2026 - 2027 After School Counselor

GREATER SOMERSET COUNTY YMCA • Plainfield, NJ

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Plainfield YMCA, a branch of Greater Somerset County YMCA (GSCY), is hiring School Age Child Care (SACC) Counselors to assist with supervising children ages 6–13 at site-specific locations. Counselors support a varied program that includes homework time, enrichment activities, organized physical activities, free play, and snack time. They help create a safe, welcoming, organized, and stimulating environment, build positive relationships with children and families, and follow YMCA safety procedures and child-protection policies. The position is fully on-site and works Monday through Friday, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM. Counselors must be available five days a week and have reliable transportation, as scheduling may involve multiple site locations. Spanish bilingual ability is preferred.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or be a high school senior.
• Must have experience working with children in a structured group setting.
• Must be able to learn and think quickly to resolve child-to-child situations.
• Must have good communication skills and be able to relate effectively to diverse groups across social and economic backgrounds.
• Must complete required background checks, training, and certifications.
• Must register in the Workforce Registry through NJCCIS and maintain an updated professional profile record, including salary, title, and hire date.
• Must complete CCDBG health and safety training, including Health and Safety Basics; Identifying Child Abuse and Neglect – Mandated Reporting; Foundations of Child Development or Youth Growth Development; and CPR and First Aid.
• Must complete a criminal background check.
• Must be able to work five days per week, Monday through Friday, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM.
• Must have reliable transportation options for scheduling needs at multiple site locations.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish bilingual ability is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with implementing activities for children ages 6–13, including homework time, enrichment activities, organized physical activities, free play, and snack time.
• Assist the Site Supervisor with supervising groups of 6–100 children.
• Build relationships with children and families and greet them positively each day.
• Maintain discipline during activities in accordance with the GSCY YMCA Child Abuse Prevention Policy and Code of Conduct.
• Help motivate and encourage children to participate in program activities.
• Provide a safe environment and follow required emergency safety procedures.
• Help maintain an attractive, organized, clean, and stimulating program space.
• Clean and disinfect equipment according to state requirements, daily or weekly as applicable.
• Keep the site, room, equipment, and materials orderly and safe; set up before children arrive and clean up after they depart.
• Maintain group belongings, including the state binder, student information sheets, necessary medications when off-site, and first aid kit.
• Keep the Site Supervisor informed of situations involving children's behavior that require attention.

Benefits

• Free individual membership access to any YMCA in the nation.
• 10% discount on most Greater Somerset County YMCA programming.
• Access to the Y Retirement Fund from the first day of employment.
• Opportunities for professional development, mentoring, growth, and promotion throughout the YMCA Movement.
• Supportive and inclusive community for people of all backgrounds and access to Employee Resource Networks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED