Director to support program logistics, scheduling and communication.
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The Child Watch Lead is responsible for delivering a high-quality YMCA experience while supporting staff and program operations. The Child Watch Lead will ensure excellence in the following key areas to support a consistent and impactful Y Experience:
- Safely supervise children ages eight weeks to twelve years in a group setting
- Provide a positive, welcoming and inclusive environment for children and families
- Implement activities that are developmentally appropriate and aligned with YMCA core values
- Maintain program standards including safety, cleanliness and organization
- Serve as a role model for staff by demonstrating professionalism and strong engagement
- Assist with onboarding and training new staff
- Support daily staffing needs and communicate coverage gaps
- Maintain positive relationships with parents and respond to basic concerns
- Follow YMCA policies and procedures related to safety, emergencies and child abuse prevention
In addition, the employee will participate in all meetings as requested and will be asked to lead association-wide initiatives and other assigned duties. All position functions are essential to the position.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:
- Engaging Community: Builds relationships with families to create a welcoming environment for all.
- Communication & Influence: Communicates clearly and effectively with staff, children and families.
- Collaboration: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum age of 18.
- Previous experience in working with children.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds and needs.
- Strong organizational, communication and leadership skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and problem-solve in a fast paced environment.
- Within 30 days of hire, completion of Child Abuse Prevention, Working with Program Volunteers, CPR, First Aid, AED, and Bloodborne Pathogens training.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Safety First!
- Maintain a safe and positive environment for children and families. Actively supervise children in small groups.
- Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds.
- Maintain effective and cooperative relationships with staff, parents and children.
- Must be trained in and follow all child abuse prevention protocols and YMCA risk management procedures, including proper reporting and response to incidents.
- Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
OUR CORE VALUES:
At the YMCA of Central Virginia, our core values guide everything we do. These values shape how we serve our community and support each other every day.
- MISSION-DRIVEN: The Y’s mission is to Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and for all.
- GENUINE/AUTHENTIC: We value authenticity and strive to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves. We prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, and approach our work with honesty and sincerity.
- RELIABLE: We follow through on our commitments.
- PROFESSIONAL: We maintain professionalism, ensuring everyone feels safe, included, and respected. We are attentive, responsive, and proactive in our work.
- POSITIVE: We foster a positive atmosphere, understanding that it uplifts everyone. A positive outlook is contagious and leads to shared success.
- HUMBLY CONFIDENT: We are confident in our abilities but lead with humility, valuing the contributions of our team and acting with poise rather than ego.
