Child and Youth Instructor

Location

Niagara West YMCA, Grimsby, ON

Pay

$17.60 - $18.13 per hour

YMCA Membership upon hire

Employment Type

Part Time - up to 15 hours per week.

Placement Date

January 2026

WHY WORK FOR THE YMCA?

The YMCA of Niagara is a mission-driven organization committed to fueling a healthy, connected, and engaged Niagara. Our presence in over 100 program sites has been impacting the community with dedication and purpose for over 150 years.

Our legacy in the community is a testament to the transformative work we do. We serve a diverse range of individuals and families, with a commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and the wellbeing of all. As we move forward, we are embracing a revitalized approach to meet the evolving needs of the community and actively contribute to transforming lives across Niagara.

Guided by our shared values – caring, health, honesty, inclusiveness, respect, advocacy, and responsibility - the YMCA provides our employees with meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact on individuals and the health of our communities.

Our dynamic team is dedicated to maintaining our growth trajectory though continuously adapting and innovating our services and programs to meet the changing landscape in Niagara.

NATURE & SCOPE

The role of the Child and Youth Program Instructor is to plan and deliver curriculum based recreational, educational and active programs following YMCA goals and objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deliver a variety of YMCA of Niagara Child and Youth programs for 3 to 15 year olds.

• Demonstrate enthusiasm, flexibility, and willingness to learn.

• Follow curriculum outlines and implement lesson plans in a consistent manner.

• Planning and adapting activities based on the needs and interests of participants to promote engagement and skill development.

• Demonstrate effective communication with participants, parents, coworkers, etc.

• Actively participate with the children in a positive and supportive manner taking into consideration each child’s uniqueness and abilities.

• Monitor, track and evaluate participants’ progress over 12 weeks.

• Support and work as part of a staff team.

• Responsible for the safety and security of the children.

• Build relationships with and be a role model for children and youth.

• Keep program areas clean, organized and safe for everyone’s use.

• Participate in training and adhere to the YMCA Child Protection Policies and Procedures as established by the YMCA of Niagara.

• Be available to consistently lead/participate in all sessions of a 12-week program.

• Actively participate in all required program trainings.

• Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with children and/or youth in a recreational setting (i.e. Day Camp, after school programs, etc.)

• Experience with fitness or physical education is an asset.

• Current Standard First Aid and CPR[C].

• The YMCA is looking for applicants who want to be a role model of healthy lifestyles and physical activity for children and make a difference within their community.

• Team members must be willing and able to physically participate in active games on a regular basis and carry equipment.

• Ability to work at various program locations throughout the Niagara Region is an asset.

• Upon hiring, a clear and satisfactory criminal reference check inclusive of the vulnerable sector search (PVSC) issued for the YMCA of Niagara.

COMPETENCIES:

Child and Youth Focused
Commits to assisting growth and development among children and youth

Commitment to Organization Vision and Values
Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the mission, vision, strategic outcomes and values of the YMCA

Concern for Health and Safety
Acknowledges and understands how to manage and educate others of risk and harm reduction

Team Work
Actively builds teams and encourages open relationships for maximum organizational effectiveness

Creativity and Innovation
Develops new ways or adapts existing ideas to help us achieve desired results

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested applicants are invited to submit an application by noon on December 19, 2025.

Internal applicants are encouraged to apply on our internal job board by logging into their UKG portal and navigating to Myself > My Company > View Opportunities. Internal applicants are also encouraged to notify their supervisor before applying.

All applicants are thanked for their interest. Only those applicants being considered for an interview will be contacted by email.

Accessibility accommodations and materials in alternate formats for individuals with disabilities can be arranged upon request.

For more information on other opportunities at the YMCA of Niagara, please visit: ymcaofniagara.org

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

• Standard First Aid
• CRC VSS