After School Counselor

About the role

Organizes and leads school-age children in a variety of activities in a wholesome, safe, fun environment on site during after-school hours. Provides positive growth and development opportunities for children, effective communication with parents, and an overall enjoyable experience for each child.

Responsibilities

• Helps plan after-school program activities and supervises and actively implements plans in a safe, loving environment for children.
• Actively organizes and leads games, sports, crafts and other age-appropriate group activities.
• Encourages active participation of all children in program activities.
• Directly supervises children in the program at all times.
• Facilitates appropriate group behavior in all program settings.
• Manages discipline problems within the after-school program by using redirection and time-outs, then written reports as needed.

Requirements

• Supports the emotional and social development of children in the program.
• Remains available for parent comments, questions, and concerns.
• Maintains a professional attitude when dealing with children, parents, school personnel and visitors.
• Maintains a safe, litter-free facility and grounds, including daily vacuuming, mopping, sweeping, picking up trash, and wiping down and putting away toys as needed.
• Enforces safety standards, procedures, and guidelines.
• Prepares and serves daily snacks.
• Remains constantly on the alert for activities affecting the health and safety of students.
• Helps ensure parents understand and abide by program rules.
• Signs in and signs out for all children.
• Checks group attendance throughout program hours.
• Maintains an up-to-date time card and reports in writing any issues to supervisor immediately.
• Reports any problems to immediate supervisor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be at least 18 years old and have prior experience in and working with children.
• Must have current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must attend YMCA Staff Orientation, child abuse prevention training, and other in-house child care training as determined by supervisor.