Youth Counselor - Beacons

JOB SUMMARY

**** Pay range $16-$17 hourly DOQ***

The Youth Counselor serves elementary school youth participants in the “Beacons” afterschool program. Beacons offers afterschool academic and enrichment opportunities, is open to all students at the school, and is free-of-charge for all participants. A dynamic position that provides direct service to youth, the Youth Counselor implements activities while prioritizing developing and deepening relationships with youth. The Youth Counselor works closely with the entire Beacons staff team; the team collaborates to create a safe, respectful, and highly engaging environment for youth. The Beacons Youth Counselor is an integral member of the entire Girls & Youth staff team. This role includes collaborating with and supporting several Girls & Youth programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Implement comprehensive programming

• Lead engaging activities that are age appropriate and culturally relevant, for large groups and small groups of youth.

• Collaborate fully and regularly with program co-workers, to create and sustain an after-school environment that embraces all forms of diversity, is student-centered, and is accessible to all students.

• Maintain and implement safety standards for physical and emotional safety.

• Contribute to communication with participants and families, and to program retention efforts to maintain participants.

• Provide staffing support to Girls & Youth programs, as needed.

Perform Administrative Tasks

• Distribute and collect registration forms. Ensure forms are completed accurately.

• Implement program evaluation methods with program participants, in accordance with Girls and Youth evaluation standards and practices.

• Utilize the program online data management system in accordance with Girls and Youth data practices.

• Provide input for monthly report summaries of activities and impact on participants.

Seek continuous professional development

• Participate in learning experiences that enhance programming efforts.

• Develop and/or enrich activity opportunities that engage youth participant’s interests and requests.

• Participate in meetings with Beacons team, Beacons Network, and/or school staff, as applicable.

• Collaborate with Girls & Youth Program Managers, Program Coordinators, and Youth Counselors across Girls & Youth programs; develop youth work skills in different programming contexts.

HOURS

Position is Part-Time, for 16-20 hours per week.

• Required shift times = 1:30pm – 5:30pm on Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday

• Scheduled work hours will regularly include program preparation and professional development.

NOTES:: o Program Days = Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday

Daily Program Hours (youth present) = 2:20pm – 5:15pm

Worksite is Hmong International School (“HIA”): 1501 N 30th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411

RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Beacons Program Coordinator, who reports to the Girls and Youth Program Manager. The Youth Counselor will collaborate with the HIA Beacons staff team, work regularly with Girls and Youth staff, and interact with HIA staff. The Youth Counselor may also work with Minneapolis Public Schools staff as well as Community Organization contacts. Critical relationships will include program participants and families.

QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED equivalent -and- Minimum age 18 years old.

• Ability to lead activities with youth in after-school setting.

• Excellent initiative to carry out tasks and responsibilities independently (with minimal supervision), as well as in a team setting.

• Ability to work as a team with program staff.

• Commitment to respecting and valuing the backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives of all youth in program.

• Ability to communicate with school staff and families in a respectful and professional manner.

• Commitment to upholding YWCA and Beacons program policies and practices.

• HEALTH AND SAFETY: Must be CPR and First Aid certified or willing to be certified within first 90 days.

• YWCA MISSION: Strong belief in YWCA and ability to convey its importance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to lift and carry supplies on a regular basis.

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

• Position is highly mobile throughout the school building during programming.

• Must have consistent reliable transportation to the school program site. Occasional meetings and/or trainings may be held at YWCA Midtown or a partnering community agency.

COMPENSATION

The pay range for this position is $15.50-$17.00 per hour (depending on qualifications).