VOLUNTEER - Youth Nutrition Program Instructor

Job DetailsJob Location: YMCA of Metropolitan Denver - Denver, CO 80221Position Type: VolunteerSalary Range: $0.01 - $0.01 HourlyDo you love working with kids, cooking, wellness, and making a difference in your community? The YMCA of Metro Denver is looking for energetic, caring, and enthusiastic volunteers to help inspire the next generation through fun nutrition and cooking programs! Whether you are a college student, aspiring educator, nutrition enthusiast, retired professional, parent, or community member — this is a great opportunity to share your passion while helping youth build healthy habits for life.   VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE Primarily after-school hours Most programs run between 2:00 PM–7:00 PM Opportunities available across multiple YMCA of Metro Denver locations Flexible scheduling based on availability and program needs   What You’ll Do As a Youth Nutrition Program Instructor Volunteer, you’ll help create engaging and hands-on experiences for youth ages 5–14 through: Cooking activities and nutrition education Fun after-school programs and enrichment activities Healthy habit discussions and wellness games Supporting youth in building confidence and life skills Creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment You may lead activities, co-teach with YMCA staff, substitute for instructors, or support special events and camps. Why Volunteer with the YMCA? At the YMCA, we believe strong communities start with empowered youth and caring adults. When you volunteer with us, you help create opportunities for children and families to learn, grow, and thrive. Perks of Volunteering: Gain hands-on experience in youth programming and community wellness Build leadership and teaching skills Connect with families and community members Make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth Be part of a mission-driven and supportive YMCA team Flexible volunteer scheduling opportunities We’re Looking For People Who: Are 18 years or older Enjoy working with children and families Have an interest in cooking, nutrition, health, or wellness Bring positive energy and creativity Are dependable, inclusive, and team-oriented Want to make a difference in their community   Bonus Points If You: Speak both English and Spanish Have experience working with youth Have food safety knowledge or ServSafe certification Love teaching through hands-on activities       POSITION SUMMARY The Youth Nutrition Program Instructor Volunteer supports the YMCA of Metro Denver’s mission to strengthen the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This volunteer role helps deliver engaging nutrition education, cooking instruction, and wellness programming for youth ages 5–14 in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment.   Volunteers may independently lead classes, co-teach alongside YMCA staff, substitute for instructors, or assist with program delivery across multiple YMCA locations, camps, enrichment programs, and community events. The ideal volunteer is passionate about youth development, healthy lifestyles, community wellness, and creating positive experiences for children and families.   OUR PATH For 150 years, the YMCA of Metro Denver has been more than a place - it is a movement that lifts spirit, mind and body for all.  Our direction is clear: Elevate Lives and Rise Together.  Grounded by our mission and strengthened by the global YMCA movement we will elevate our people, purpose, partnerships and promise.   ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Support or lead youth cooking and nutrition education classes for participants ages 5–14 Assist with program setup, food preparation, instruction, participant engagement, and clean-up Follow YMCA curriculum guidelines and maintain safe food handling and sanitation practices Foster a positive, inclusive, and engaging environment that encourages participation and learning Support participants with varying learning styles, dietary restrictions, food allergies, and individual needs Build positive and respectful relationships with youth, families, staff, and community partners Encourage healthy habits and age-appropriate nutrition education through hands-on activities Communicate effectively with YMCA staff regarding participant needs, attendance, and program flow Maintain organized, clean, and safe kitchen and classroom spaces Model YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all interactions Follow all YMCA policies and procedures, including child abuse prevention and risk management requirements   VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteers may support programs in a variety of ways, including: Teaching or co-teaching nutrition and cooking classes Substituting for instructors when needed Assisting during Cooking with Kids programs Supporting after-school programs, camps, enrichment activities, and special events Assisting with family engagement or community wellness initiatives   TRAINING & ONBOARDING REQUIREMENTS Prior to volunteering, selected volunteers may be required to: Complete YMCA volunteer onboarding and orientation Successfully complete a background check in accordance with YMCA policies Complete required child abuse prevention and safety training Review program curriculum and food safety expectations Participate in ongoing program or safety training as needed   BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEER Opportunity to make a positive impact on youth health and well-being Gain hands-on experience in nutrition education and community health programming Develop leadership, teaching, and facilitation skills Build relationships within the YMCA and local community Be part of a supportive YMCA team dedicated to strengthening community well-being   WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS Ability to move throughout program spaces including kitchens, classrooms, and recreation areas Ability to stand for extended periods during program activities Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds Ability to reach, bend, stoop, and perform light food preparation activities Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus Noise level in the work environment is typically moderate Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role   CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION & RISK MANAGEMENT The YMCA is committed to the safety and well-being of all children and vulnerable individuals. As part of our commitment to child abuse prevention and Praesidium accreditation standards, all employees are required to comply with YMCA abuse prevention policies, including screening, training, supervision, and reporting requirements.   DISCLAIMER This volunteer position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the role. Responsibilities may change based on program needs and organizational priorities. The YMCA of Metro Denver provides equal opportunities to all employees and volunteers and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all individuals. QualificationsRequired Qualifications Must be at least 18 years of age Passion for working with youth and supporting community wellness Ability to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for participants and families Strong communication and interpersonal skills Reliable, punctual, and able to work collaboratively with staff and volunteers Ability to follow YMCA policies, procedures, and safety guidelines Preferred Qualifications Experience working with children or youth programs Interest or background in cooking, nutrition, health education, or wellness programming Bilingual English/Spanish skills strongly preferred Food safety knowledge or willingness to complete training ServSafe certification or related food safety training is a plus Positive, energetic, and team-oriented approach