Lead Afterschool Counselor: Harris YMCA

The Lead Afterschool Counselor is responsible for providing leadership, guidance, and support to the YMCA’s afterschool program staff while ensuring a safe, engaging, and structured environment for children. This role includes overseeing daily program operations, mentoring and training new counselors, communicating with parents, and assisting with conflict resolution among staff and participants. The Lead Counselor plays a key role in fostering a positive and inclusive environment that aligns with the YMCA’s mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Culture Statement

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to
collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose.

We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction
meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope
– promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.
We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying
grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible.
Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater
purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they
occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own.

We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer
Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences. 

Essential Functions

• Lead and support a team of afterschool counselors, ensuring consistency in programming and supervision.
• Train, mentor, and provide ongoing support to new and existing counselors to enhance program
quality.
• Oversee daily program operations, ensuring activities run smoothly and meet YMCA standards.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians, addressing concerns, providing updates, and ensuring a strong partnership between families and the program.
• Resolve conflicts among children and staff, using positive behavior management techniques and
problem-solving strategies.
• Ensure all YMCA policies and safety procedures are followed, including supervision ratios, check-in/check-out processes, and emergency protocols.
• Assist in planning and leading structured activities, including arts, sports, and enrichment
programs.
• Monitor staff performance, providing feedback and recommendations for improvement.
• Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment, ensuring all participants feel supported and
engaged.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development opportunities to continuously improve
leadership and program effectiveness

Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
• Prior experience working with children or in a leadership role preferred (training provided for the
right candidate).
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to train, mentor, and guide other staff
members.
• Ability to manage and resolve conflicts professionally, both among children and staff.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire, training
provided).
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents and guardians, maintaining positive relationships.
• Organized and proactive, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions in a
fast-paced environment.
• Ability to create a structured, nurturing, and fun environment while ensuring safety and discipline.
• Physical ability to participate in activities, including bending, lifting (up to 40 lbs.), and engaging in outdoor play.
• Commitment to the YMCA’s mission, values, and fostering a welcoming and inclusive
environment for all.

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and
programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. 

Preferred Qualifications
• Previous experience working with children. 

Working Conditions

• Walking
• Sitting
• Stooping
• Standing
• Vision
• Kneeling
• Writing
• Climbing
• Hearing
• Running
• Lifting/Pushing/Pulling(50lbs)

Competencies

1. EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations
2. COMMUNICATION & INFLUENCE: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that
   engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause
3. PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended
   impact occurs
4.  DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers,
   members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential

To learn more about our Y-USA Leadership Competencies, please click here