Lead Afterschool Counselor: Morrison YMCA

Under the direction of the Youth Services Director and consistent with the Christian mission of the YMCA and in cooperation with other YMCA staff, the Senior Counselor will be directly responsible for the safety, supervision, leadership and guidance for afterschool participants.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide leadership and guidance for a group of 200 participants and 50 staff members. 
• Work closely and cohesively with a team of 5-7 other leadership staff members.
• Provide growth and development opportunities for each campers, participants and staff.
• Development and operation of all aspects of program schedule.
• Implement Character Development Traits in daily activities.
• Set a good example in promptness, manners, language, appearance and health.
• Set a good example in respect and care for all programming.
• Build and maintain a positive environment in all participants.
• Ensure the cleanliness of the activity areas throughout and at the end of the program.
• Supervise and ensure the safety of participants before and after program hours (at the Director’s request of the first day of each session and certain other days one may have to arrive early or stay late for the program).
• Facilitate accurate check-in and check-out for the program participants and keep precise attendance records.  
• Support counselors in executing their lesson plans, as an integral part of the daily program, making changes, as they become necessary.
• Facilitate proper group behavior in all activities.
• Attend all trainings and meetings required for position. 
• Ensure the proper documentation is maintained for staff trainings and meetings.
• Manage appropriate behavior with all children and implement the participant’s discipline policy when necessary.
• Maintain all equipment used and report when equipment needs to be repaired or replaced.

REQUIREMENTS:

• At least 18 years of age and/or one year of college education.
• Experience or training significant for after school programs.
• Interest in children and significant evidence of emotional maturity, good moral character, judgment, integrity and leadership capability.
• Enjoyment and appreciation of character development .
• Ability to create and work within a Christian environment so that each participant has the opportunity for spiritual growth.
• Ability to adapt to changing needs and circumstances.
• Complete BSS, Child Abuse Prevention, and Security trainings prior to first day of work and maintain them on a yearly basis.
• Desire to learn and apply experiences as necessary.
• Strong interpersonal skills to be able to communicate in a positive manner with member, participants and staff.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ability to work irregular work hours.
2. Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
3. Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
4. Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
5. Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
6. Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.

Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.