Job Description
Job DescriptionDescription:
Do you have a passion for working with teens and creating spaces where they can connect, grow, and have fun? The Greater Burlington YMCA is hiring a Teen Engagement Associate to bring energy and leadership to programs like Teen Wellness Orientation, Youth Rec, special events, and clubs. In this role, you’ll be a consistent, positive presence, building relationships, sparking new ideas, and helping teens feel supported, included, and inspired every time they walk through our doors.
Schedule & Location:
15 hours/week — Monday–Friday 3:15–5:15 PM and Sundays 12:30–5:30 PM
298 College Street, Burlington, VT
Why You’ll Love This Job:
- Make an Impact: Help teens feel supported, included, and empowered through engaging programs.
- Build Connections: Foster strong relationships with youth, families, and staff.
- Shape the Future: Bring new ideas to grow teen engagement at the Y.
- Enjoy Y Benefits: Free Y membership, program discounts, and professional development opportunities.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead the Teen Wellness Orientation program and support Youth Rec activities.
- Coordinate and assist with teen events, clubs, and leadership opportunities.
- Create a welcoming, inclusive environment aligned with YMCA youth development goals.
- Be a consistent, supportive presence during programs while modeling Y Core Values.
- Monitor attendance and gather feedback to inform future planning.
- Collaborate with the Director of Family Programs to enhance teen engagement initiatives
Requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to be eligible for the starting rate of $16.00/hour. Additional compensation is determined based on experience and education aligned with the preferred qualifications.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Must be flexible to a schedule that may include some nights and weekends.
- Ability to work with teenagers, supporting growth, managing positive behavior while maintaining a safe environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Recreation, Human Services, or related field.
- Completion of DEI-specific training, coursework, or certification, with a minimum of 40 hours or the equivalent of a college course.
- 3 college credits in behavioral intervention, special education, or child development.
- 2+ years of direct experience in special education or behavioral intervention.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those necessary for the role and are essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in our care. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
- Ability to effectively supervise and ensure the safety of children by maintaining visual and auditory awareness in various environments, including classrooms, outdoor play areas, and other program spaces.
- Ability to lift, carry, or support children up to 35 pounds as needed for care, safety, and engagement.
- Ability to engage in active participation in all aspects of the program, including assisting with activities such as swim and gym. This may involve frequent movement, such as kneeling, bending, stooping, crouching, reaching, and standing for extended periods.
- Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to the physical and emotional needs of children, including in emergency situations.
- Staff in this role should expect to receive training, as needed, in basic medical support and physical assistance procedures to help ensure that all children can participate safely and fully. This may include but is not limited to tasks such as assisting a child who uses a wheelchair, helping manage medical needs like diabetes, or administering emergency medications as trained.