Job Description

Imagine going to work each day knowing your work gives families the opportunity to focus on their health and wellness while their children are cared for in a safe, fun, and welcoming environment. At the Summit Area YMCA, what you do matters. Every single day.

The Summit Area YMCA is seeking enthusiastic, dependable individuals to join our Kid Zone team at our Summit and Berkeley Heights branches. We are looking for year-round team members who enjoy creating a positive, engaging experience for children while providing parents with peace of mind as they enjoy YMCA programs and services.

What is Kid Zone?

Kid Zone is the Summit Area YMCA's drop-in childcare program for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. While parents work out, attend a class, swim, or participate in other YMCA programs, children enjoy games, crafts, imaginative play, books, and age-appropriate activities in a safe, nurturing environment supervised by our caring staff.

You Might Be the Right Fit if you:

• Love working with children and creating a fun, welcoming environment
• Are energetic, patient, and dependable
• Prioritize safety while keeping children engaged and active
• Communicate professionally with children, families, and fellow staff
• Enjoy working as part of a supportive team
• Have availability to work at both our Summit and Berkeley Heights YMCA branches
• Can commit to a consistent weekly schedule
• Are looking for a year-round position (not seasonal or summer-only employment)
• Enjoy working with children of all ages, from infants through school-age

Key Responsibilities:

• Welcome children and families and provide exceptional customer service
• Supervise children in a safe, caring, and engaging environment
• Plan and lead age-appropriate games, crafts, and activities
• Ensure the Kid Zone remains clean, organized, and inviting
• Help create a fun, safe, and memorable experience for every child who visits Kid Zone.
• Follow YMCA policies, procedures, and child supervision guidelines
• Assist with opening, closing, and daily program responsibilities as assigned

Schedule & Compensation

This is a part-time position with the opportunity to work up to 25 hours per week.

Current staffing needs include:

• Weekday evenings: Monday-Friday, 5:00 PM-7:30 PM
• Weekend mornings: Saturday and/or Sunday, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Staff are expected to work a minimum of two shifts per week, including at least one weekend shift. This position is designed for individuals seeking ongoing, year-round employment

Compensation ranges from $17.00-$20.00 per hour, based on experience

Part-Time Benefits

• Free YMCA individual membership
• Discounted YMCA family membership
• 12% YMCA retirement contribution upon eligibility
• A fun, supportive work environment where you can make a meaningful impact in your community

At the Summit Area YMCA, we are committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Our main purpose is to strengthen community. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone can reach their full potential and we strive to live our cause with purpose every day. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we believe that we’re stronger when we come together.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Previous experience working with children through childcare, education, camps, coaching, babysitting, or similar settings is preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills
• Ability to create a safe, positive, and engaging environment for children of varying ages
• Ability to work independently while collaborating as part of a team
• Ability to meet the physical demands of working with young children, including standing, walking, bending, lifting, and actively participating in play throughout the shift

About the Summit Area YMCA:

We were founded as the Young Men's Christian Association in 1886, but today, we are The Y. Part of a world-class organization, we are one of the area’s leading nonprofits, that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. The Summit Area YMCA is committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, we ensure that we all have access to the opportunities, relationships, and resources necessary to learn, grow and thrive.