Y Seeks Help For Child Programs

Sat., Nov. 29, 1997

By Marny Lombard marnyl@spokesman.com (509) 927-2166

The Valley YMCA before-and after-school programs need a few good leaders.

The programs operate at nine sites around the Valley, caring for children attending 19 elementary schools.

For some reason, hiring staff this year has proved an enormous challenge for director Kuray Arland.

“Actually I just did hire two new people, but I still need to hire one, and it would be nice to have a couple of subs,” Arland said.

Right now, for a staff of 31, she has just one substitute on hand. With flu season coming on, that’s skin-thin coverage.

Arland had five positions open earlier this fall. Advertising these jobs once brought in plenty of qualified applicants.

“I used to get a huge response. I don’t any more.” Recently, Arland’s ads have resulted in only one or two applicants. Pay has remained steady, with a range of $5.25 to $8 for the most experienced site directors.

The Y jobs often appeal to college students who want to become teachers.

“It’s a perfect job for them,” Arland said. “They get experience and the hours work for their schedules, and everything.” Job candidates must be 18 or older.

“The problem is keeping staff too,” she said. Some of her long-time employees are leaving to go away to college, or simply moving from Spokane.

The YMCA jobs include planning and leading children in games and activities, serving snacks and handling minor emergencies, such as nosebleeds.

Arland also requires job candidates to have at least two years’ experience working with children. “I think it’s important,” she said.

, DataTimes

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