Before & After School Counselor
About The Position
The Before and After School Counselor supervises children in grades K–8 in an after-school program. The role assists with planning, developing, and implementing program components and activities, and guides children’s academic and social development while helping maintain a safe, enriching, and healthy learning environment. Counselors use resources provided by the After-School Site Director to introduce new skills through program activities. The position also requires participation in 20 hours of DCYF-approved professional development and scheduled planning sessions with the After-School Site Director. The counselor is expected to support the YMCA’s mission, goals, and vision for serving the community. The role includes facilitating developmentally appropriate activities, supporting children’s academic progress, maintaining attentive supervision and program records, communicating with parents and supervisors, and promoting a welcoming and positive program environment.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Formal training in childcare or youth development, or at least one year of supervised experience working with school-age children in a group setting.
- Exceptional group management, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Oral, auditory, and written communication skills appropriate for interacting with children and adults.
- Ability to carry out the daily administrative, program-related, and supervisory responsibilities of an after-school site.
- Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Nice To Haves
- Experience creating interactive and educational or artistic activities, and experience in youth development, academic enrichment, and STEAM.
Responsibilities
- Ensure the safety and engagement of children in the assigned group.
- Plan and facilitate purposeful, engaging activities and group projects that complement the program’s thematic or project-based agenda.
- Assist children with homework and encourage academic progress.
- Follow program lesson and implementation plans in a developmentally appropriate way that meets participants’ physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs.
- Provide careful, attentive supervision and remain alert at all times.
- Serve as a positive role model, demonstrate professional behavior, and use positive youth development approaches.
- Facilitate an environment that invites exploration, promotes positive play, and welcomes children.
- Promote teamwork through positive supervision, communication, and interactions with others.
- Maintain ongoing communication with the supervisor.
- Maintain accurate classroom records as assigned and according to program requirements.
- Communicate regularly with parents and attend parent or family events as designated by the supervisor.
- Apply knowledge of the YMCA mission, purpose, goals, childcare policies, and standards to help ensure program excellence.
- Participate in 20 hours of DCYF-approved professional development and scheduled planning sessions with the After-School Site Director.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
