Early Learning Staffing Specialist

Job DetailsJob Location: Whatcom Family YMCA - Bellingham, WA 98225Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $23.00 - $25.50 HourlyPosition Summary

The Whatcom Family YMCA is seeking an organized, collaborative, and people-focused Early Learning Staffing Specialist to support our high-quality Early Learning programs. As part of the YMCA team, you will play a key role in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and supporting staff across multiple Early Learning locations.

 

This position works closely with program leadership to ensure programs are appropriately staffed, employee certifications remain current, and staff scheduling needs are met. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, skilled at building relationships, and passionate about supporting a positive workplace culture that helps children, families, and staff thrive.

 

Because this role supports daily staffing operations, the Early Learning Staffing Specialist must be available during early morning hours to respond to employee call-outs and coordinate staffing coverage. Occasional split shifts may be required to meet program and staffing needs.

 

Essential Responsibilities

 

Recruitment & Hiring


Manage the recruitment process for Early Learning positions, including reviewing applications, conducting initial candidate screenings, scheduling interviews, and communicating with applicants.
Maintain accurate applicant tracking records and support onboarding activities for new employees.
Represent the YMCA and Early Learning programs at job fairs, recruitment events, and community outreach opportunities.
Partner with Human Resources and Early Learning leadership to support effective hiring practices.


 

Staffing & Scheduling


Coordinate substitute and on-call staff placement to meet program staffing requirements.
Respond to early morning staffing needs, including employee call-outs, and arrange coverage to maintain required staff-to-child ratios.
Adjust staffing schedules in collaboration with program leadership to ensure adequate coverage across locations.
Supervise and support the Early Learning Substitute Pool.
Assist with staffing plans and provide recommendations to address staffing challenges.
Maintain flexibility in scheduling, including occasional split shifts, to support operational needs.


 

Employee Support & Compliance


Track and manage employee time-off requests, ensuring policies and procedures are followed and documented appropriately.
Monitor required employee certifications and ensure compliance with Washington State DCYF regulations and YMCA standards.
Provide comprehensive orientation and training on program policies and procedures for new employees.
Assist with onboarding process improvements and staff support initiatives.


 

Program Support


Serve as a backup to the Assistant Center Director as needed.
Participate in family engagement events and program activities as assigned.
Provide staffing reports, updates, and recommendations to leadership.


Why Join the YMCA?

At the YMCA, you'll be part of a mission-driven organization committed to strengthening our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Every day, our staff make a meaningful impact on the lives of children, families, and community members.

Our Commitment to Equity

Everything we do at the YMCA is based on the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or identity, age, ability, religion, socioeconomic status, or any other aspect of their identity.

Our work focuses on removing barriers to access, reducing health disparities, supporting educational success, strengthening working families, and developing the next generation of community leaders. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute.

 

 
QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS:


Must be at least 21 years of age.
Minimum three years related experience working in a licensed childcare center. 
Two or more years of experience in administration or management, including experience recruiting, hiring, and onboarding employees. Prior supervisory experience preferred.
Must comply with current DCYF requirements. 
Requires written proof of education.  Other applicable education, training, and experience, which demonstrate the knowledge, abilities and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and teams effectively.
Ability to work early morning hours and maintain flexibility in scheduling to address staffing needs.
Ability to work occasional split shifts as required to support program operations and ensure adequate staffing coverage.
Passionate about serving youth and families, with a commitment to the YMCA mission.
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