The YMCA of South Florida is seeking an experienced professional to join our team as a Behavior Assistant. Under the direction of the Site Supervisor, the Behavior Assistant is responsible for the overall day-to-day group programming, behavior management, and direct supervision of a group of children in a licensed child care/day camp facility.

Essential Functions:

• Supervise and implement activities for a group of children in accordance to both age and developmentally appropriate practices as outlined by licensing agency, State of Florida and the YMCA of South Florida mission.
• Conduct and maintain any necessary measurable tools to track children’s progress.
• Distribute nutritious snacks on a daily basis using universal health/sanitation practices.
• Maintain coordination with facility personnel for safety and benefit of children in the program.
• Document behavior issues and/or incidents daily, as needed.
• Conduct a health check of each child daily, noting fever, bumps, bruises, burns, or other questionable signs of abuse and document the incident with the Site Supervisor.
• Maintain high level of professional courtesy with parents, facility personnel, staff and clients at all times.
• Know and follow proper emergency procedures appropriate to the facility and in conformity with procedures adopted by the YMCA of South Florida and emergency service authorities to ensure the safety of children.
• Preserve the quality of supplies, equipment and materials. Ensuring proper supply by reporting re-order needs to the Site Supervisor.
• Provide regular inspections of areas used by the program to ensure both cleanliness and safety.
• Check bathrooms for supplies and basic cleanliness before allowing participants to enter.
• Document all necessary administrative forms as directed by Site Supervisor and/or Program Manager.
• Attendance at all staff meetings and training opportunities.
• Report all incidents and accidents within 24 hours to the corporate office.
• Adhere to the Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting requirements that mandate by law all childcare personnel to report suspicions of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The YMCA requires employees to follow the internal reporting procedures with the assistance of the Program Managers.
• Ensure that the proper staffs to child ratios are maintained at all times and reports discrepancies to the Site Supervisor as needed.
• Assist the Site Supervisor in any other appropriate ways as directed.

Position Profile:

• Outgoing personality enjoys speaking to people.
• Innate desire to provide excellent customer service.

Job Requirements:

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum Two (2) years’ experience including One (1) year experience of direct contact with children with special needs.
• Ability to relate to children.
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years-old at the time of hire.
• Excellent communication skills: able to communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated competency in the planning and implementation of recreational and educational activities.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Within one (1) year of employment the Counselor must have completed and hold certificates in the following:
  • The Thirty (30) Hour Training Requirement consisting of (a) Child Growth and Development, (b) Health, Safety and Nutrition, (c) Child Care Facility State and Local Rules and Regulations, (d) Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect, and (e) Behavior Observation and Screening.
  • The Ten (10) Hour Developmentally Appropriate Module (Preferred- School Age Appropriate Practices).
  • Current CPR and First Aid certificates by time of employment or within ninety (90) days from the date of hire.
  • It is the responsibility of the Behavior Specialist / Behavior Assistant to complete and maintain all necessary certifications, within the proper time frame, as set forth by the licensing agency, either State of Florida or the YMCA of South Florida.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to submit to and satisfactorily clear a thorough Level II fingerprinting background screening and drug test.

As a Drug Free Workplace, all new hires must successfully complete a urinalysis within 72 hours of notice. Failure to complete the drug test within this timeframe will automatically disqualify you from employment. Please note Medical Marijuana cards do not exempt you from successfully passing your drug test.

The YMCA of South Florida is committed to the policy of Equal Opportunity prohibiting discrimination in the workplace because of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation, age or disability.