Youth Development Counselor-West Memorial Elementary

About the role

As a Youth Development Leader, you'll bring energy, creativity, and compassion to our before/after-school and day camp programs. You'll help create a safe, fun, and enriching environment where youth feel supported, valued, and excited to learn. Earn an Additional $3.00 Per Hour! The YMCA is currently offering a temporary $3.00 per hour stipend for Youth Development Counselors working in our Before/After School Programs serving Katy ISD, Conroe ISD, and Humble ISD. This temporary stipend is separate from base pay and is available only to employees assigned to eligible locations.

Responsibilities

• Champion Safety & Supervision: Keep children safe, engaged, and accounted for at all times. Monitor activities, conduct headcounts, and respond confidently to any situation using YMCA policies and training.
• Guide Positive Behavior: Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment by using positive behavior-management techniques that help children grow socially and emotionally.
• Lead Fun & Meaningful Activities: Bring the YMCA curriculum to life through games, projects, and hands-on learning. Adapt activities to meet the diverse needs and interests of every child.
• Model YMCA Values: Demonstrate honesty, respect, responsibility, caring, and faith in everything you do. Be a role model that children look up to.
• Support Daily Operations: Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe program space that meets YMCA and state licensing standards.
• Build Strong Relationships: Connect with children, families, school staff, and your YMCA team to create a positive, collaborative community.
• Protect Youth: Follow all child-protection policies, ensure proper sign-in/out procedures, and maintain vigilant supervision of all program areas.

Requirements

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED
• Six months of experience working with youth in a licensed facility, school, church, or similar setting
• CPR, First Aid, AED, and Child Abuse Prevention training (or willingness to obtain)
• Ability to plan and lead age-appropriate activities
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Ability to pass state/local background checks and fingerprinting
• TB test and any required immunizations per state/local guidelines

Skills

• Clear, positive communication
• Ability to engage groups of youth
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving
• Commitment to inclusion and cultural competence
• Team-oriented mindset
• Desire to grow and help others grow

Schedule

• Before/After School Program: Part-time, Monday–Friday, typically 2:30 pm–6:30 pm (aligned with ISD calendar). Occasional Saturdays.
• Day Camp Program: Monday–Friday, 6:30 am–6:30 pm with multiple shift options (aligned with ISD breaks). Occasional Saturdays.
• Participation in family nights, staff meetings, and trainings is required with advance notice.

Benefits

• Free YMCA Membership
• Discounts on YMCA programs
• Paid training and professional development
• Leadership growth pathways within youth development and beyond
• A supportive, mission-driven team environment
• Flexible schedules
• Opportunities to make a lasting impact on the community and families