What are the responsibilities and job description for the AFTERSCHOOL COUNSELOR position at YMCA OF SOUTH ALABAMA INC?
Department: Youth Development
Reports To: Afterschool Site Director / Program Coordinator/Before school Director
Status: Part-time
Position Summary
The Before and/or Afterschool Counselor supports the YMCA’s mission by providing a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for children during afterschool hours. Counselors lead activities, supervise participants, and serve as positive role models while promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Essential Functions
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Supervise and ensure the safety of children at all times
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Lead age-appropriate activities including homework help, games, arts & crafts, and enrichment programs
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Build positive relationships with participants, families, and staff
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Maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment
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Follow YMCA policies, procedures, and behavior management guidelines
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Assist with set-up, clean-up, attendance, and daily documentation
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Communicate effectively with site leadership regarding participant needs or concerns
Model YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
PRAESIDIUM CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION VERBIAGE
Employees and volunteers who directly supervise consumers will:
- Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
- Attend required abuse risk management training.
- Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising consumers.
- Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
- Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
Employees and volunteers who do not directly supervise consumers will:
- Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
- Attend required abuse risk management training.
- Report suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
- Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
- Adhere to job specific abuse risk management responsibilities.
- Maintenance employees and volunteers—ensure unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely monitor high-risk locations (locker-rooms and bathrooms), etc.
- Front desk personnel—ensure consumers are properly signed in and signed out, ensures only authorized adults are allowed inthe facility, etc.
Supervisors and administrators will:
- Follow employees and volunteers screening requirements and use screening instruments to screen for abuse risk.
- Provide employees and volunteers with on-going supervision and training related to abuse risk.
- Provide employees and volunteers with regular feedback regarding their boundaries with consumers.
- Require employees and volunteers to adhere to policies and procedures related to abuse risk.
- Respond seriously and confidentially to reports of suspicious and inappropriate behaviors.
- Follow mandated reporting requirements.
- Communicate to all employees and volunteers the organization’s commitment to protect their consumers from abuse.
- Report essential abuse risk management information to the board of directors.
Qualifications
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Age 18 or over preferred
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High school diploma or equivalent preferred
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Experience working with children in a group setting preferred
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills
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Ability to supervise children and manage groups effectively
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CPR, First Aid, and other required YMCA trainings (or ability to obtain)
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Willing to submit to an annual background check
Physical Demands
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Ability to stand, walk, bend, and actively participate in activities
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Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
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Ability to work both indoors and outdoors
Work Schedule
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Monday–Friday during the school year
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Afternoon hours aligned with school dismissal times. Before school hours align with school entry times.
YMCA Competencies
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Relationships: Builds authentic, supportive relationships
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Communication: Listens and communicates effectively
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Inclusion: Values and respects diversity
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Teamwork: Works cooperatively with others