Before/After School Counselor

About the role

The Somerville YMCA is seeking a supportive and energetic individual to assist with the Before and After Care program for preschool-aged children. This position is fully on-site and requires active supervision, leading activities, and maintaining a safe environment.

Responsibilities

• Supervise preschool-aged children and maintain a safe, welcoming environment.
• Lead age-appropriate activities such as arts and crafts, stories, music, games, sensory play, and outdoor activities.
• Aid children with daily routines, transitions, handwashing, toileting, snack time, and cleanup.
• Encourage positive behavior, cooperation, independence, and social-emotional development.
• Build positive relationships with children and families.
• Set up, organize, clean, and disinfect program spaces, toys, and equipment.
• Communicate behavioral, health, or safety concerns to the Site Supervisor.
• Follow YMCA policies, emergency procedures, child-abuse-prevention guidelines, and New Jersey childcare licensing requirements.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 17 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or be a high school senior.
• Experience working with preschool-aged children in a structured setting is preferred.
• Must be patient, dependable, and able to respond calmly to challenging situations.
• Must have strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with children, families, and staff.
• Must complete all required background checks, training, and certifications.

Requirements

• Hours: Before Care: 7:00am-8:15am, After Care: 2:15pm-6pm. Candidates may work Before Care, After Care, or both shifts based on availability and program needs.

Benefits

• FREE Individual Membership Access to any YMCA in the Nation.
• 10% Discount on most programming at Greater Somerset County YMCA.
• Access to one of the leading retirement programs "Y Retirement Fund" from the first day of employment.
• Opportunities for professional development, mentoring, growth, and promotion throughout the YMCA Movement.
• Social support and access to Employee Resource Networks.

Pay

Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

This position is fully on-site and is not remote.