Kids Quest Program Leader

YWCA Northeast Kansas is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We provide transformative services in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking, Community Violence Interruption, before- and after-school programming, and leadership and inclusion initiatives. 

Job Classification: Non-Exempt, Part-Time

Work Schedule: 

AM Shift:                                                            PM Shift:

Monday-Thursday, 6:45-8:15AM                      Monday-Thursday, 3:30-5:45PM

Friday, 6:45-9:15AM                                         Friday, 3:30-5:45PM

Salary Range: $16-$17 p/hour

Reporting Relationship: Kids Quest Manager

Work Environment: USD 501 Elementary Schools

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Kids Quest Manager, the Kids Quest Group Leader, Assistant Group Leader, or Program Float provides direct supervision and engagement for children in grades K–5 participating in YWCA Northeast Kansas before and after school programs. These positions help create a safe, welcoming, and enriching environment through developmentally appropriate activities, positive relationships with children and families, and adherence to KDHE licensing requirements and YWCA policies. 

RESPONSIBILTIIES

• Provides a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for children in grades K–5 participating in before and after school programming. 
• Builds and maintains positive, professional relationships with children, families, school personnel, volunteers, and fellow team members. 
• Supervises and actively engages children in daily routines and activities while serving as a positive role model. 
• Assists with the implementation of developmentally appropriate activities that align with site themes and program philosophy. 
• Facilitates choice-based opportunities including arts and crafts, academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, physical activities, and homework assistance. 
• Maintains appropriate staff-to-child ratios and ensures the safety and well-being of children at all times. 
• Observe, recognize, and respond appropriately to concerns related to child safety and well-being in accordance with agency policies and mandatory reporting requirements. 
• Completes required documentation and maintains records in accordance with KDHE regulations and YWCA policies and procedures. 
• Maintains the cleanliness, organization, and readiness of assigned spaces and materials. 
• Collaborates with and supports fellow team members to ensure quality program operations and a positive experience for children and families. 
• Attends and successfully completes required trainings, including First Aid, CPR, Child Abuse Recognition, and other trainings required by YWCA, KDHE, or licensing standards.

Other Position Functions

• Refrains from assuming any duty that is unrelated to and/or interferes with the responsibilities of the position.
• Advocates, promotes, and practices cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in day-to-day interactions.
• Other duties as associated by the CEO. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee holding this position.

QUALIFICATIONS

At minimum, Kids Quest team members must have a high school diploma or GED, be 18 years of age, and pass the required KDHE screening process. Additionally, Kids Quest team members must have:

• Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certification within 30 days of employment (training provided by YWCA). 
• Demonstrated communication, teamwork, customer service, flexibility, organization, and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to establish positive relationships with children, families, school/administrative staff, and coworkers. 
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel to assigned program sites throughout Topeka, Kansas. 
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to hazards affecting a child's safety and well-being.
• Commitment to the YWCA mission and values, including a strong focus on racial equity and social justice.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Daily duties require employees to sit, squat, and engage actively with children. Staff should be able to do this free from discomfort or difficulty. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Work Environment: Elementary School
• Lifting Requirement: 25 pounds
• Travel Requirements:
  • Travel in local community.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Transportation.
  • Auto insurance.
• Pass various background checks.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please apply through Indeed.com or submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to [email protected]. Applicants will be required to pass the identified screening process prior to hiring.

NON DISCRIMINATION

YWCA Northeast Kansas is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and trauma-informed workplace. We recognize that systemic inequities impact many aspects of society, and we strive to address these through our policies, practices, and organizational culture. We believe that diversity in all its forms strengthens our mission and our work.

We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. No question on our application is intended to secure information to be used for such discrimination.

We are also committed to fair hiring practices, including the consideration of qualified applicants with criminal records, in line with applicable laws and our values of second chances and community reintegration.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds — including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; immigrants and refugees; LGBTQIA+ individuals; people with disabilities; gender-diverse individuals; survivors; and members of other historically underrepresented communities.