Connections were incredible, but severe lack of site lead accountability - Youth Development Leader The Y (YMCA) Employee Review

2.0
Jun 25, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The best part of this job was the kids. Building special connections with them made the chaotic days worth it. I also met amazing coworkers whom I still stay in contact with to this day.

Cons

Low pay, highly inconsistent site leadership, and a complete lack of support and organization for staff especially during hectic summer programs. Summers were always hectic of course, but as the years progressed so did the hostile work environment. Frontline employees are expected to handle everything but are ultimately blamed whenever a situation goes wrong by site leads. The hands-off approach from management forces underpaid staff to navigate tense parent disputes alone, and leaving untrained high schoolers to supervise large groups of children creates genuine safety and ethical concerns. Not to mention confidentiality was a major problem and not followed. Couldn’t accommodate my schedule for religious purposes which took a major tole on me. Upper management routinely scoffed at and brushed aside these institutional issues.

Explore other reviews about The Y (YMCA)

5.0
Jun 24, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

great place to work for that really cares about the people, good for high school students. good opportunities for summer jobs

Cons

limited works hours if you only work after school

3.0
Jul 5, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Excellent opportunities to connect with folks from different backgrounds, communities, etc. Wonderful opportunities to learn, and continue to learn important skills such life saving skills. Opportunities to help people in the community. Lasting impact on people for a lifetime

Cons

Inconsistency, favoritism, constant change no one can keep up with, no empathy, no respect, no communication, toxic work environment, enabling the behavior of others while requiring regular trainings on work place harassment and actions that don’t match the company mission of healthy mind body and spirit.

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