Youth Development Counselor

About This Role

This role involves providing quality care to children in before and after-school programs and camp settings, focusing on youth development, safety, and facilitating educational activities. The counselor will teach values and appropriately monitor children's behavior in line with YMCA policies and state licensing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and security of all children in the program at all times
• Monitor children's activities for safe and age-appropriate behaviors and maintain accurate attendance records
• Respond appropriately and promptly to emergencies and incidents, following YMCA policies
• Implement positive behavior management techniques and address behavioral issues calmly and constructively
• Implement a variety of age-appropriate activities, structured and unstructured, as outlined in YMCA approved curriculum
• Encourage and facilitate positive social interactions among children, adapting activities to diverse needs and interests
• Follow all organizational policies and procedures, including health, safety, child protection, and confidentiality
• Maintain a clean and organized environment, adhering to sanitation and safety standards
• Report any concerns or issues to the Site Lead or Program Director in a timely manner
• Maintain the program site and camp environment by adhering to YMCA and childcare licensing minimum standards

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• At least 6 months working with youth at a licensed facility, church, school or equivalent
• CPR certification
• First Aid certification
• AED certification
• Child Abuse prevention training
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities
• Pass a local/state background and FBI fingerprinting check

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• At least 6 months working with youth at a licensed facility, church, school or equivalent. Prior childcare or baby-sitting experience is preferred.

Nice to Have

• Previous experience with diverse populations
• Current record of tuberculosis examination and/or current local health department regulations

Certifications