Y Pals Inclusion Counselor (Individual Support)

Description

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the supervision of the Director of Youth Development, the Y Pals Inclusion Counselor (Individual Support) is responsible for providing specific support for an individual with a disability so they may succeed in the Y-Pals program in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.

YMCA Mission and Core Values:

The mission of the YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs, services, and relationships that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The Core Values of the YMCA are Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. At the Bloomington-Normal YMCA we are a team of employees dedicated to advancing the mission and values of the YMCA through service and support of all members in our unique community. 

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. 

YMCA Required Competencies:

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising.

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.  

Relationships: Builds authentic relationships in the service of enhancing individual and team performance to support the Y’s work. 

Communication: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a manner that reflects a true understanding of the needs of the audience.

Requirements

• Maintain attendance records and keep individual’s information confidential. 
• Maintain a safe and clean environment.
• Provide sensitive care to the child, meeting them where they are.
• Promote program opportunities to parents and speak positively about the Y Pals program to parents/guardians.  
• Apply basic youth development principles through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity and involvement/empowerment of youth.
• Adapt activities as suggested by the Inclusion Specialist, Director of Youth Development, and Site Supervisors as well as make real-time decisions so that the individual can experience success in the setting:
  • Modified Communication Systems using provided materials and simple language including to help deescalate unregulated individuals.
  • Adapt what the Y Pals group is doing so the individual can participate.
  • Engage with the individual independently separate from the group.
• Implement and follow behavior plans:
  • This may include helping a child who may be exhibiting challenging behavior or in crisis. 
  • Support and encourage children, providing specific examples of their actions and words, helping replace undesired behavior with positive choices.
  • Possess quick and good judgement in problem solving and be able to apply those skills during heightened stress situations in a mature manner.  
  • Be trained in behavior management techniques or open and willing to learn and implement them consistently.
• Encourage the individual to engage in relationships with children, observing the group dynamics, and modeling & supporting how to connect with children and groups.  
• Have open and honest communication with Site Supervisors, Director of Youth Development, and the Inclusion Specialist and be willing to offer ideas in planning programs, activities and adaptions for the individual.   
• Communicate regularly about needs related to supplies and materials. 
• Properly supervise children by following all applicable health and safety regulations and guidelines.
• Report any suspicions of child abuse following protocols established with the required guidelines of the Illinois Mandated Reporter manual.
• Follow all health and safety regulations as outlined by YMCA procedures and state and county health regulations. 
• Complete incident reports, collect and report data accurately and timely to be shared with staff and parents as required by YMCA guidelines.
• All other duties as assigned based upon departmental need.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

Work Environment:

• Prolonged standing, bending, walking, hiking, climbing, and stretching.
• Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and activities.
• Occasional lifting up to 50+ pounds. 
• Use of vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• Moderate to loud noise levels in the work environment.
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, and crawling. 
• Exposure to outdoor elements.

Necessary Skills and Qualifications:

• Ability to interact with children and adults of all ages.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently.
• Proficiency in understanding the developmental needs of youth.
• Minimum of eighteen (18) years of age. 

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Prior experience working with youth who have special needs and/or disabilities.
• Possession of Spanish language both written and spoken.
• CPR/AED certification (provided upon hire).
• Related higher education in child development/childcare.
• Proven experience in leadership, supervision, and childcare.

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND REQUIRED TRAININGS & CERTIFICATIONS

The Bloomington-Normal YMCA adheres to the strictest regulations pertaining to Child Abuse Prevention and requires all staff and volunteers to complete Child Abuse Prevention Training at time of hire and on an annual basis. Other required trainings and certifications, provided by the YMCA during on-boarding or within the first 60 days of employment, include: Illinois Mandated Reporter Certification, Illinois Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Training, CPR/AED/First Aid certification, and OSHA training including Bloodborne Pathogens.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Bloomington-Normal YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

For a full listing of employee benefits, please visit: www.bnymca.org/workatthey