Guide In Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Pay starts at $10.00 per hour and up based on experience

Are you ready to make a profound difference in the lives of children and their families? The Y, a leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, is seeking passionate individuals with flexible availability to join our team as Kids Zone Guide . In this role, you’ll provide nurturing care and create a fun, safe environment where kids can thrive, making every day a rewarding experience.

POSITION SUMMARY: This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. As a KidsZone Guide I you provide direct supervision and care of children in KidsZone areas. Provides a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on exceptional service and care.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Nurtures children through purposeful play to provide care and belonging while developing relationships with members and their children.
2. Implements curriculum and activity plans within the established guidelines.
3. Supervises and participates in activities with all children ranging from ages as young as 6 weeks up to 12 years old.
4. Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
5. Maintains positive relationships and effective communication with parents.
6. Maintains required program records and equipment needs.
7. Improvises quickly and appropriately when faced with unexpected circumstances, to better meet the needs of members and their children.
8. Bottle feed and diaper change of infants/toddlers.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Minimum age 15 required.
2. Must be flexible to work evenings and weekends.
3. Certifications required within 30 days of hire: CPR/AED & First Aid, New Employee Orientation, and online trainings.
4. Required trainings: Duty to Report, Keeping your YMCA Safe
5. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
6. Ability to relate and communicate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
7. Must have a passion for working with young children.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

The National YMCA Mission:

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

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 persons 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. Establishes 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.

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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively.
• Must have a high level of alertness, concentration, and initiative.
• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform job responsibilities.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time; occasionally stoop/bend.
• Maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times.
• Sufficient physical strength and agility to carry out essential duties.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Must demonstrate initiative and sound judgment.