After School Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The After School Counselor at the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all youth, and provides a quality experience to both youth and their families.

OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Implements curriculum within the established guidelines provided by the coordinator/director/executive director.
• Supervises the children, classroom, and all program activities.
• Designs and implements daily lesson/activity plans.
• Follows all procedures and standards as established by the law or the Y; makes ADA accommodations where appropriate; maintains the program site, equipment, and required program records (sign in/out records).
• Nurtures children through purposeful programming; creates lesson plans that are intended to achieve program goals and outcomes.
• Creates a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth.
• Provides opportunities for youth to lead, problem-solve, and make decisions and choices within the program and provides daily opportunities for youth to reflect on and respond to their experiences.
• Makes ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
• Provides and welcomes ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their child’s needs and progress; conducts parent/caregiver conferences; connects families to the Y.
• Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
• Engage fully with all children at all times.
• Assist all children with homework and other academic needs. (Must be complete and correct)
• Wear provided staff shirt and other uniform portions while working.
• Maintain the facilities by setting up and cleaning all program areas at start and completion of each shift.
• Bus procedures are followed and implemented with all participants.
• Any other tasks as assigned by your supervisor.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Communication & Influence
• Developing Self & Others
• Program/Project Management

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Meets educational and experience qualifications established by state law and/or the Y.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications required.
• Child Abuse Prevention required as part of onboarding.
• Meets minimum age standards as established by state law and/or the Y.
• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate

program activities.

• Previous experience with diverse populations.
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities.