YReads! Program Assistant - Pizzo K-8 School

Under the direct supervision of the YReads! Site Director the YReads! Program Assistant will work collaboratively to implement the YReads! program. YReads! is a reading program that uses curriculum-based literacy instruction to help struggling reads in areas of phonetics, sight word recognition, spelling, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The program assistant will provide literacy instruction and complete administrative duties as needed.

Critical areas of expertise include: curriculum delivery, facilitation skills, behavior management skills, and relationship building.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Quality and Growth

• Helps the Site Director with classroom set-up, snack, clean-up, hallway transitions, and classroom management.
• Tracks mentor and student attendance on a daily basis.
• Teaches reading lessons as assigned by the Site Director utilizing varied delivery methods.
• Accurately tracks and monitors student progress.

Team Leadership

• Partners, as needed, with key program leaders to remain committed to the YMCA's mission, safety and service to members, and the Tampa Y promise.
• Completes all job related and other trainings as required.

Safety and Risk Management

• Adhere to all Federal, State, and local safety regulations, as well as all YMCA policies and procedures related to the safety, health, and welfare of members, participants, guests, and staff.
• Ensure that all Tampa YMCA standards, leading practices, and policies are implemented and consistently followed, including those related to emergency procedures, child abuse prevention, and appropriate supervision.
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment at all times, including performing daily safety checks of program areas, equipment, and supplies.
• Supervises meals, snacks, restroom, and transition periods to promote a safe, orderly environment and encourage healthy habits.
• Conduct health checks on children for potential health concerns such as head lice, ringworm, or other communicable conditions, and reports immediately to the Program Director.
• Adhere to policies and procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising participants and boundaries with participants and their families.
• Ensure high-risk areas (e.g., restrooms, locker rooms, closets) are monitored and secured when not in use.
• Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios and provides active, engaged supervision at all times.
• Follow established sign-in/sign-out procedures to ensure children are released only to authorized adults.
• Responds appropriately to behavioral and medical incidents, documenting and reporting as required.
• Adhere to risk management training requirements including child abuse prevention
• Support a safe, positive, and inclusive environment where children feel secure and respected
• Promptly report any suspicious or inappropriate behavior, as well as policy violations, following established association procedures.

Education/ Experience Required:

• High School diploma/GED or equivalent required
• Previous experience working with school-aged children in an educational setting
• Previous experience providing literacy instruction/tutoring preferred
• Strong verbal and written skills, English proficiency is required
• Understanding of various learning styles
• Highly motivated with the consistent ability to meet or exceed goals, cultivate and retain program participants.
• Ability to quickly build rapport and develop effective relationships with program participants and volunteers
• Ability to understand, adapt to and interact with diverse people, teams, perspectives and cultures.
• Proficient in using email, Internet, and other PC-based applications with the ability to learn and adapt to new technology.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel to other YReads! program sites required

Certifications/Trainings Required:

• Must obtain within 30 days of employment and then maintain current certifications in CPR, First Aid, AED and Oxygen Administration.
• Must successfully complete Level 2 fingerprinting - for more information, click the link (https://info.flclearinghouse.com )
• Maintain other required certifications as needed for program delivery.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job including, but not limited to:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and authorized work phone/smart device
• Ability to perform all physical aspects of the position, including but not limited to, walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting
• The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment
• Ability to lift and move a minimum of 30 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust
• Ability to work in a variety of environments, specifically those subject to extreme humidity/dampness, heat and cold
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• This position may require availability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Must be able to perform all duties and functions of those that are supervised

Part Time Benefits Summary:

• Free Individual YMCA Membership and discount on family membership
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through BayCare Behavioral Services (phone and online)
• Start a 403 (b) smart savings account through YMCA Benefits on day one of employment (optional)
• Tickets at Work is the leading Corporate Entertainment Benefits provider, offering exclusive discounts, special offers and access to preferred seating and tickets to top attractions, theme parks, shows, sporting events, movie tickets, hotels and much more.
• 20% off program fees (swim lessons, youth sports, summer camp and more)
• 30% off personal training

Association Summary:

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is a top-rated '4-star' Charity Navigator and Guidestar 'Gold' rated non-profit charitable organization for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Join a cause-driven association focused on empowering every individual in our community to reach their healthiest and most fulfilled life. Learn more about the Tampa YMCA at www.tampaymca.org.

• 14 Family Center Ys, 65-acre outdoor adventure camp, Community Learning Center, two program centers, 27 afterschool sites, 18 Early Head Start sites
• Largest youth development and health & wellness provider in the region
• 300,000+ community members served
• 1,600+ staff members
• 1000+ volunteers
• $50MM in revenue
• An independent 501(c) 3, locally-governed and managed

Located in sunny Florida, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA offers an ideal location with beautiful weather affording a desirable setting for an active outdoor lifestyle year-round, is close to many beaches and theme parks and Florida is one of very few states that has no state income tax.

The Tampa Y is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.