Family Services Counselor - Aventura

The YMCA of South Florida•Hallandale Beach, FL

About The Position

Under the direction of the Site Director, the Family Services Counselor oversees day-to-day group programming, behavior management, direct supervision, and safety for a group of up to 25 participants or children. The Counselor plans and implements age- and developmentally appropriate activities in accordance with licensing agencies, the State of Florida, and YMCA of South Florida guidelines. The position also includes maintaining attendance and other program records, communicating with families and facility personnel, following health and safety practices, and attending required meetings and training. Counselors may work at multiple locations throughout summer camp. Employment is conditional on satisfactorily clearing a Level II fingerprint background screening and successfully completing a drug test. The YMCA of South Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits workplace discrimination on the stated protected grounds. Candidates receiving a background check via the Clearinghouse must be provided the Care Provider Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website link as required by House Bill 531 (2025).

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or high school completion in process, demonstrated by a report card, school letter, or similar documentation. Florida Certified Teachers may use an active Florida Teaching Certificate in lieu of the education requirement.
Ability to relate to children.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
Demonstrated competency in planning and implementing recreational and educational activities.
Ability to implement curriculums and provide basic-level instruction to participants.
Complete YMCA NEO, safety, and risk-management training.
Attend all regularly scheduled staff meetings and training.
Obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 30 days of hire.
Complete the first childcare course within 90 days and the remainder of the 45-hour childcare courses within the first year of employment.
Counselors assigned to M-DCPS sites must be at least 18 years old at hire; counselors assigned to community-based sites must be at least 17 years old at hire and have one high school reference.
Satisfactorily clear a Level II fingerprint background screening.
Successfully complete a drug test; medical marijuana cards are not accepted as an exemption.

Nice To Haves

One to two years of experience working with school-aged children is preferred.
Outgoing personality and enjoyment of speaking with people.
Innate desire to provide excellent customer service.

Responsibilities

Provide safety and direct supervision to children, and plan and follow activities in accordance with YMCA of South Florida guidelines.
Coordinate with facility personnel for the safety and benefit of program participants.
Ensure safety rules and practices are followed by children and staff, maintain proper staff-to-child ratios, and report discrepancies to the Site Supervisor.
Complete administrative forms as directed by the Site Supervisor or Program Director.
Maintain daily attendance rosters and any tools used to track children’s progress.
Distribute nutritious lunches and snacks daily using universal health and sanitation practices, and follow YMCA HEPA standards.
Document behavioral issues and incidents as needed.
Conduct and document daily health checks for each child, noting fever, injuries, burns, or other questionable signs of abuse, and report concerns to the Site Supervisor.
Maintain professionalism and communicate regularly with parents and guardians, facility personnel, staff, and clients.
Follow YMCA policies and risk-management and safety procedures, and immediately report incidents and accidents to the Site Director.
Follow facility and YMCA emergency procedures and procedures adopted by emergency service authorities to ensure children’s safety.
Preserve program supplies and materials and notify the Site Supervisor when supplies are needed.
Inspect program areas for cleanliness and safety; check bathrooms for supplies and basic cleanliness before participants enter.
Attend required staff meetings and training opportunities.
Perform additional duties as assigned.