Childwatch Counselor Tellespen

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.
• Absorb and respond to emergencies and incidents in alignment with established YMCA protocols and procedures, including emergency preparedness.
• Implement a variety of age-appropriate activities, including structured and unstructured activities as outlined in YMCA approved curriculum.
• Adapt activities to meet the diverse needs and interests of all children.
• 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.
• Makes sound decisions in alignment with YMCA and youth development standards.
• Acts as a role model to the children by exemplifying the YMCA’s five core values.
• Maintains positive relations with children, parents/guardians, center operations, directors, and other staff.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and staff trainings.
• Utilizes designated software to accurately check children in and out of Childwatch.
• Affixes and assists with 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.
• 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.
• Ensures unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely 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.

Skills

• Collaboration
• Communication & Influence
• Developing Self & Others
• Functional Expertise
• Inclusion
• Program/Project Management

Benefits

Not specified

Pay

Not specified

Schedule

Part-time, typically seven days a week, morning shift 8 am – 1 pm, afternoon shift 11 am – 4 pm, evening shift 4 pm – 8 pm (start and end time may vary).