POSITION SUMMARY:
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the direction of the Youth Development Director, afterschool counselors will provide direction and supervision of children in an off-site Y-Club Afterschool program. Counselors will manage groups of children ages 3-12 and lead club activities including group games, art/stem time, physical activity, swimming, and play. Counselors will uphold the standard of ensuring that all programs operate in a quality manner consistent with the Y-Club Afterschool model, Y mission, cause and values. Counselors participate in activities and act as positive role models for youth. Y-Club Afterschool assignments include local elementary schools, Sports & Skate Station USA, early releases, holiday break camps and All Day Outs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Supervises children; keep site and sound supervision and accurate head counts of group at all times.
2. Plans and implements program activities and clubs that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values.
3. Assist children in daily needs including but not limited to washing hands, using the restroom, picking up belongings, assisting with meals and packing or unpacking of belongings.
4. Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards.
5. Attends staff meetings and trainings.
6. Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, drop-off/pick up procedures, supervision, incident reports, child abuse prevention and emergencies, completing appropriate paperwork when needed.
7. Cultivates and maintains positive relationships with parents, children and staff. Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions.
8. Performs other duties as assigned.
YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):
Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Must be at least 16 years old.
2. Previous experience working with children in a large group setting.
3. CPR, First Aid, AED and Child Abuse/Sexual Harassment Prevention training before start of 1st shift.
4. Ability to lead, plan, organize and implement program activities in a variety of settings, including outdoors and swimming.
5. Must be able to improvise when unexpected circumstances occur.
6. Must be able to remain active, energetic and positive throughout the program day.
7. Experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, songs/music, skits, sports, music, recreational games, etc.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Ability to frequently stand, sit, walk, talk, hear, type, run, jump, kick, catch, throw, climb, kneel, bend, reach, balance, crouch or crawl, climb and/or balance, reach with hands and arms, handle or feel, stoop, lift/move and carry approximately 35 lbs, and use hands and fingers. Must be able to lift and/or maneuver large gym or office equipment. Special vision abilities required distance, peripheral, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. May be required to be outside for long periods of time. Must possess good analytical, auditory, and verbal capabilities in order to communicate adequately. Must be able to get into swimming pool.
