Youth Development Counselor

Greater Philadelphia YMCA Employment Opportunity!

POSITION PURPOSE

The Youth Development Counselor is responsible for the activities and personnel in providing a positive experience for a group or site; planning and implementing programs and activities appropriate for a specific group or site; ensure safety and well-being of participants; supervising participants and staff to ensure that participants and parent needs and expectations are met.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Support the academic day and School District teacher through activities like but not limited to: recording attendance, assist with classroom management; encourage participant engagement.
• Read and be accountable for YMCA policies and procedures.
• Supervise by being able to identify, KNOW, SEE, RESPOND to ensure the safety of each child in your direct care at all times. Adhere to small group/ratio guidelines.
• Assist in the supervision and planning of activities; ensure all students can participate in all activities, no matter varied abilities. Actively participate in activities to encourage participation. 
• Interpret and maintain safety and health policies and procedures; review and understand your roles and responsibilities in emergency procedures
• Ensure appropriate behavior of participants and staff to avoid risk of accidents; maintain awareness of participants well-being 
• Counselors should be able to identify, address, and redirect/correct inappropriate behavior 
• Adhere to policies and procedures when caring for injured participants; report all incidents. Ensure a safe environment.
• Serve as role model for participants by arriving to meetings and activities at assigned time; displaying good sportsmanship; following YMCA rules and regulations. 
• Assist in maintaining effective communication with parents/guardians regarding participants and participant activities.
• Embody the GPY commitment to diversity and inclusion, no matter race, color, creed, or gender identification.
• Participate in staff training, meetings and conferences as required. 
• Ensure quality of program by noting any problems, safety concerns, or equipment disrepair.
• Ensure location and equipment cleanliness. 
• Develop and implement an activity or program with participants.
• Plan at least one service project to increase participant awareness of environment, cultural diversity or within a prescribed theme.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

ROLE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• At least 18 years old

• High school graduate or equivalent
• Experience working with children and experience working as a Y Camp Counselor or as a counselor in a comparable program is preferred.
• Enthusiasm, sense of humor and patience.
• Ability to deal effectively with inappropriate behavior and recognize hazard situations

OUR CULTURE

At the YMCA we value CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY in personal character and behavior and believe that they are essential to attaining our mission.

OUR MISSION

To improve lives by connecting people to health, well-being, and to each other.

The Greater Philadelphia YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. The Y considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or other protected classification and in accordance with applicable laws.