Youth Counselor (PS 97)
About The Position
The Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) is seeking motivated and caring Youth Counselors to join our afterschool programs. The Department of Youth & Community Development/Comprehensive After School System (DYCD/COMPASS) contracts with the CPC to provide youth after school services to school-age children ages 5-12 years old. COMPASS aims to promote positive youth development, foster social and emotional skills, and encourage youth leadership through engaging activities in safe, welcoming environments. The program includes academic support, physical exercise, and enrichment activities such as literacy or STEM to enhance the academic, social, and physical development of children during after-school hours, on certain evenings, weekends, and school holidays. Youth Counselors play a key supportive role in the development, implementation, and evaluation of age-appropriate academic enrichment, recreational, and tutoring activities for School-Age Child Care (SACC) participants. They contribute to a safe, nurturing environment and model positive relationship-building with children, families, CPC staff, and school personnel.
Requirements
- Must be at least 16 years of age.
- Must have a high school diploma or minimum of one year of experience working with children ages 5 to 12 years old in a structured educational, recreational, or youth development setting.
- Strong social and emotional maturity and the ability to manage behavior effectively.
- Knowledge of positive youth development principles.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with children, families, and colleagues.
- Willingness to learn and grow in the role, including participating in training, accepting feedback, and building new skills.
- Demonstrated growth mindset and openness to reflective practice.
- Commitment to CPC’s mission and values, including cultural responsiveness and inclusion.
Nice To Haves
- Bilingual language proficiency preferred: Russian, Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese), or Spanish
Responsibilities
- Assist Group Leaders in planning and delivering engaging academic, enrichment, and recreational activities aligned with DYCD goals, including STEM and literacy initiatives.
- Tutor and provide academic assistance to participants as needed.
- Ensure all activities are age-appropriate, safe, and supportive of children’s development.
- Maintain active supervision of children at all times to ensure a safe and supportive environment; respond appropriately to behavioral concerns and medical needs.
- Document student attendance, behavior incidents, and classroom observations in accordance with CPC policies and program requirements.
- Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative classroom culture that reflects CPC’s values and supports youth development.
- Communicate regularly and maintain positive relationships with program peers, site supervisors, school staff, and CPC leadership.
- Model respectful and professional relationship-building in all interactions with children, parents, staff, and school management.
- Ensure classrooms are organized, well-maintained, and stocked with necessary instructional and recreational materials.
- Participate in professional development and training opportunities to enhance skills and support career growth.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Group Leader, Site Supervisor and Program Director to support program success.
Benefits
- paid New York State sick time
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
