POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Youth Program Director, the Youth Counselor is responsible for leading, developing, and building relationships with the youth participants in the program.
They are responsible for managing these functions in accordance with the stated mission, goals, and policies established by the administrative staff, governing committees, and Board of Directors of the YMCA.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Supervises and builds relationships with a group of elementary and/or middle school Track Out students.
- Implements program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values.
- Responsible for leading special activities for campers, which may include water and swim activities at participating sites.
- Creates an atmosphere that is fun, safe, friendly and challenging.
- Mentors and models responsible behavior while leading children in the program.
- Models and facilitates relationship-building skills in all interactions and maintains positive relationships with campers, parents, school staff and other YMCA staff.
- Adheres to YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergency management.
- Ensures that space and equipment used for the program is taken care of and left in good, clean condition daily.
- Attends staff meetings and trainings.
- Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations. Maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within area of responsibility.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least 16 years of age.
- Previous experience working with children or teens preferred but not required.
- Experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor education, planning and organizing activities, crafts, songs/music, skits, sports, recreational games, etc.
- Specific certifications and/or training may be required.
- Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
- Multi-lingual desired but not required.
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 a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.
- Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, or special accommodations made of sufficient nature for completion of assigned tasks.
- Ability to communicate clearly through speech and understanding of the English language.
- Ability to walk, run, stand, kneel, stoop, and manual dexterity.
- Ability to lift a maximum of 40 pounds.