Do you believe everyone deserves the opportunity to play, connect, and thrive?

Join the YMCA of Greater Kansas City as an Adaptive Program Coordinator and help lead our inspiring Y Challenger program for children and young adults with special needs.  The Y Challenger program shines as an example of how participation in healthy activities leads not only to improved physical fitness, but also to personal growth, fun, confidence, and lifelong friendships. Individuals with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive through inclusive recreational and social experiences.

In this role, you’ll coordinate adaptive sports and recreation programs, support athletes with varying needs, and lead volunteers and buddies in creating safe, engaging, and joy-filled experiences for every participant.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about adaptive recreation, disability services, inclusive youth sports, therapeutic recreation, or special education.

Learn more about this amazing program on our YMCA website.

Benefits

• Free YMCA household membership
• Comprehensive benefits
• Paid time off and retirement plan
• Leadership development and career growth opportunities
• Meaningful work that creates joy and belonging

OUR CULTURE: 
The YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. It’s who we are, who we aspire to be and how we show up every day. We are cause-driven. We don’t just show up, we show up with purpose. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Program Leadership & Athlete Support

• Coordinate and lead Challenger adaptive program practices, games, and special events
• Provide direct support to athletes with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities
• Coach and guide volunteer buddies to provide individualized athlete support
• Create a safe, positive, and fun environment that encourages participation, confidence, and belonging
• Ensure all activities follow YMCA safety standards, adaptations, and Emergency Action Plans

Volunteer & Community Engagement

• Recruit, onboard, schedule, communicate with, and retain volunteers, coaches, and buddies
• Train volunteers on best practices for athlete engagement, inclusion, safety, and adaptive modifications
• Build positive relationships with athletes, families, schools, community partners, and donors
• Represent the YMCA at community resource fairs, speaking engagements, and outreach events

Program Promotion & Operations

• Support marketing efforts through social media, website content, in-house promotions, and community outreach
• Help grow participation through athlete and family recruitment, retention, and relationship building
• Manage equipment, transportation, field/court setup, and program supplies
• Complete program records, volunteer tracking, filing, and administrative tasks
• Assist with promoting Challenger and adaptive programs throughout Greater Kansas City

• Associates’ degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum one year experience in adaptive programming.
• Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions.
• Able to make independent and sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Skills in recreation for all ages and abilities in all areas of youth sports.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including 2-3 weeknight evenings and some weekend hours.
• Ability to travel within the Greater Kansas City area and transport program equipment.
• Must maintain a current motor vehicle license and acceptable driving record that meets YMCA standards.