What are the responsibilities and job description for the Academic Career Counselor position at YMCA OF YONKERS INC?
YMCA of Yonkers
Job Title: Academic and Career Counselor
Status: Part-Time (Hourly, Non-Exempt)
Pay Rate: $20.00 – $22.00 per hour (25 hours per week)
Reports To: Teen Center Program Manager
Department: Youth Development / Teen Center
POSITION SUMMARY
The Academic and Career Counselor plays a central role in supporting youth development within the YMCA of Yonkers Teen Center, a structured year-round program serving youth ages 14–21.
This position provides individualized academic and career counseling, facilitates group workshops, and supports youth in developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to transition successfully into postsecondary education, vocational training, or the workforce. The role combines direct service, program facilitation, and youth engagement to ensure consistent participation and measurable outcomes aligned with program goals.
In addition, this role incorporates structured sports and recreational activities as a youth engagement strategy to build relationships, reinforce life skills, and promote positive development outcomes.
Working under the supervision of the Teen Center Program Manager, this position ensures that program delivery is structured, engaging, and aligned with YMCA standards and youth development best practices.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
At the Y, our youth development work is rooted in three key areas:
Achievement: Supporting youth in reaching academic, career, and personal goals
Relationships: Building strong, trusting connections that foster mentorship and engagement
Belonging: Creating a safe, inclusive environment where all youth feel valued and supported
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Academic and Career Counseling
- Provide individualized academic and career guidance to participants
- Support goal setting, academic planning, and postsecondary pathway development
- Facilitate workshops on resume writing, interview preparation, college applications, FAFSA, financial literacy, and career exploration
- Monitor participant progress and maintain accurate case notes and documentation
- Support completion of readiness milestones such as resumes, applications, and career plans
- Provide postsecondary transition and retention support, including follow-ups and resource referrals
- Maintain ongoing communication with alumni participants to support persistence in education or employment pathways
- Lead Youth Advisory Council activities and incorporate youth voice into programming
Program Facilitation and Youth Development
- Plan and facilitate structured group workshops aligned with Teen Center goals
- Build strong relationships with youth to support engagement and retention
- Collaborate with program staff to ensure coordinated service delivery
- Support recruitment and retention through outreach and relationship building
- Engage families through communication, workshops, and program updates
Sports and Recreational Engagement
- Coordinate and facilitate structured sports and recreational activities
- Use sports to reinforce teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution
- Support scheduling and use of recreational spaces
- Assist with setup and organization of equipment and activities
Program Data Tracking, Reporting, and Compliance
- Maintain accurate attendance, participation records, and case documentation
- Ensure timely and consistent data entry
- Track participant progress toward program outcomes
- Support reporting requirements and maintain audit-ready documentation
- Assist with site visits, monitoring, and compliance reviews
Program Operations and Coordination
- Work collaboratively with program staff to ensure consistent service delivery
- Participate in team meetings, trainings, and quality improvement efforts
- Support program scheduling and activity coordination
- Maintain organized program materials and documentation systems
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
- Communication and Relationship Building
- Youth Development and Facilitation
- Program Coordination
- Organization and Documentation
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree preferred (Education, Counseling, Human Services, or related field)
- Minimum 2 years of experience working with youth (ages 14–21)
- Experience in college access, career readiness, or youth programming preferred
- Experience facilitating workshops or group activities
- Interest or experience in sports or recreational programming preferred
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred
AVAILABILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Monday to Friday (5 hours per day, 25 hours per week)
- Schedule aligned with afterschool and program hours
- Occasional flexibility required for events or activities
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to facilitate classroom and recreational activities
- Ability to actively engage with youth in group and physical settings
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
- Ability to work in a dynamic youth program environment
JOIN OUR TEAM
This role serves as a key connection point between academic support, career readiness, and youth engagement within the Teen Center. By combining counseling, skill-building, and recreational programming, the Academic and Career Counselor helps ensure that youth remain engaged, supported, and prepared for their next steps.
If you are passionate about youth development and creating meaningful opportunities for young people, we welcome you to apply.
Qualifications:
Salary : $20 - $22