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Ymca Special Needs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Organizes and implements high quality YMCA Special needs program(s). OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of ...

$17.50 - $19.50/hr

The Special Needs Aide will comply with and adhere to all standards, policies, and procedures established by the YMCA of Honolulu, DOE, and other agencies associated with YMCA Childcare and DOE A ...

Sacc Counselors

Rahway, NJ · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

... as needed. * Actively participate in required training sessions, staff meetings, and YMCA special events. * For preschool-aged children who are not yet potty trained, diapering/changing may be ...

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Ymca Special Needs information

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$22.5K

$56K

$110.5K

How much do ymca special needs jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for ymca special needs in the United States is $55,953.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are YMCA Special Needs programs?

YMCA Special Needs programs are designed to support individuals with physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities by providing inclusive recreational, educational, and social activities. These programs may include adaptive sports, swimming classes, social clubs, and summer camps tailored to various needs and abilities. The goal is to foster a supportive environment where participants can build confidence, develop new skills, and form friendships. YMCA staff are often specially trained to work with individuals with special needs, ensuring a safe and welcoming experience for everyone.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a YMCA Special Needs program coordinator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a YMCA Special Needs Program Coordinator, you need knowledge of developmental disabilities, experience in adaptive recreation, and a relevant background in education or human services. Familiarity with individualized education plans (IEPs), behavior management tools, and specialized activity planning software is often required. Exceptional patience, strong communication, and the ability to build trusting relationships with participants and their families are key soft skills. These abilities ensure inclusive, safe, and effective programming that supports the well-being and development of individuals with special needs.

What are some common challenges faced by YMCA Special Needs staff, and how can they be addressed?

YMCA Special Needs staff often encounter challenges such as adapting programs to meet diverse individual needs, communicating effectively with participants and families, and managing group dynamics among participants with varying abilities. To address these challenges, staff receive specialized training in inclusion, behavior management, and individualized support strategies. Collaboration with other team members, ongoing professional development, and open communication with families are also key to creating a positive and supportive environment for everyone involved.

What is the difference between Ymca Special Needs vs Ymca Camp Counselor?

AspectYmca Special NeedsYmca Camp Counselor
Required CredentialsCPR/First Aid, background check, specialized training for disabilitiesCPR/First Aid, general camp training, sometimes age-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentAssist individuals with disabilities in various settings, including recreational and educational activitiesSupervise and engage children and teens in outdoor and camp activities
Employer & Industry UsageYMCA programs focused on inclusive support for individuals with special needsYMCA summer camps and recreational programs for youth

Ymca Special Needs staff focus on supporting individuals with disabilities, requiring specialized training, while Ymca Camp Counselors supervise general camp activities for children and teens. Both roles are vital in YMCA settings but differ in scope and specific qualifications.

More about Ymca Special Needs jobs

What cities are hiring for Ymca Special Needs jobs?

Cities with the most Ymca Special Needs job openings:

What states have the most Ymca Special Needs jobs?

States with the most job openings for Ymca Special Needs jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Ymca Special Needs jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Ymca Special Needs jobs are:

Infographic showing various Ymca Special Needs job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,953 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Special Needs Specialist

YMCA

Falmouth, VA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,991 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

577th of 783 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Organizes and implements high quality YMCA Special needs program(s).

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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Ensure that member and guests are using facility and equipment in a safe manner to ensure they do not injure themselves or others.
  2. Ability to take attendance, track and record data.
  3. Attends staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
  4. Follows all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Completes incident and accident reports as necessary.
  5. Organizes, puts away, and assists in ordering supplies and equipment.
  6. Demonstrate and support the objectives of the branch and association as embodied in the mission statement and Y values.
  7. Performs other duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y's 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 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. 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must be 21 years of age.
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Experience preferred in related fitness or teaching field.
  • At least one year prior experience working with individuals with multiple types of disabilities.
  • Certifications: CPR, AED, Basic First Aid certification. If not certified, will become certified within 30 days of employment.
  • Healthy Lifestyle Principles Certifications through the Y of the USA required within 12 months of hire.
  • Completes Praesidium within 7 days of hire date.
  • Understands the YMCA is a public accommodation committed to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
  • Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
  • Exposure to individuals with aggressive behavior and ongoing health issues.
  • Must be able to lift and carry equipment or supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
  • Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Hear noises and distress in a noisy environment
  • Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.

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