Youth and Family Instructor

Company: YMCA of Rock River Valley
Location: Rockford
Posted on: February 13, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description YOUR IMPACT The Youth and Family Instructor will be responsible for engaging in and implementing all programs and activities daily through Kids' Care and other Youth & Family programs. Youth and Family Instructors will guide the development of children, ensuring a safe, enriching, and healthy environment using materials and resources provided. Staff provide a safe and fun environment for children while parents are involved in YMCA activities. Staff will engage with children to allow them the opportunity to develop physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively within the context of a caring relationships with the adults in the program. Staff will provide a quality experience to children and parents with focus on quality program operations. This position may also be expected to support programs and events in the Youth & Family department including participating in a rotating weekend schedule. EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES Follows procedures for the day-to-day operations of childcare programming, to include the Kids Care program and Kids’ Night Out, meeting all applicable state regulations and YMCA policies. Engages in a program that is developmentally appropriate, meeting the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of the participants. Provides careful, attentive supervision, and is alert at all times. Uses the program resources responsibly to enrich the experiences for all participants. These materials are multicultural, nonsexist, and anti-bias. Supports a program that adheres to YMCA health and safety standards (and local and state standards that apply) and exhibits high standards in cleanliness and presentation. Encourages an environment that invites exploration, promotes positive play, and welcomes children. Capable of communicating concerns and needs to parents and their supervisor to ensure a positive experience for the children, parents and staff at all times. Promotes a team concept through a positive approach to, communication, and interactions with others. Meets with supervisor twice per year. Attends and participates in bi-monthly staff meetings and training opportunities. Attends annual branch meeting. Supports Youth & Family programs and events. Works birthday parties, special events, Kids’ Night Out, and activities as scheduled at facilities and off-site locations. Ensures youth safety by actively participating in and supervising all swimming and water-based activities. Organizes and maintains needed program supplies, spaces, and equipment through the completion of daily and end of shift checklists. Demonstrates appropriate decision-making abilities when reaction time needs to be quick. Supports climbing wall as needed and up to training level. Ensures the Youth and Family Department meets the needs of our members, to positively impact member retention and recruitment. Ensures a strong focus on character development and diversity, equity and inclusion throughout programming. Reports damaged equipment or safety hazards promptly. Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Rock River Valley. SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION: 4 Positions Positions 1 & 2: SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA Part-Time, Non-Exempt Monday -Thursday 4:30 - 7:15 pm $15.00 per hour Positions 3 & 4: SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA Part-Time, Non-Exempt Monday - Thursday 12:00 - 4:00 pm $15.00 per hour QUALIFICATIONS Minimum age of 16 years old. Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team dynamic. Ability to be flexible and problem solve quickly and effectively. Ability to engage in all activities associated with the daily care, activities, and routines of program’s children, including but not limited to: interacting with children at floor level, physical education activities such as running, jumping, etc., lifting children and equipment, and participating in outdoor activities, diapering and toileting as needed. Passionate and enthusiastic about hospitality and recreational programming and events. Oral, auditory, and written communication skills appropriate for interacting with both children and adults. Capable of communicating concerns and needs to parents and their supervisor to ensure a positive experience for the children, parents and staff at all times. CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days. Praesidium Academy trainings. Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations. Proven track record of developing authentic and deepened relationships with others. The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you. THERE'S SO MUCH MORE TO WORKING AT THE Y: ALL STAFF BENEFITS: Discounted Programs & Services, Including Child Care Pay Differential for Bilingual Employees Paid Time Off: Paid Leave for All Workers Employee Crisis Fund Employee Assistance Program Cell Phone Discounts with Participating Providers Tickets At Work Discount Program 401 (a) Retirement Plan: 8% YMCA Contributed Retirement 403 (b) Savings Plan: Tax-Deferred Account and Roth Account Options For retirement plan eligibility requirements, and additional information, visit www.yretirement.org. FULL TIME STAFF BENEFITS: Free Family Membership 3 Paid Floating Holidays 10.5 Paid Holidays Paid Vacation and Sick Time: Varies by Employment Type Short-Term Disability Program Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance: Partially Employer Paid. Employee Contribution Required Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance: YMCA Sponsored and Employee Contribution Programs Available Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Insurance Plans: Employee Contribution Required Tuition Reimbursement: Must Meet Qualifications PART TIME STAFF BENEFITS: Free individual Membership Discounted Rate to Upgrade to Another Membership Category OUR CULTURE Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. OUR COMMITMENT TO BELONGING The Y is made up of people of all ages, from all walks of life, working side-by-side to strengthen communities. Together, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith — they guide everything we do. OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUTH PROTECTION The YMCA of Rock River Valley has a responsibility to provide safe and secure programs and services for our community. The YMCA is a leader in child abuse prevention to support the safety of children in our care. You'll support the commitment of the YMCA to child abuse prevention by: Report any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor. Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children. Report any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor. Complete all child abuse prevention training as required. The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility

Keywords: YMCA of Rock River Valley, Orland Park , Youth and Family Instructor, Healthcare , Rockford, Illinois