YD Broward, Counselor, Special Needs, 26-27 School Year

YMCA • Fort Lauderdale, FL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Site Supervisor, the Special Needs Counselor is responsible for the overall day-to-day group programming, behavior management, and direct supervision of a group of children in a licensed child care/day camp facility.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum Two (2) years’ experience including One (1) year experience of direct contact with children with special needs.
• Ability to relate to children.
• The Counselor I must be at least eighteen (18) years-old at the time of hire.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
• Must have a demonstrated competency in the planning and implementation of recreational and educational activities.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to submit to and satisfactorily clear a thorough Level II fingerprint background screening.
• As a Drug-Free Employer, all new hires must successfully complete a drug test. Please note Medical Marijuana cards are not accepted and do not exempt you from successfully passing your drug test.

Nice To Haves

• The Ten (10) Hour Developmentally Appropriate Module (Preferred- School Age Appropriate Practices).
• Innate desire to provide excellent customer service.
• Outgoing personality enjoys speaking to people.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and implement activities for a group of children in accordance to both age and developmentally appropriate practices as outlined by licensing agency, State of Florida and the YMCA of South Florida mission.
• Conduct and maintain any necessary measurable tools to track children’s progress.
• Distribute nutritious snacks on a daily basis using universal health/sanitation practices.
• Maintain coordination with facility personnel for safety and benefit of children in the program.
• Document behavior issues and/or incidents daily, as needed.
• Conduct a health check of each child daily, noting fever, bumps, bruises, burns, or other questionable signs of abuse and document the incident with the Site Supervisor.
• Maintain high level of professional courtesy with parents, facility personnel, staff and clients at all times.
• Know and follow proper emergency procedures appropriate to the facility and in conformity with procedures adopted by the YMCA of South Florida and emergency service authorities to ensure the safety of children.
• Preserve the quality of supplies, equipment and materials. Ensuring proper supply by reporting re-order needs to the Site Supervisor.
• Provide regular inspections of areas used by the program to ensure both cleanliness and safety.
• Check bathrooms for supplies and basic cleanliness before allowing participants to enter.
• Document all necessary administrative forms as directed by Site Supervisor and/or Program Manager.
• Attendance at all staff meetings and training opportunities.
• Report all incidents and accidents within 24 hours to the corporate office.
• Adhere to the Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting requirements that mandate by law all childcare personnel to report suspicions of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The YMCA requires employees to follow the internal reporting procedures with the assistance of the Program Managers.
• Ensure that the proper staffs to child ratios are maintained at all times and reports discrepancies to the Site Supervisor as needed.
• Assist the Site Supervisor in any other appropriate ways as directed.

Benefits

• As a condition of employment, you will be required to submit to and satisfactorily clear a thorough Level II fingerprint background screening.
• As a Drug-Free Employer, all new hires must successfully complete a drug test.
• The YMCA of South Florida is committed to the policy of Equal Opportunity prohibiting discrimination in the workplace because of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation, age or disability.
• In accordance with House Bill 531 (2025) the Department of Children and Families require employers to make the “Care Provider Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness” website link: https://info.flclearinghouse.com available to all potential candidates receiving a background check via the Clearinghouse.

What This Job Offers

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