Stowe AfterSchool Counselor

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Youth & Family Director and/or Lead Coordinator and consistent with the Gaston County Family YMCA Christian Mission, the afterschool staff is responsible for leading and building relationships with a group of children, while developing programming that is fun, culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and safe. They provide a quality experience to children and parents with a focus on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. Afterschool counselors strengthen their professional, interpersonal and management skills through daily responsibilities of the job.

Afterschool programs are for kindergarteners through 8th grade and are held on-site at all four Gaston County Family YMCA locations: 

Cherryville, Pharr, Stowe and Warlick  

OUR CULTURE: 

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: We believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing and we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you. 

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises a group of participants while providing for the safety and well-being of all.
• Be a role model and set a great example for all children and staff in your area of influence.
• Plans and implements program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values.
• Adheres to YMCA policies, procedures and program standards, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, emergency management, safety and cleanliness standards.
• Models and facilitates relationship-building skills in all interactions and maintains positive relationships with staff, participants, and parents. 
• Attending staff meetings, training as directed.
• Utilizes the YMCA voice (nurturing, genuine, hopeful, determined, and welcoming) toward all staff, participants, and parents.
• Know all special needs of the children in your care.
• Display a willingness to always assist in the areas of maintaining the building, grounds and equipment.
• Follow all program guidelines, Get Slick Training and emergency procedures of the Gaston County Family YMCA.
• Group Control is essential in the handling and care of children. Force is never to be used.
• Follow all Staff Code of Conduct rules.
• Supervise and participate with the children during program hours.
• Assist in the implementation of daily afternoon assemblies.
• Assist in snack time procedures, if applicable.
• Must understand and communicate the YMCA mission in all we do.
• Must avoid any act that would be regarded by the administration or by parents as inconsiderate, improper or harmful to the participants, staff or afterschool program (including gossip).
• Assist in the implementation of family nights.
• All other duties as assigned directly/indirectly related to the program by the Lead Coordinator or the Youth and Family Director.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: (skills to be developed while working as a YMCA employee)

• Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising.
• 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

QUALIFICATIONS (for Counselors):

• At least 16 years of age.
• Previous experience working with children preferred.
• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.
• Specific certifications and/or training may be required.

 WORKING CONDITIONS:

Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings. 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. Ability to walk, run, stand, kneel, stoop, and manual dexterity. Ability to lift a maximum of 50 pounds. 

SKILL DEVELOPMENT:

• Leadership Development 
• Character Development 
• Community Development
• Professional Development
• Responsibility and ownership
• Ability to work effectively on a team
• Communication Skills
• Problem solving and conflict resolution
• Group Management
• Public Speaking
• Creativity 
• Investing in others
• Inclusion/Ability to respond to individual needs

Salary : $10 - $11