AfterSchool Counselor

Job Summary:

We are seeking a qualified and enthusiastic AfterSchool Counselor to join our team at the Gaston County Family YMCA. As an AfterSchool Counselor, you will be responsible for leading and building relationships with a group of children, while developing programming that is fun, culturally relevant, and safe.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise a group of participants while providing for the safety and well-being of all.
• Be a role model and set a great example for all children and staff in your area of influence.
• Plans and implements program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, and consistent with YMCA values.
• Adheres to YMCA policies, procedures, and program standards, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, emergency management, safety, and cleanliness standards.
• Models and facilitates relationship-building skills in all interactions and maintains positive relationships with staff, participants, and parents.
• Attends staff meetings, training as directed.
• Utilizes the YMCA voice (nurturing, genuine, hopeful, determined, and welcoming) toward all staff, participants, and parents.
• Knows all special needs of the children in your care.
• Displays a willingness to always assist in the areas of maintaining the building, grounds, and equipment.
• Follows all program guidelines, Get Slick Training, and emergency procedures of the Gaston County Family YMCA.
• Group Control is essential in the handling and care of children. Force is never to be used.
• Follows all Staff Code of Conduct rules.
• Supervises and participates with the children during program hours.
• Assists in the implementation of daily afternoon assemblies.
• Assists in snack time procedures, if applicable.
• Must understand and communicate the YMCA mission in all we do.
• Must avoid any act that would be regarded by the administration or by parents as inconsiderate, improper, or harmful to the participants, staff, or afterschool program (including gossip).
• Assists in the implementation of family nights.
• All other duties as assigned directly/indirectly related to the program by the Lead Coordinator or the Youth and Family Director.

Leadership Competencies:

• Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates Y's values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
• Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Qualifications:

• At least 16 years of age.
• Previous experience working with children preferred.
• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.
• Specific certifications and/or training may be required.

Working Conditions:

The ability to plan, lead, and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, or special accommodations made of sufficient nature for completion of assigned tasks. Ability to communicate clearly through speech and understanding of the English language. Ability to walk, run, stand, kneel, stoop, and manual dexterity. Ability to lift a maximum of 50 pounds.

Skill Development:

• Leadership Development
• Character Development
• Community Development
• Professional Development
• Responsibility and ownership
• Ability to work effectively on a team
• Communication Skills
• Problem solving and conflict resolution
• Group Management
• Public Speaking
• Creativity
• Investing in others
• Inclusion/Ability to respond to individual needs