Careers with a Cause
Imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively influences the lives of people and communities. As the nation's leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the YMCA of San Francisco offers more than just a job--we offer you a career with a future and the chance to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can discover your passion and a lifelong career helping to solve some of the nation's most pressing social issues.
About the Job
Under the direction and supervision of the Director, the Program Specialist is responsible for teaching and maintaining the safety of students and campers while exploring themes of environment, history, community, climate justice, and wellness. The Program Specialist develops environmentally based curriculum that emphasizes environmental and cooperative outdoor activities for students in grades K-12, from a variety of socio-economic, cultural, geographic and educational backgrounds. The position requires the physical ability to participate in strenuous activities and the knowledge and skill to lead and educate while making learning fun, and to work across a variety of YMCA of San Francisco nature engagement programs, including Y Rangers, STEAM-based environmental education afterschool programs, Earth Service Corps & Youth Service Corps, Family Camp, and community garden projects.
The Program Specialist will leverage their experience and background to work independently with program directors, youth, and their families in the communities we serve. This includes, but is not limited to, outreach to teachers and families, principals, and parents; preparation and organization of lesson plans and materials; leading programs; maintenance of community gardens; maintaining accurate records for grant reporting purposes; curriculum creation and review; and mentoring of site-specific, YSF youth development staff.
The schedule is determined by program needs, including some nights and weekends.
Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum 21 years old
- A minimum of 16 units of education in natural sciences, recreation, or related field.
- Knowledge in at least some of the following areas: general ecological concepts, natural and cultural history, geology, team building, storytelling, social and environmental health.
- Experience working with youth, teens, and adults.
- Experience using effective teaching techniques with students in grades K-12
- Must be available M – F in 4-hour shifts and occasionally weekends that are determined in the beginning of the semester.
- YMCA approved First Aid, CPR, and AED certificates required within 30 days of hire.
- Strong verbal & written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people and to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Ability to remain calm in challenging situations
- TB Test Clearance
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree
- Prior curriculum development experience
- Bilingual skills in Spanish, Mandarin and/or Cantonese
- Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder
FOR NEW APPLICATIONS:
FOR CURRENT STAFF AT THE Y OF SF:
All employees working with the YMCA are considered to have supervisory or disciplinary action relationship over minors. Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records