Location: Varies - Buncombe County
Afterschool Hours: M-F, 2pm – 7pm
School Year Breaks: M-F, 7:30am – 5:30pm, Up to 40 hours/week
The nonprofit YMCA of Western North Carolina strengthens local communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Founded in 1889, we engage more than 100,000 people – regardless of age, income, or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the region’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support the community. We do this through seven YMCAs, dozens of program sites, and YMCA Camp Watia. As the state’s largest provider of licensed school-age childcare, we give more than 1,000 children a day the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. We are made up of people of all ages, from all backgrounds, working side by side to ensure that everyone can reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, and they guide everything we do. We are committed to being an organization that exposes and addresses social constraints that limit and/or negatively affect all humans from all walks of life. We recruit staff who are passionate about giving back to the community, helping people, and upholding our core values. For more information, please visit ymcawnc.org.
As an Afterschool Counselor II, you will play a crucial role in the supervision of middle-school age participants in our Horizons after-school program. You'll lead activities that contribute to the academic and social growth of children by fostering a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment. Utilizing a variety of resources provided by the Program Coordinator, you'll introduce new skills and enhance learning experiences throughout the activities. We're looking for individuals who demonstrate the competencies, skills, and leadership abilities to effectively support the YMCA's mission of community service and enrichment.
Ensures the safety and engagement of all children in their assigned group, creating a secure and enjoyable environment for every child.
Offers homework support and encourages academic progress, celebrating each child's achievements and fostering a love for learning.
Follows program lesson plans thoughtfully, considering each child's unique physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs.
Cultivates a nurturing programming environment that encourages exploration, positive play, and embraces every child's individuality.
Maintains open and ongoing communication with their supervisor, ensuring the best support and resources for the program participants.
Keeps accurate classroom records as assigned, ensuring compliance with program standards while respecting each child's privacy and achievements.
Communicates effectively with parents, actively participating in designated parent and family events to strengthen partnerships and support each child's development.
Models inclusive behaviors and embraces all dimensions of diversity, fostering an environment where every child feels valued and respected.
Adheres to all required policies of the YMCA of Western North Carolina, the state, and federal regulations.
Must be at least 21 years of age or older.
Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Must be enrolled in or have completed at least 2 semester hours of school-age coursework within 1 year of hire.
Previous experience working with children or teens preferred, but not required.
Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
Specific certifications and/or training may be required.
Mini-bus certified or ability to obtain required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor education, planning and organizing activities, crafts, songs/music, skits, sports, recreational games, etc.
Exceptional group management, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
Must possess oral, auditory, and written communication skills appropriate for interacting with children and adults.
Must be capable of implementing an after-school site's daily administrative, program-related, and supervisory responsibilities.
Flexible, with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Multi-lingual desired, but not required.
PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF THE JOB
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.
Ability to lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.
Must be able to routinely perform the following moderate physical activities; climb, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, reach with hands, sit, walk, and stand for extended periods of time.
Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Must possess finger dexterity, be able to grasp, and perform repetitive motion.
Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, or special accommodations made of sufficient nature for completion of assigned tasks.
Ability to communicate clearly through speech and understanding of the English language.
Free individual membership to all YMCA of WNC locations
Discounted membership for household members
Discounted program fees (swim lessons, youth sports, summer camp and more)
Start a 403(b) smart savings account on day one of employment (optional) and begin eligibility for YMCA retirement plan
Professional development opportunities through local and Y-USA trainings
The YMCA of Western North Carolina is committed to equal opportunity in terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, faith, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.
