PAY RANGE: $14.98 - $18.73
JOB TYPE: Full Time, Nonexempt
LOCATION: Franklin Elementary School
2401 Rochester Rd, Sewickley, PA 15143
Do you love working directly with kids and being part of their everyday school-year routine, while still enjoying the energy of summer camp? Are you energized by creating a safe, fun, and supportive space where children can learn, play, and grow? The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh is seeking a caring, enthusiastic Lead Counselor to join our Before and After School Program at Franklin Elementary School.
This is a full-time, youth-focused role ideal for someone who enjoys building strong relationships with children ages 5–12 and being a positive, consistent presence in their day. During the school year, you’ll be actively engaged with youth—supporting our kindergarten-wrap program, leading games and enrichment activities, and helping create a welcoming environment where every child feels included and supported. You’ll also collaborate closely with fellow staff and communicate regularly with families to ensure a high-quality program experience.
During the summer months, this position transitions to work at one of the YMCA’s Summer Day Camps, bringing the same care, energy, and youth development focus to a fun, camp-based environment. This seasonal shift offers variety, consistency, and the opportunity to stay fully engaged with youth year-round.
Our Culture
At the YMCA, we believe that strong relationships, a sense of belonging, and meaningful achievement help young people reach their full potential. Guided by our core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, we work together to create safe, welcoming, and supportive environments where children, families, and staff can grow, succeed, and make a lasting impact.
LEAD CHILDCARE COUNSELOR GENERAL FUNCTION:
- Ensures youth safety and health at all times through proper supervision and active participation in all areas including cafeteria, gym and playground.
- Develops and leads fun enrichment activities within established guidelines that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, and consistent with YMCA values.
- Maintains program areas with regard to equipment, storage, safety and cleanliness.
- Makes ongoing, systematic observations of each youth and reports information to lead staff.
- Assists in supervision of counselors and aides through mentoring and evaluation.
- Attends and participates in staff meetings, staff training, program activities, and family events (both on and off site).
- Familiarizes self and adheres to policies and procedures within the employee handbook and standard operating procedures for youth development.
- Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective verbal and/or written communication with parents, youth, and other staff. Models' relationship-building in all interactions.
- Maintains compliance with all licensing and accreditation requirements.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- A passionate leader with at least 2 years of experience in youth programs
- 2,500 hours of verifiable experience working directly with school age youth or An Associates or Bachelor's degree in Education, Child Development, Human Services, or a related field.
Perks of Working with the Y
- Free family YMCA membership
- Opportunities for professional development, and paid certifications
- 403(b) retirement savings plan
- A supportive team culture that values innovation, learning, and fun
- Medical/Vision/Dental insurance including an Employee Assistance Program
- A chance to make a real impact in the lives of children and families
What You’ll Need to Join Us
- 2,500 hours of verifiable experience working directly with school age youth or An Associates or Bachelor's degree in Education, Child Development, Human Services, or a related field.
- Reliable transportation
- Required clearances: Act 33, 34, 151 & NSOR
- Mandated Reporter Certification (within 45 days – paid training)
- Completion of health/TB screening and 10 hours of DHS training within 30 days (paid)
- CPR and Pediatric First Aid within 90 days (paid)
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The employee needs sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions and to safely supervise program activities.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
- The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand in excess of 15 minutes at a time; walk on uneven surfaces; sit; handle or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.
- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can occasionally be loud.
- The work is performed both indoors and outdoors and may require travel to various locations. While performing the duties of this job the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.
- The employee must have reliable access to transportation.
Ready to Lead with Purpose?Join the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh – where passion meets purpose, and you’ll be part of a movement to uplift youth, families, and neighborhoods every day.
This description is a summary of the functions of this position. Other duties may be assigned as needed. The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh reserves the right to review and adjust this job description as business needs dictate.
Pay: $14.98 - $18.73 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
