After School Counselor
Locations: Oswego YMCA School Age Child Care (SACC) Sites
- Leighton Elementary School
- Kingsford Park Elementary School
- Mexico Elementary School
- Riley Elementary School
Job Type: Part-Time
Pay: $17.50 per hour
Typical Hours: Monday–Friday | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Reports To: School Age Child Care Site Lead and/or Program Director
Position Summary
The Oswego YMCA is seeking dependable, energetic, and compassionate individuals to join our team as After School Counselors.
The After School Counselor provides a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for children after the school day ends. This position supports children's social, emotional, physical, and educational development through structured activities, positive interactions, and quality supervision.
Under the direction of the Site Lead or Program Director, the After School Counselor assists with daily program operations, supervises children, leads age-appropriate activities, and helps ensure the program follows YMCA standards and New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Provide active supervision of children at all times.
- Assist with planning and leading engaging after-school activities.
- Facilitate arts and crafts, games, sports, homework assistance, STEM activities, team-building exercises, character education, and enrichment programming.
- Promote a safe, healthy, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
- Serve as a positive role model through professional behavior, communication, and appearance.
- Demonstrate and promote the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
- Build positive relationships with children, families, school personnel, and coworkers.
- Greet children and parents in a friendly and professional manner.
- Assist with serving a healthy afternoon snack while following all allergy protocols.
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe program areas.
- Follow all YMCA policies, OCFS regulations, emergency procedures, and child abuse prevention standards.
- Complete incident and accident reports as required.
- Attend required staff meetings and professional development trainings.
- Complete accurate timekeeping and follow attendance procedures.
- Assist during school half-days, vacation programs, snow days, and special YMCA events as needed.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Site Lead or Program Director.
Schedule
- Monday through Friday
- 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Additional hours may be available during:
- School vacation weeks
- Half-days
- Snow days
- Emergency school closures
- YMCA special events and training opportunities
Qualifications
- Must be at least 16 years of age (some locations may require applicants to be at least 18 years old).
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Previous experience working with children is preferred.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Reliable, dependable, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Positive attitude with a genuine passion for working with children.
- Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
Required Training & Clearances
Employment is contingent upon successfully completing:
- New York State Fingerprint Clearance
- OCFS Background Check Requirements
- Required YMCA and OCFS online trainings
- Physical examination and TB screening (when required)
- Child Abuse Prevention Training
- Additional required certifications and onboarding requirements
Employees must complete all required professional development training in accordance with OCFS regulations.
CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications are encouraged and may be required based on program needs.
Physical Requirements
Employees must be able to:
- Stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and actively participate with children.
- Lift and carry up to approximately 35 pounds.
- Participate in games and physical activities.
- Maintain awareness of children's safety at all times.
Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Benefits
- $17.50 per hour
- Complimentary YMCA Membership
- Paid training opportunities
- Supportive and family-focused work environment
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
- Make a positive impact in the lives of children every day
Why Join the Oswego YMCA?
Every afternoon is an opportunity to make a difference. As an After School Counselor, you'll help create a safe, fun, and enriching environment where children can learn, grow, build friendships, and develop confidence after the school day ends. If you enjoy working with children and making a positive impact in your community, we'd love to welcome you to the Oswego YMCA team.
Work Location: In person at one of the Oswego YMCA School Age Child Care (SACC) program sites.
Pay: $17.50 per hour
Work Location: In person
