Child Watch Associate

Overview

The YMCA of Greenville is a dynamic and rapidly growing association that seeks to strengthen the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

The Child Watch Associate supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. This position will work directly with the parents and children participants. The Child Watch Associate plays a vital role in supporting the mission of the YMCA by providing high-quality care and supervision for children while fostering a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment. The role requires compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence in childcare and customer service.

Not only will you be part of amazing mission driven work, but we also offer the following benefits for our Part-time Staff:

• Work Today, Get Paid Today!!! Instant access to your earned wages before payday.
• Free individual Y membership, with 75% discount on upgraded memberships.
• 50% Discount on Programs, including Childcare, Sports, Aquatics, and Personal Training.
• 12% Retirement Contribution, once fully vested.
• 403b Retirement Savings Plan.

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.

Responsibilities

Child Engagement & Oversight

• Deliver hands-on care for children ranging from infants to age 12, adapting to various developmental stages.
• Lead age-appropriate activities focused on movement, literacy, creativity, and imaginative play.
• Provide specialized care for infants, including feeding and diapering.

Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure participant safety, including strict adherence to check-in/check-out procedures and supervision ratios.
• Respond appropriately to illnesses, behavioral issues, and emergencies.
• Follow all child protection and abuse prevention policies, including mandatory reporting requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized environment to support physical and emotional well-being.

Customer & Member Service

• Serve as a welcoming and professional representative of the YMCA.
• Provide exceptional customer service and maintain clear, respectful communication with parents and guardians.
• Act as a point of contact for parent concerns in the absence of the Site Lead or Director.

Team & Operational Support

• Maintain positive relationships with coworkers and contribute to a supportive team environment.
• Attend all required training sessions and meetings, including quarterly Child Watch team meetings and annual association-wide training.
• Support other areas of YMCA operations as requested by leadership.

Other expectations

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
• Attend/complete required abuse risk management training
• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising consumers.
• Follow mandated reporting requirements.
• Adhere to job specific abuse risk management responsibilities.
  • Maintenance Employees-ensure unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely monitor high-risk locations (locker-rooms and bathrooms), etc.
  • Front Desk Personnel- ensure consumers are properly signed in and out, ensure only authorized adults are allowed in the facility, etc.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age (Note: original said 18 and then 16 — clarification needed)
• Minimum of 6 months experience working with children and in customer service
• Ability to engage with children in a positive and developmentally appropriate manner
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations
• Enthusiastic and service-oriented
• Completion of the following trainings within 30 days of hire:
  • New Staff Orientation
  • Child Abuse Prevention
  • Bloodborne Pathogens
  • CPR/First Aid