Youth Development Specialist - After School Childcare

START DATE: August 10th, 2026

HOURS: M-F (days flexible); 2:00-6:00 PM

LOCATION: 18 locations throughout Knox County

Youth Development Specialist – Be a Hero After Class!

Are you full of energy, love working with kids, and ready to make a real difference after the school bell rings? Join our team at the YMCA of East Tennessee as a Youth Development Specialist and help elementary-aged students grow, learn, and have a blast!

In this role, you'll be the ultimate role model—leading games, crafts, and activities that build confidence, spark creativity, and help kids make friends and memories. You'll create fun activities and games that promote social, physical, mental, and even a little spiritual growth (think teamwork, kindness, and positivity!).

This isn’t your typical job—every day is different, and your impact will last a lifetime. At the Y, we live by our core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We’re looking for team players who can bring those to life while having fun and being a positive influence.

Ideal for college students who want to gain experience in education, recreation, or youth leadership—and have some serious fun while they’re at it.

Come be part of something meaningful. Be a mentor. Be a leader. Be the reason a kid smiles today.

CORE FUNCTIONS:

1. Assist Site Director with the teaching, curriculum planning, and supervision of students who are enrolled in the after school program.
2. Create appropriate relationships with students that allows for optimal development in the physical, cognitive, language, motor and social/emotional demands.
3. Implement weekly goals and metrics to support academic advancement.
4. Recognize potential issues in our program and apply problem solving techniques as needed.
5. Assist in the daily cleaning and maintenance of equipment, supplies and child care facility.
6. Collaborate with Site Director and other Y staff to create educational curriculum that is culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with state regulations.
7. Follows Y policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.
8. Maintains a positive relationship with parents and other staff. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions.
9. Follows all Y rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Completes incident and accident reports as necessary.
10. Uphold Judeo-Christian principles that are central to our mission by modeling behaviors that exemplify the Y's core values - Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
11. Additional Core Functions may be required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

There are no supervisory responsibilities.