Counselor I

About the role

As a Counselor I you will play a vital role in supporting the Counselor II in providing a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for young children. Your enthusiasm, dedication, and passion for early childhood education will contribute to the success of our preschool program.

Must be able to work at one of these locations: Albemarle Family YMCA, Weeksville Elementary, Northside Elementary, or Sheep-Harney Elementary.

Working hours: Monday–Friday, 2–6 pm.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and well-being of children at all times, actively supervising activities, meals, and transitions. Implement and enforce safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Assist Program Leaders in preparing and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities that promote learning and development across all domains: cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language.
• Engage children in meaningful play experiences, encouraging exploration, creativity, and critical thinking. Foster positive relationships and provide individualized attention and support to meet the needs of each child.
• Support positive behavior guidance techniques that promote self-regulation, conflict resolution, and social skills development. Model appropriate behavior and reinforce positive behaviors through praise and encouragement.
• Communicate effectively with children, parents/guardians, fellow staff members, and YMCA leadership. Provide feedback on children's progress and behavior as appropriate.
• Participate in training sessions, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the job.
• Accountable for achieving assigned organizational and youth development goals as measured through program quality, safety and compliance outcomes, accreditation readiness, cause-driven measures, operating results, participant and team member experience, and supervisor evaluation.

Requirements

• Shall be at least 16 years of age.
• Shall work under the supervision of an individual qualified to be a Program Lead.
• Staff shall be in good character and reputation.
• CPR/First Aid certifications required within 30 days of hire.
• Completes all pre-employment requirements including background checks.
• Adequate speaking, hearing, and writing skills appropriate for interacting with children.
• Ability to be on time, every time for scheduled shifts.
• Ability to work at various program locations preferred.
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory performance and successful completion and maintenance of applicable position requirements, which may include background screening, driver’s license review, CPS screening, drug and/or alcohol testing, or other screenings as required by the position or applicable law.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

This position operates in YMCA centers, child care, camp, school, and other community-based environments and may involve both indoor and outdoor settings, varying temperatures, noise, and active program spaces. The role requires regular interaction with children, families, team members, and other stakeholders and may require flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, or holidays, based on program and operational needs. The employee must maintain the physical and mental readiness necessary to safely perform the essential functions of the position and meet applicable licensing, certification, and child supervision requirements. Depending on the role, work may include prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, or active movement; participating in or demonstrating program activities; moving or positioning program equipment; responding quickly to participant needs or emergencies; and maintaining visual and auditory awareness necessary for effective supervision and safety. The YMCA of South Hampton Roads provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position, consistent with applicable law.

Pay

Hourly range: $12.77 – $15.50. The range reflects the YMCA of South Hampton Roads’ good-faith determination of the minimum and maximum starting hourly rate for this position.

Benefits

In addition to base compensation, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including an employer-funded retirement contribution equal to 12% of eligible compensation, health and welfare benefits, paid time off, and other YMCA benefits.