Licensed Afterschool Counselor: Simmons YMCA

Under the direction of the program director, or center-specific designate, and consistent with the Christian mission of the YMCA, the Licensed Afterschool Counselor will be directly responsible for the safety, supervision, programming, and involvement with program participants at the assigned YMCA. In addition, the Licensed Afterschool Counselor will be responsible for knowing and meeting all programmatic requirements for childcare licensure.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Build and maintain a positive environment for all students.
• Ensure the cleanliness of the program areas during each activity period throughout the day.
• Supervise and ensure the safety of students.
• Maintain attendance records and communicate absences as required.
• Follow all policies, procedures, and standards established by the YMCA and NC Division of Child Development and Early Education.
• Implement and execute lesson plans for scheduled program times, which include provisions for safe program opportunities and students’ ages and ability differences.
• Incorporate weekly themes into daily activities.
• Present curriculum: Social Emotional Learning, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Literacy Infusion and supplemental educational support.
• Facilitate Positive Behavior Management techniques and trauma-informed approaches.
• Assist in providing a positive learning experience for all students.
• Assist with group swim time and swim with your group during group swim time (proper dress is always required).
• Maintain all program equipment in good order.
• Report all program changes and equipment needs to the Director/Leadership Staff.
• Maintain a positive relationship with parents, co-workers, supervisors.

YMCA COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s 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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 1 year previous child care experience.
• Completion of 20 hours of training in early childhood education and curriculum best practices annually.
• Completion of Basic Safety Series and Child Abuse Prevention trainings upon hire.
• Interest in working with children and youth, exercising sound emotional maturity, moral character, judgement, integrity and leadership capability.
• Ability to adapt to changing needs and circumstances.
• Desire to learn and apply experiences as necessary.
• Strong interpersonal skills to be able to communicate in a positive manner with participants, families, and staff.  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Basic School Age Care Certificate (can be obtained after hire)
• Previous experience and training related to working with youth and diverse populations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
• Must be able to lift and carry supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time. 
• Requires bending, pulling, crouching, leaning, kneeling, and walking, pushing, climbing, and jumping.
• Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing in such a way as to be easily understood by children, staff and parents.  
• Visual and auditory ability to supervise and respond to critical situations with children.  
• Must be able to move freely and quickly through the facility and alternate program locations including outdoors and field trips.