Counselor

About the role

The part-time Counselor provides direct supervision, emotional support, and group guidance to program participants. The Counselor fosters an inclusive environment, supports youth social-emotional development, and facilitates small-group discussions and recreational activities. Working under the direction of the Program Director and alongside site instructional staff, the Counselor helps resolve conflicts, manages behavior using restorative practices, and ensures every child feels safe, valued, and supported in compliance with Urban Strategies and contracted federal, state, and city agencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide active supervision, positive mentorship, and emotional support to assigned student groups throughout daily program activities.
• Facilitate circle time, team-building exercises, and social-emotional learning (SEL) activities designed to build self-esteem, empathy, and positive peer relationships.
• Utilize positive reinforcement and restorative conflict resolution strategies to address behavioral challenges and maintain a constructive group dynamic.
• Assist Group Leaders and specialists with academic enrichment, sports, games, and creative arts to encourage active participation from all students.
• Monitor participant interactions to prevent bullying or safety hazards and support students’ physical and emotional well-being at all times.
• Escort students safely between classrooms, outdoor areas, and facilities, and support secure sign-in/sign-out procedures during dismissal.
• Keep the Program Director informed of behavioral concerns, individual participant needs, or family interactions promptly and professionally.
• Participate in scheduled staff and organization meetings, orientations, and required professional development trainings.
• Management may assign additional duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Education: Minimum High School Diploma or HSE required. Coursework in Education, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, or Child Development preferred.
• Age: Minimum 18 years of age.
• Experience: Minimum 1 year of experience mentoring or working directly with youth in a school, camp, community center, or after-school setting.
• Clearances: Must pass all mandatory NYC/NYS background clearances before hire, including OCFS Fingerprinting, NYS Statewide Central Register (SCR) Child Abuse screening, Sex Offender Registry check, and Medical/Tuberculosis (TB) clearance.

Skills

• Technical & Soft Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Outlook, OneDrive, and Google Workspace preferred. Strong active listening, conflict resolution, interpersonal, and communication skills; prompt, patient, empathetic, and adaptable with a strong commitment to positive youth development.