2026 - 2027 After School Counselor

Greater Somerset County Ymca • Plainfield, NJ

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Greater Somerset County YMCA (GSCY) is a nonprofit organization focused on strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Plainfield YMCA, a GSCY branch, is seeking School Age Child Care (SACC) Counselors to help nurture and support children, promote youth development, and foster social responsibility. Counselors assist with supervising children at assigned sites under the direction of the SACC & Camp Program Director, Senior Program Director, and Site Supervisor. The position is fully on-site and serves children ages 6–13. Spanish bilingual ability is preferred.

The role is part-time, Monday through Friday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and requires availability five days per week. Scheduling may involve multiple site locations, so reliable transportation options are required. The hourly rate is $17.

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 the ability to relate effectively to diverse groups across social and economic backgrounds.
• Must complete all 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 meet CCDBG health and safety training requirements, including Health and Safety Basics, Identifying Child Abuse and Neglect – Mandated Reporting, and Foundations of Child Development or Youth Growth Development.
• Must complete a criminal background check.
• Must work five days per week, Monday through Friday, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
• Must have reliable transportation options because scheduling is based on coverage needs at multiple site locations.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish bilingual ability is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with implementing varied 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 GSCYMCA 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 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 their departure.
• 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 with access to any YMCA in the nation.
• 10% discount on most programming at Greater Somerset County YMCA.
• Access to the Y Retirement Fund retirement program from the first day of employment.
• Opportunities for professional development, mentoring, growth, and promotion throughout the YMCA Movement.
• Access to a supportive and inclusive community and Employee Resource Networks.

What This Job Offers

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