YD Broward, Counselor, General Population - 26-27 School Year

YMCA•Fort Lauderdale, FL

12d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Site Supervisor, the Counselor is responsible for day-to-day group programming, behavior management, and direct supervision of a group of children in a licensed childcare or day-camp facility. The role involves implementing age- and developmentally appropriate activities, monitoring children’s health and progress, maintaining a safe and clean environment, communicating professionally with parents and facility personnel, and following YMCA, licensing, state, and emergency procedures. The Counselor also completes required documentation, attends staff meetings and training, and assists the Site Supervisor as directed. The position requires a high school diploma or GED and at least two years of experience, including one year of direct contact with children with special needs. The Counselor must be able to relate to children, communicate effectively, and demonstrate competence in planning and implementing recreational and educational activities. The posting specifies that Counselor II must be at least 18 years old at hire. Required training and certifications include childcare training courses, developmentally appropriate practices training, and current CPR and First Aid certification within the stated deadlines. The position works across indoor and outdoor childcare and recreational facilities, frequently in outside weather and sometimes in wet, humid, hot, or cold conditions and on slippery or uneven surfaces. The role requires substantial standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling, as well as frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Employees may occasionally need to move up to 40 pounds. Employment is at-will and subject to a Level II fingerprint background screening and a drug test.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
At least two years of experience, including one year of direct contact with children with special needs.
Ability to relate to children.
Counselor II must be at least 18 years old at the time of hire.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
Demonstrated competency in planning and implementing recreational and educational activities.
Complete the 30-hour training requirement within one year of employment, covering child growth and development; health, safety, and nutrition; childcare facility state and local rules and regulations; identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect; and behavior observation and screening.
Complete and hold current CPR and First Aid certificates by the time of employment or within 90 days of hire.
Counselor II is responsible for completing and maintaining required certifications within applicable licensing agency, Florida, or YMCA deadlines.
Submit to and satisfactorily clear a Level II fingerprint background screening.
Successfully complete a drug test as a condition of employment.
Meet physical demands that include significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling; some climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling; and occasional movement of up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

The 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Module is preferred, particularly School Age-Appropriate Practices.
Outgoing personality and enjoyment of speaking with people.
Fun, caring, energetic, responsible, and reliable demeanor.
Ability to work well with others and develop good relationships with parents, children, and colleagues.

Responsibilities

Supervise and implement age- and developmentally appropriate activities for a group of children in accordance with licensing requirements, Florida requirements, and YMCA of South Florida mission.
Conduct and maintain measurable tools to track children’s progress.
Distribute nutritious snacks daily using universal health and sanitation practices.
Coordinate with facility personnel for the safety and benefit of children in the program.
Document behavior issues and incidents as needed.
Conduct daily health checks of children and document questionable signs or incidents with the Site Supervisor.
Maintain professional courtesy with parents, facility personnel, staff, and clients.
Know and follow facility and YMCA emergency procedures to ensure children’s safety.
Preserve supplies, equipment, and materials, and report reorder needs to the Site Supervisor.
Inspect program areas for cleanliness and safety.
Check bathrooms for supplies and basic cleanliness before participants enter.
Complete administrative forms as directed by the Site Supervisor or Program Manager.
Attend staff meetings and training opportunities.
Assist the Site Supervisor as directed.
Report incidents and accidents to the corporate office within 24 hours.
Follow legal and YMCA internal child abuse, neglect, or abandonment reporting procedures.
Ensure required staff-to-child ratios are maintained and report discrepancies to the Site Supervisor.
Complete and maintain required certifications within applicable deadlines.
Work toward team sales, revenue, and net unit growth targets as stated in the position expectations.