Childwatch Counselor-Houston Texans

About the role

The Childwatch Counselor is responsible for creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment for children while their parents/guardians participate in YMCA activities. This position requires a dedicated and responsible youth development professional committed to providing high quality care in the Childwatch program.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children in a welcoming Childwatch environment by monitoring activities to promote safe, age-appropriate behavior and adherence to YMCA policies at all times.
  • Provide for children’s physical needs, including feeding, assisting with restrooms, administering first aid/CPR, and notifying the parents/guardians of necessary diaper changes.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records such as attendance, incident reports, and compliance documentation.
  • Conduct regular headcounts.
  • Respond promptly and appropriately to emergencies and incidents in alignment with established YMCA protocols and procedures, including emergency preparedness.
• Implement positive behavior management techniques that foster a respectful and inclusive environment while addressing the emotional needs of children.
  • Respond to behavioral issues calmly and constructively, following established guidelines, and provides support by soothing distressed children, comforting those who are sick or hurt, redirecting negative behavior, and offering positive reinforcement.
  • Communicate important information or observations to incoming staff regarding individual children and provides an updated list of children currently in attendance.
• Implement a variety of age-appropriate activities, including structured and unstructured activities as outlined in YMCA approved curriculum.
  • Encourage and facilitate positive social interactions among children.
  • Adapt activities to meet the diverse needs and interests of all children.
• Follow all organizational policies, protocols, and procedures, including those related to health and safety, child protection, and confidentiality.
  • Maintain a clean and organized environment, adhering to sanitation and safety standards.
  • Report any concerns or issues to the Childwatch Lead or Program Director promptly.
• Maintains Childwatch environment by adhering to YMCA of Greater Houston program standards and youth development standards.
  • Supervises children under the direction of the Childwatch Lead.
  • Acts as a role model to the children by exemplifying the YMCA’s five core values.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and staff trainings.
  • Utilizes designated software to accurately check children in and out of Childwatch.
  • Aids in ensuring tablets and all communication devices are fully charged, ready for use, and properly secured when not in use.
• Reports suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
  • Follows mandated abuse and incident reporting requirements.
  • Ensures youth are properly signed in and signed out, ensures only authorized adults are allowed in the facility, etc.
  • Adheres to policies related to boundaries with each child.
  • Monitors high-risk locations (bathrooms), etc.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.
• At least 6 months of experience working with youth at a childcare facility, church, school or equivalent (preferred).
• Strong awareness of child safety and the ability to respond to emergency situations appropriately.
• Must be able to successfully pass CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse prevention trainings.
• Ability to engage with children positively and create an environment that fosters learning and respect.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Previous experience with diverse populations.
• Current record of tuberculosis examination and/or current local health department regulations, examinations, and/or immunization as required by the local or State Department of Health.
• Pass a local/state background and FBI fingerprinting check.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) with demonstrated interested in the welfare of children; prior childcare or baby-sitting experience is preferred.
• Language Skills: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.