Job Description

Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they’ve made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.

At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference!

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Program/Sports Director, the Youth Martial Arts Instructor leads engaging and structured martial arts classes for children while creating a safe, supportive, and positive learning environment. Instructors teach age-appropriate martial arts techniques, encourage confidence, discipline, and respect, and help students build skills while ensuring classes are fun and engaging.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Model and embody the Y’s four Core Operating Principles—Safety, Cleanliness, Empathy, and Engagement—in every interaction and throughout every shift.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment by acknowledging, engaging, and assisting members, participants, guests, and fellow associates.
• Take shared responsibility for a safe, clean, and welcoming Y by addressing concerns within the scope of the role and promptly reporting or escalating concerns when additional support is needed.
• Be familiar with YMCA360 and help connect members and participants to the app for schedules, reservations, Y communications, and other relevant resources.
• Know and follow Y policies, procedures, emergency protocols, and the Y Code of Conduct applicable to the role.
• Plan and lead safe, engaging, and age-appropriate martial arts classes for participants of varying ages, abilities, and skill levels.
• Demonstrate and clearly explain martial arts skills, techniques, and movements, providing instruction and feedback that helps participants safely develop their abilities.
• Follow established Y martial arts curriculum and class expectations, adapting instruction as appropriate to support participant needs and skill levels.
• Actively supervise participants throughout class and maintain a safe, structured, and positive learning environment.
• Promote confidence, discipline, teamwork, respect, sportsmanship, and personal growth through instruction and positive role modeling.
• Build positive relationships with participants and families and communicate appropriately about participant experience, progress, or concerns.
• Use positive, age-appropriate behavior guidance and respond appropriately to participant needs and behaviors, involving a supervisor when additional support is needed.
• Prepare the program space and equipment before class and leave all equipment and spaces clean, organized, safe, and ready for the next program.
• Accurately track attendance and complete other required program documentation.
• Arrive prepared and on time to ensure classes begin as scheduled.
• Sports Instructor – Must obtain CPR/FA within 90 days of hire.
• Lead youth martial arts classes for participants of varying ages and skill levels.
• Teach proper martial arts techniques while maintaining a safe environment.
• Encourage confidence, discipline, teamwork, and respect.
• Build positive relationships with participants and families.
• Set up and put away equipment before and after class.
• Follow the class curriculum and track attendance.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School Diploma preferred, but not required

EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience teaching, coaching, or assisting with martial arts instruction, preferably with youth.
• Experience working with children in a structured learning environment is preferred.
• Current CPR/AED/O2/First Aid certification (or O2 within 30 days of hire)
• Completion of new associate training (including Child Abuse Prevention) before scheduled to work.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community
• Ability to be effective communicator especially with children

SKILLS

• Knowledge of martial arts techniques and ability to demonstrate proper form.
• Ability to lead and engage groups of children in a positive learning environment.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Stand in one area for extended periods of time.
• Stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ascend and descend steps.
• Occasional outdoor activities.
• Lift and move up to 50lbs.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS, PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physically able to demonstrate martial arts techniques and successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
• Regular use of hands, arms, and voice for instruction and demonstration.
• Ability to move throughout all YMCA program areas and lift up to 50 pounds as needed.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Accountable for completion of assigned goals as measured by the number of people served, cause driven measures, service satisfaction scores, operating results, and supervisor evaluation of assigned duties.

An offer of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements of the position. The requirements may include background check, drug test, driver’s license record, CPS, and/or criminal background check.

Additional driver’s license check, CPS, criminal background check, alcohol, and/or drug testing may be required to be processed in the future in order to meet and/or maintain the requirements of this position.

The Y in Central Maryland provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment. Moreover, the Y is firmly committed to celebrating and achieving diversity and inclusion in all we do. We strive to be an anti-racist organization and expect all associates to treat others with respect, kindness and dignity, at all times. Thank you for considering working for the Y in Central Maryland. If being a part of our cause feels right for you, we hope you will join us.

All Y associates agree to abide by The Code of Conduct with Youth that sets clear expectations for associates and volunteers to ensure a safe and respectful environment for young people. It emphasizes treating youth with respect and fairness, avoiding inappropriate physical or verbal interactions, and adhering to established standards of affection. The policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment and mandates the reporting of suspected mistreatment. Additionally, associates and volunteers must complete training on child abuse prevention and comply with legal reporting requirements to safeguard youth.