Description

Now Hiring: Afterschool Program Staff

Monday–Friday | 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Elementary Schools in Knox County

Looking for a part-time job that's fun, meaningful, and makes a difference every day?

Join the Penobscot Bay YMCA Afterschool Team and help create a safe, active, and enriching environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive after school.

This is an excellent opportunity for high school students (16+), college students, education majors, retirees, or anyone who enjoys working with youth.

What You'll Do

• Create a safe, welcoming environment for children. 
• Lead games, arts & crafts, STEM projects, and other engaging activities. 
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and teammates. 
• Support daily routines, snack service, cleanup, and safety procedures. 
• Assist with Vacation Camp and Snow Camp when school is not in session. 

What We're Looking For

• Friendly, dependable, and positive attitude. 
• At least 16 years of age. 
• Enjoy working with children. 
• Previous experience working with children is preferred but not required. 
• CPR, First Aid, AED, and Child Abuse Prevention certifications required within 30 days of hire (training provided by the YMCA). 

Why You'll Love Working at the Y

• Free individual YMCA membership ($696 annual value). 
• Access to YMCA Retirement Fund benefits starting on Day 1. 
• Paid training and professional development opportunities. 
• Supportive team environment. 
• Meaningful work that strengthens children, families, and our community. 

The Penobscot Bay YMCA is a community cornerstone where all people can connect, grow, and thrive. When you join our Afterschool Team, you help bring that mission to life every single day.

Requirements

Essential Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for all children. 
• Help plan and lead engaging activities that promote physical activity, creativity, learning, and social development. 
• Ensure activities are age-appropriate, inclusive, and aligned with YMCA values. 
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and teammates. 
• Follow YMCA policies and all state and local health and safety regulations. 
• Respond appropriately to medical situations, behavior concerns, and emergencies. 
• Maintain clean, organized, and welcoming program spaces. 
• Attend required staff meetings and trainings. 
• Support Vacation Camp and Snow Camp when Afterschool is not in session. 
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the program. 

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age. 
• Previous experience working with children is preferred but not required. 
• CPR, First Aid, AED, and Child Abuse Prevention certifications required within 30 days of hire (training provided by the YMCA). 

We're looking for dependable team members who bring positive energy, good judgment, and a willingness to learn.

Work Environment & Physical Expectations

This is an active role working with children in both indoor and outdoor settings. Staff should be able to:

• Lead and actively participate in games, sports, and enrichment activities. 
• Move, bend, kneel, reach, and remain active throughout the shift. 
• Lift and carry up to 40 pounds as needed. 
• Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. 
• Maintain awareness of surroundings and respond quickly and appropriately to children's needs. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 The Penobscot Bay YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.