Youth Development Co-Op Counselor- McRoberts Elelmentary

Position Summary

As part of the YMCA, the High School Co-Op Program students will assist in providing quality childcare at after-school and/or preschool sites. Under the supervision of experienced YMCA staff, co-op participants will help create a safe, engaging, and values-driven environment for children. This role supports youth development and promotes the YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, caring, and faith. This is a learning opportunity designed to give students hands-on experience in early childhood education, youth programming, and professional workplace skills.

Essential Functions

• Support curriculum within the established guidelines for the participants.
• Help distribute snacks during designated snack time.
• Assist children with homework and quiet study activities.
• Facilitate both formal and informal play both indoors and outdoors.
• Supervise children under the supervision of a qualified Site Lead and/or counselor.
• Assist Site Lead and counselor(s) with the set-up and breakdown of activity centers and cleaning of the program area.
• Adhere to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards.
• Maintain positive relationships with children, parents, school personnel, and other staff.
• Serve as a role model to the children by exemplifying the YMCA's five core values in daily interactions.
• Attend and participate in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff trainings. Assist the Site Lead where needed.

Qualifications

• At least 17 years of age.
• Must be a currently enrolled high school student in a recognized co-op or career readiness program that the TEA or another state or federal agency approved.
• Expected to obtain a high school diploma.
• Ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively with staff.
• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse prevention trainings.
• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one- or two-step instructions. Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.