AFTERSCHOOL COUNSELOR

Department: Youth Development
Reports To: Afterschool Site Director / Program Coordinator/Before school Director
Status: Part-time

Position Summary

The Before and/or Afterschool Counselor supports the YMCA’s mission by providing a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for children during afterschool hours. Counselors lead activities, supervise participants, and serve as positive role models while promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Essential Functions

• Supervise and ensure the safety of children at all times

• Lead age-appropriate activities including homework help, games, arts & crafts, and enrichment programs

• Build positive relationships with participants, families, and staff

• Maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment

• Follow YMCA policies, procedures, and behavior management guidelines

• Assist with set-up, clean-up, attendance, and daily documentation

• Communicate effectively with site leadership regarding participant needs or concerns

Model YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. 

PRAESIDIUM CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION VERBIAGE

Employeesandvolunteerswhodirectlysuperviseconsumerswill:

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries withconsumers.
• Attendrequiredabuseriskmanagementtraining.
• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervisingconsumers.
• Reportsuspiciousorinappropriatebehaviorsandpolicyviolations.
• Followmandatedabusereportingrequirements.

Employeesandvolunteerswhodonotdirectlysuperviseconsumerswill:

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries withconsumers.
• Attendrequiredabuseriskmanagementtraining.
• Reportsuspiciousandinappropriatebehaviorsandpolicyviolations.
• Followmandatedabusereportingrequirements.
• Adhere to job specific abuse risk managementresponsibilities.
  • Maintenance employees and volunteers—ensure unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely monitor high-risk locations (locker-rooms and bathrooms), etc.
  • Front desk personnel—ensure consumers are properly signed in and signed out, ensures only authorized adults are allowed inthe facility, etc.

Supervisorsandadministratorswill:

• Follow employees and volunteers screening requirements and use screening instruments to screen for abuse risk.
• Provide employees and volunteers with on-going supervision and training related to abuse risk.
• Provide employees and volunteers with regular feedback regarding their boundaries with consumers.
• Requireemployeesandvolunteerstoadheretopoliciesandproceduresrelatedto abuse risk.

• Respond seriously and confidentially to reports of suspicious and inappropriatebehaviors.
• Followmandatedreportingrequirements.
• Communicate to all employees and volunteers the organization’s commitment to protect their consumers from abuse.
• Reportessentialabuseriskmanagementinformationtotheboardofdirectors.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Age 18 or over preferred

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred

• Experience working with children in a group setting preferred

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to supervise children and manage groups effectively

• CPR, First Aid, and other required YMCA trainings (or ability to obtain)

• Willing to submit to an annual background check

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and actively participate in activities

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds

• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors

Work Schedule

• Monday–Friday during the school year

• Afternoon hours aligned with school dismissal times. Before school hours align with school entry times.

YMCA Competencies

• Relationships: Builds authentic, supportive relationships

• Communication: Listens and communicates effectively

• Inclusion: Values and respects diversity

• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with others