Job Description: Youth Development Professional/Afterschool Counselor
Our Mission:
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater New Haven, our mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. We provide safe, inclusive, and engaging environments where youth build academic success, healthy lifestyles, leadership skills, and strong character.
Position Summary:
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater New Haven is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Youth
Development Professional/Afterschool Counselor to join our Ulbrich North Haven team. As an essential member of our organization, you will be responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for our youth members during our afterschool hours.
A Youth Development Professional is responsible for creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. This position serves as a mentor, role model, and facilitator who delivers high-quality programming while building positive relationships with members, families, school personnel, and community partners. Staff are expected to support academic achievement, social-emotional development, healthy lifestyles, and leadership opportunities consistent with the Boys & Girls Clubs mission.
Core Responsibilities:
- Build positive, supportive relationships with members that encourage trust, belonging, and personal growth.
- Create an emotionally and physically safe environment where every member feels welcomed and respected.
- Afterschool Program Supervision: Supervise and oversee afterschool programs, ensuring the safety and well-being of all youth participants. Cultivate a positive and inclusive atmosphere that promotes personal growth and development.
- Academic Support: Assist students with their homework, projects, and academic challenges, offering guidance and encouragement to foster educational success.
- Youth Engagement: Implement engaging activities, programs, and workshops that align with our organization's mission and values. Encourage active participation and support positive youth development.
- Mentorship and Guidance: Establish meaningful connections with youth members, serving as a positive role model and providing emotional support and mentorship.
- Behavior Management: Implement effective behavior management strategies to maintain a safe and respectful environment, addressing behavioral issues with care and understanding.
- Program Planning and Implementation: Collaborate with the team to plan and execute various youth programs and special events that align with the Boys and Girls Club mission.
- Communication: Maintain regular communication with parents, guardians, and school staff to provide updates on students' progress and address any concerns or questions.
- Safety and Compliance: Adhere to all safety guidelines and protocols to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of all participants. Maintain accurate attendance records and follow proper check-in/check-out procedures.
- Utilize trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches when interacting with youth.
- Encourage character development by modeling respect, responsibility, leadership, and good decision-making.
- Deliver engaging activities aligned with BGCA priority outcomes: Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Good Character & Leadership
- Participate in continuous program improvement through observations, coaching, and staff trainings.
- Encouraging positive club culture by helping create a welcoming enviroment. greeting members, recognizing achievements, celebrating diversity, and encouraging youth voice and choice.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Prior experience working with children and adolescents in an afterschool setting or similar environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with youth from diverse backgrounds.
- A genuine passion for youth development and a commitment to making a positive impact on young lives.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
- First Aid and CPR certification (preferred, but willingness to obtain may be considered).
Physical Requirements:
- Please evaluate and describe any physical skills, abilities, or working conditions that are required to perform the essential duties of this position, as required by the Americans with Disabilities
Act.
- Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods.
- Can get from kneeling to standing position
- Communicating with others to exchange information.
- Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
- Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.
- Noisy environments.
- Running or light exercise.
- Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.
- Application Process:
Hours:
- 6:30AM-8:30AM (Morning Care) Limited spots available
- 3:00PM-6:00PM (After-school, School Year)
- NOTE: Additional summer camp hours may be available
Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and three professional references to [email protected].
Join our team at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater New Haven and be part of an organization that empowers and supports the youth in our community. Your dedication will help enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $16.94 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
