Inclusion Aide- American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter

Are you looking for a REWARDING summer opportunity where you can make a difference? The Buehler YMCA is hiring an Inclusion Aide- American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter for Summer 2025!

At the Y, we create an exciting, safe camp environment for kids and staff to have an unforgettable summer. While campers are taking part in in unique experiences and adventures, our Summer Day Camp Inclusion Aides are developing leadership skills and confidence while making lasting friendships and memories.

The Inclusion Aide - ASL Interpreter is responsible for providing effective communication for deaf or hard of hearing individuals who are enrolled in Y programs in order to promote participation in program activities and independence to the fullest extent possible. The Inclusion Aide ensures that individualized needs of participants are met, serves as professional role model and guides program participants through activities that support a positive learning climate and development of life skills and healthy and safe behaviors.

Salary range of $25.00-$28.00 per hour depending on qualifications, Monday-Friday schedule

Scope of Responsibilities:

Program Participant Experience

• Serves as a role model in supporting inclusion and creating an outstanding participant experience for children, parents and families.
• Provide effective communication for deaf or hard of hearing individuals
• Assists deaf or hard of hearing campers in their communication with Y staff, counselors, and other campers
• Interprets camp information and announcements, activity instructions, and general conversation for campers.
• Modifies learning or recreational activities as may be needed, including activities, rules, equipment, and/or supplies as needed. Promotes participation in program activities and independence to the fullest extent possible. Maintains the confidentiality of information pertaining to the individual(s) assigned for support.
• Teaches socially acceptable behaviors by serving as a role model and by using age-appropriate positive reinforcement and behavior management strategies. Implements individualized behavior management plans, when necessary.
• Communicates consistently with team members and program leaders to keep abreast of activities and schedule, in order to prepare for activity modifications. Will offer suggestions for modifications, if applicable.
• Communicates consistently with parents, classroom/program team and program leadership
• Supports camp activities as assigned by supervisor, including any specialty camp activities.

Participant Safety

• Ensures the physical and emotional health and safety of participants by being safety conscious, following all established YMCA standards and critically evaluating situations for potential risks.
• Is alert and responsive to any specific health and safety needs of the individual with a disability.
• Ensures compliance with established rules and regulations to ensure safety. Monitors participants and team members provides coaching and intervention as necessary.
• Sets up facilities and/or equipment for activities and stores equipment appropriately after use. Immediately notifies program leaders of any broken or unsafe equipment or if more resources/equipment are needed.
• Works to keep program facilities clean at all times

What you'll Need

• High school diploma or equivalent; must be at least 18 years of age or older
• Must have prior experience working with children; experience with children with disabilities and/or in a similar program setting preferred.
• Commitment to, and passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago's mission and serving the needs of diverse youth
• Basic knowledge of child growth and development as well as developmentally appropriate practices for age group
• Ability to understand and implement an inclusion plan and provide recommended strategies for Ability to observe participant behavior and apply appropriate behavior management techniques is essential.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to build constructive relationships, act as role model, and communicate effectively with children, families, team members and others
• Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Y Team competencies in previous experience or practice
• Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
• Meet additional program guidelines for background checks and medical screening where necessary based on program supported.

Child Abuse Prevention - Support the YMCA's commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training, as required