Youth Program Counselor-Outdoor Education Center

Montclair YMCA•Montclair, NJ

7d•$16 - $17•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Program Counselor oversees a group of teens and youth at the YMCA of Montclair’s Outdoor Education Center, including during Parent’s Night Out and Staycation programs. Under the general direction of the Director of Teen & Outdoor Youth Programs, the counselor helps ensure a healthy, positive, safe, and high-quality program through appropriate supervision and implementation of activities. The position involves active participation in outdoor camp activities and working in an environment that includes wooded trails, hills, grass, and hiking paths. The counselor communicates with youth, parents, staff, and volunteers; supports other counselors and staff with directions; maintains equipment and property; and helps keep facilities clean and safe. The role also requires following emergency, abuse-prevention, supervision, and reporting procedures, and modeling the YMCA’s values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. The work is primarily outdoors and may require occasional travel. Schedules depend on program needs. Examples include School’s Out at the Lake from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and Parent’s Night Out from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM; dates and times may vary. Hourly pay is $16.13–$17.00. The position is located at 131 Germantown Road, West Milford, NJ 07480.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age and/or a high school graduate.
Knowledge of crafts, group games, and sports.
Excellent human relations skills and good organizational and communication skills.
Knowledge of and commitment to the YMCA mission and its role in building strong kids, families, and communities.
Ability to articulate and model the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
Must have CPR/AED and First Aid certification or obtain certification within 90 days of employment.
Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
Ability to perform the physical activities required, including climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing for extended periods, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, feeling, hearing, and visual acuity.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in recreation, teaching, childcare, or physical education is preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensure the safety and health of youth and teens through proper supervision in accordance with applicable New Jersey requirements.
Implement activities as directed and actively participate in outdoor camp programs and activities.
Navigate outdoor terrain, including wooded trails, hills, grass, and hiking paths.
Maintain equipment and property, minimize damage, and inform the director when equipment is needed or requires repair.
Communicate positively and enthusiastically with participants, parents, staff, and volunteers.
Treat each youth and teen with dignity and respect.
Provide directions to additional counselors and staff.
Report accidents and incidents involving oneself, participants, guests, or other employees.
Know and implement emergency procedures.
Ensure the cleanliness of the facility or property.
Keep a watch available at all times to ensure the group arrives at assigned activities on time; cell phones and electronic devices may not be used instead of a watch.
Demonstrate and model the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
Behave professionally and in the best interest of the Association, and cooperate effectively and congenially with YMCA staff, volunteers, and members.
Adhere to policies concerning boundaries with members, volunteers, staff, and participants.
Attend required Abuse Risk Management training and follow procedures for managing high-risk activities and supervising members and participants.
Report suspicious or inappropriate behavior and policy violations, and follow mandated abuse-reporting procedures.
Keep unused rooms and closets locked and routinely monitor high-risk locations such as locker rooms and restrooms.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.