CC Counselor

The Afterschool childcare counselor is responsible for the daily supervision of after-school program participants grades K-8.This position is responsible for assisting in the planning, development, and implementation of program components and program activities in the after-school program. The Leader guides the academic and social development of children; ensuring a safe, enriching, and healthy learning environment. Group Leaders use a variety of resources, provided by the After-School Site Director to introduce new skills throughout the execution of activities. To accomplish this, Afterschool Childcare Counselors are required to participate in 20 hours of DCYF approved professional development and planning sessions with the After-School Site Director on a scheduled basis.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Afterschool Childcare Counselor must have the competencies, skills, and proven leadership ability to successfully carry out the YMCA mission, goals, and visions for serving the community. The Afterschool Childcare Counselor be responsible for the following:

• Ensures the safety and engagement of children in assigned group.

• Plans and facilitates purposeful and engaging activities and group projects that compliments the program's thematic or project-based agenda.

• Provide assistance with homework and encourage academic progress.

• Follows program lesson plans and implementation plan in a developmentally appropriate manner, meeting the individual physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of the participants.

• Provides careful, attentive supervision, alert at all times.

• Serves as a positive role model, demonstrates professional behavior and understand positive youth development approaches to the academic and social development of youth.

• Facilitates a program environment that invites exploration, promotes positive play, and welcomes children.

• Promotes a team concept through a positive approach to supervision, communication, and interactions with others. Maintains on-going communication with supervisor.

• Maintain accurate classroom records as assigned and according to program requirements.

• Communicates regularly with parents; attends parent/family events as designated by supervisor.

• Demonstrates a working knowledge of YMCA mission, purpose and goals, childcare policies and YMCA standards; ensures the program meets the highest standards of excellence.

Qualifications

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Must be at least 18 years of age or older.

• High School Diploma or equivalent and have had either formal training in Childcare/youth development or at least 1 year of supervised experience working with school age children in a group setting.

• Exceptional group management, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

• Experience in creating interactive and educational/artistic activities, youth development, academic enrichment, and STEAM.

• Must possess oral, auditory and written communication skills appropriate for interacting with both children and adults.

• Must be capable of implementing the daily administrative, program related, and supervisory responsibilities of an after-school site.

• Flexibility, with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Values. Demonstrates in word and action the Y's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility and a commitment to the Y's mission, in all matters at all times.

• Inclusion. Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting

practices that support diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence.

• Relationships. Builds authentic relationships in the service of enhancing individual and team performance to support the Y's work.

• Influence. Employs influence strategies (verbal, personal and written) that engage, inspire, and build commitment to the cause and overall Y goals.

• Communication. Listens and expresses self effectively and in a manner that reflects a true understanding of the needs of the audience. Understands and expertly utilizes current methods of communication.

• Developing Others. Recognizes and acts on the need to continually develop others' capabilities to attain the highest level of performance possible.

• Decision Making. Integrates logic, intuition, and sound judgment to analyze information to identify greatest opportunities, make sound decisions, and solve problems.

• Change Capacity. Leads self and others through change by navigating ambiguity appropriately and adapting well to new situations, obstacles, and opportunities.

• Emotional Maturity. Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills.

• Quality Results. Demonstrates and fosters a strong commitment to achieving goals in a manner that provides evidenced-based quality experiences.

• Innovation. Participates in the generation, experimentation, and implementation of new approaches and activities that