School Age Counselor

YMCA Virginia Peninsulas•Smithfield, VA

About The Position

Under the supervision of the designated supervisor, the School Age Counselor delivers the school age program to an assigned group of students in accordance with the mission, policies, and goals of the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas. The role emphasizes high-quality service and working with staff to welcome, connect, support, and engage members, guests, and staff. The counselor supervises and supports students, helps maintain their safety and behavior, prepares and cleans up activity materials, and participates in organized activities. The counselor maintains attendance and other assigned records, communicates with parents with assistance from the School-Age Director or designated supervisor, and follows applicable child-care standards, department standards, and emergency procedures. The position supports youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, and the YMCA’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Success includes contributing to member satisfaction and retention, positive community relationships, a safe and clean facility, and a pleasant work environment.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Six months of experience working with children.
Proof of a negative TB test within the last two years.
CPR, First Aid, AED, and O2 certification required within 30 days.
Complete and maintain required trainings, including New Employee Orientation, Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention, and Sexual Harassment training upon hire and annually thereafter.
Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check, Virginia State Police background check, and Child Protective Services check.
Ability to communicate and work with assigned ages and skill levels and provide necessary instruction to students.
Ability to observe student behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to assigned activities.
Physical strength and endurance to maintain constant supervision of students.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Medication Administration Training (MAT) certification may be required.

Responsibilities

Support the YMCA’s mission, vision, and goals.
Promote a professional work environment and model the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Lead in ways that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Supervise, manage the behavior of, and ensure the safety of an assigned group of students, maintaining sight and sound supervision.
Maintain accurate attendance and other assigned records.
Prepare and clean up supplies and materials for daily activities.
Participate in organized games and activities, including swimming, teambuilding activities, and arts and crafts.
With assistance from the School-Age Director or designated supervisor, communicate with parents about students’ needs and report daily activities.
Attend scheduled staff meetings and trainings.
Follow Virginia Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers and department Platinum standards.
Wear the staff uniform and name tag, or professional attire when appropriate.
Act as a leader in emergency situations and report accidents or incidents according to the Emergency Communication Action Plan.
Help ensure members, guests, and program participants are in a safe environment and follow the branch Emergency Operations Plan.
Carry out other related duties as needed by the Youth and Family Services Department and branch operations.