Childwatch Lead Counselor - HCC West Loop

About the role

The Childwatch Site Lead 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

• Serves as the designated lead, ensuring full compliance with all YMCA of Greater Houston and Youth Development standards.
• Oversees the daily operations of the Childwatch program to maintain a safe, welcoming, nurturing, and engaging environment at all times for all children.
• Maintains the cleanliness and organization of the program site and equipment, including setting up and breaking down activity centers.
• Ensures the safety and well-being of all children and staff in a welcoming Childwatch environment by monitoring activities to promote safe, age-appropriate behavior and adherence to YMCA policies.
• Provides for children’s physical needs, including feeding, assisting with restrooms, administering first aid/CPR, and notifying the parents/guardians of necessary diaper changes.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date records such as attendance, incident reports, and compliance documentation.
• Conducts regular headcounts and ensures staff follow policies, providing redirection as needed.
• Responds promptly and appropriately to emergencies and incidents in alignment with established YMCA protocols and procedures, including emergency preparedness.
• Implements positive behavior management techniques that foster a respectful and inclusive environment while addressing the emotional needs of children.
• Oversees the implementation of age-appropriate activities, including structured and unstructured activities as outlined in YMCA approved curriculum.
• Encourages and facilitates positive social interactions among children.
• Adapts activities to meet the diverse needs and interests of all children.
• Evaluates program effectiveness and makes adjustments as necessary.
• Maintains positive relations with children, parents/guardians, center operations, directors, and other staff.
• Communicates regularly with parents/guardians regarding their child’s progress, behavior, and any concerns.
• Utilizes designated software to accurately check children in and out of Childwatch.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date records, including sign-in/out logs, incident reports, and other required documentation.

Qualifications

• At least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• At least 1 year 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.
• Previous experience supervising others preferred.
• 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

• 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.
• Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one- or two-step instructions.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the essential and marginal functions the employee may be required to maintain physical condition necessary for adequate physical performance including light to moderate lifting (up to 25 lbs with occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs.); bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, climbing; standing, walking, pushing, pulling, reaching, balancing, and crouching; use of hands and fingers, handle or feel; reach; speak and hear, use close and distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perceptions, and ability to adjust focus; must utilize auditory, sensory abilities constantly on the job site.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in a primarily indoor environment during the Childwatch program; some exposure to outdoor environment occur; this may include exposure to weather conditions such as heat or cold during summer or winter events. Exposure to noise, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, sweat, spills and messes within the facility.

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). Must be available to attend and participate in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff trainings. Details will be provided in advance.