Lead Mentor

This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  The Youth Mentor helps to support the established policies, goals and objectives of the YMCA Indiana County. The Lead Mentor works as a supportive leader among staff and volunteers to provide effective mentoring programs in a safe, caring and nurturing environment in which children can grow physically, emotionally and intellectually. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create an environment of interest, confidence, and support, with which the children can grow in a physically and mentally safe environment and be a positive role model.
• Attend YMCA programs for “no school days” and other YMCA programs where mentees will attend.
• Oversee appointment record keeping in accordance with grant guidelines and adherence to all YMCA regulations and grant requirements.
• Plan and implement quality program curriculum and lesson plans of the daily program and monthly events. Plan and implement quality program curriculum and lesson plans of the daily program and monthly events.
• Supervise and lead other paid and volunteer mentors.
• Establish positive relationships with parents, children, school personnel and other staff members. 
• Oversee positive reinforcement and disciplinary needs of children.
• Actively support and participate in YMCA functions as identified by the Youth Mentoring and Development Coordinator, including but not limited to monthly family events, field trips, and YMCA events where mentees are in attendance.
• Support and participate in any fundraising events identified to benefit the program.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physical Activity:  The ability to be physically active for long periods of time without getting tired or out of breath.
• Lifting:  The ability to lift or push/pull 35 pounds occasionally.
• Standing:  The ability to stand for extensive periods of time.
• Movement:  The ability to bend, stretch, twist, reach out, squat, kneel and sit on the floor frequently.
• Coordination:  The ability to coordinate the movement of several parts of the body such as arms and legs, while moving frequently.
• Balance:  The ability to keep or regain balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Hearing:  The ability to hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Vision:  The ability to see differences between colors, shades and brightness.
• Gross Manipulation:  The ability to seize, hold, grasp, turn or otherwise work with the hands.
• Alternate sit/stand:  The ability to choose between sitting or standing as needed.
• Outdoor:  The ability to work outdoors for an entire day.

KNOWLEDGE – SKILLS - ABILITIES:

• Previous experience working with children preferably in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, educational support/tutoring, homework help, crafts, leading physically active games, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.
• Enthusiastic, energetic, fun loving and able to lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings and motive and inspire others.
• Ability to lead a group of children in a manner to help them grow in their knowledge, skills, and capabilities.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship building skills with an ability to negotiate and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedicated to the mission of the YMCA.
• Ability to make independent appropriate decisions and determine the appropriate course of action.
• Able to manage difficult situations with a high level of professionalism.
• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse Prevention training within 90 days of hire date. (provided by YMCA)