Youth Development Co-Op Counselor-West Memorial - Monty Ballard

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

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) with demonstrated interest in the welfare of children; prior childcare or baby-sitting experience is preferred

Skills & Abilities

• 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 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