Before/After School Counselor

Greater Somerset County Ymca • Somerville, NJ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Somerville YMCA is seeking caring, energetic, and dependable counselors to support preschool-aged children in its Before and After Care program. Counselors help create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can play, learn, and build positive relationships. This is a fully on-site position and is not remote. Candidates may work Before Care, After Care, or both shifts based on availability and program needs. Before Care hours are 7:00 a.m.–8:15 a.m.; After Care hours are 2:15 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

Greater Somerset County YMCA (GSCY) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. It has seven locations across three counties and serves more than 30,000 individuals. GSCY has 100 full-time and 950 part-time employees and operating revenues of more than $22 million. The organization is committed to inclusion and addressing social inequities.

Requirements

• Must be at least 17 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or be a high school senior.
• Must be patient, dependable, and able to respond calmly to challenging situations.
• Must have strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with children, families, and staff.
• Must complete all required background checks, training, and certifications.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with preschool-aged children in a structured setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Actively supervise preschool-aged children and maintain a safe, welcoming environment.
• Lead age-appropriate activities, including arts and crafts, stories, music, games, sensory play, and outdoor activities.
• Assist children with daily routines, transitions, handwashing, toileting, snack time, and cleanup.
• Encourage positive behavior, cooperation, independence, and social-emotional development.
• Build positive relationships with children and families.
• Set up, organize, clean, and disinfect program spaces, toys, and equipment.
• Communicate behavioral, health, or safety concerns to the Site Supervisor.
• Follow YMCA policies, emergency procedures, child-abuse-prevention guidelines, and New Jersey childcare licensing requirements.

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.
• 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