Youth Coach, Ninja Zone - East Valley

The Ninja Zone Coach is responsible for creating a fun, safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate experience for children participating in the YMCA of Silicon Valley's NinjaZone program. The Ninja Zone Coach leads classes that incorporate obstacle courses, gymnastics, parkour-inspired movement, strength, coordination, balance, agility, and character development.

SALARY RANGE: $23.00 - $26.00/hour ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Lead engaging NinjaZone classes for children ages approximately 18 months--9 years, adapting instruction to the age, ability, and developmental needs of participants. Teach age-appropriate movement skills including balance, coordination, agility, strength, flexibility, climbing, jumping, tumbling, and obstacle-course skills.

Demonstrate and safely instruct NinjaZone activities and equipment. Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and welcoming program environment. Provide clear instructions, demonstrations, encouragement, and positive reinforcement. Modify activities to accommodate different skill levels and abilities. Build positive relationships with children and families while providing excellent member service.

Maintain appropriate supervision of all participants throughout each class. Follow YMCA safety, emergency, child protection, and risk-management policies and procedures. Conduct appropriate equipment and facility safety checks before and during programming. Communicate professionally with parents/guardians regarding participant progress, program expectations, and concerns.

Assist with class setup, cleanup, transitions, and equipment organization. Maintain accurate attendance and other required program records. Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development as required. Support YMCA events, demonstrations, special programs, and other activities as assigned. Performs other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, crawl, climb, jump, and move quickly during classes. Demonstrate basic gymnastics and obstacle-course movements. Assist or spot participants when appropriate and within training. Lift, carry, move, and set up program equipment. Respond quickly to safety concerns or emergencies.

Work in an active environment with frequent movement and noise. Previous experience working with children in a recreational, educational, athletic, camp, gymnastics, or similar setting. Ability to actively participate in and demonstrate physical activities. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to create a positive and inclusive environment for children of varying abilities and skill levels.

Experience in gymnastics, parkour, ninja/obstacle-course training, martial arts, cheer, dance, physical education, or another youth movement program. Experience working with children ages 18 months--9 years. CPR/AED and First Aid certification. Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate teaching techniques. YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader): Engaging Community: Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y's work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit.

Collaboration: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community. Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y's cause. Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence.