JOB SUMMARY

**** Pay range: $16 - $17 hourly ****

The Youth Counselor serves youth participants in grades 3-8 in the Strong Fast Fit afterschool program.

Strong Fast Fit explores the many dimensions of wellness, including mind, body and spirit. We are dedicated to empowering BIPOC youth to practice a healthier lifestyle in ways that celebrate cultures and identities through wellness. The program is free for BIPOC youth and incorporates wellness for the whole family. A dynamic position that provides direct service to youth, the Youth Counselor implements activities while prioritizing developing and deepening relationships with youth. The Youth Counselor works closely with the entire Strong Fast Fit staff team; the team collaborates to create a safe, respectful, and highly engaging environment for youth. The Strong Fast Fit Youth Counselor is an integral member of the entire Girls & Youth staff team. This role includes collaborating with and supporting several Girls & Youth programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Implement comprehensive programming

• Lead engaging activities that are age appropriate and culturally relevant wellness activities, for large groups and small groups of youth.
• Collaborate fully and regularly with program co-workers, to create and sustain an after-school environment that embraces all forms of diversity, is student-centered, and is accessible to all students.
• Maintain and implement safety standards for physical and emotional safety.
• Contribute to communication with participants and families, and to program retention efforts to maintain participants.
• Provide staffing support to Girls & Youth programs, as needed.

Perform Administrative Tasks

• Distribute and collect registration forms. Ensure forms are completed accurately.
• Implement program evaluation methods with program participants, in accordance with Girls and Youth evaluation standards and practices.
• Utilize the Apricot program online data management system in accordance with Girls and Youth data practices.
• Provide input for monthly report summaries of activities and impact on participants.

Seek continuous professional development

• Participate in learning experiences that enhance programming efforts.
• Develop and/or enrich activity opportunities that engage youth participant’s interests and requests.
• Participate in meetings with Strong Fast Fit team, as well as school staff, as applicable.
• Collaborate with Girls & Youth Program Managers, Program Coordinators, and Youth Counselors across Girls & Youth programs; develop youth work skills in different programming contexts.

HOURS

Position is Part-Time, for 22-25 hours per week.

• Required shift times = 2:00pm – 7:30pm on Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday
• Scheduled work hours will regularly include program preparation and professional development.
• NOTES:

Program Days = Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday

Program Hours (youth present) = 4:00-7:00pm

Worksite is YWCA MIDTOWN: 2121 E Lake St Minneapolis Minnesota

RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Strong Fast Fit Program Coordinator, who reports to the Girls and Youth Program Manager. The Youth Counselor will collaborate with the Strong Fast Fit staff team and will work regularly with Girls and Youth staff. The Youth Counselor may also work with Minneapolis Public Schools staff as well as Community Organization contacts. Critical relationships will include program participants and families.

QUALIFICATIONS

EXPERIENCE:

One year of experience working with youth from low-income and inner-city families

• One year of experience planning and facilitating effective, structured groups
• EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Ability to lead activities with youth in after-school setting
• Excellent initiative to carry out tasks and responsibilities independently (with minimal supervision), as well as in a team setting.
• Ability to work as a team with program staff.
• Commitment to respecting and valuing the backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives of all youth participants.
• Ability to communicate with program staff and families in a respectful and professional manner.
• Commitment to upholding YWCA and Strong Fast Fit program policies and practices.
• HEALTH AND SAFETY: Must be CPR and First Aid certified or willing to be certified within first 90 days.
• YWCA MISSION: Strong belief in YWCA and ability to convey its importance.
• Preferred competency: Language proficiency: example Somali, Amharic, Spanish, Hmong

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to lift and carry supplies on a regular basis.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Position is highly mobile throughout the program site.
• Must have consistent reliable transportation to the program site.