School Aged Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibilities. Under the direction of the Director, the Child Care Staff will be responsible for assisting in overall supervision and classroom management using the specific goals, objectives and curriculum for a group of children. The Child care staff guides the development of children, ensuring a safe, enriching and healthy environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist with the day to day operation in the assigned area
• Create a compassionate attitude when interacting with and caring for children
• Implement activities that are developmentally appropriate, meeting the needs of all of the children in the group
• Maintain ratios at all times
• Provide active supervision and is alert at all times must be able to see and hear all children in your assigned group
• Provide a program that exhibits high standards in cleanliness and preparation
• Work as a team through positive approach with other staff members
• Communicate with program family members in a positive way at all times
• Demonstrates appropriate decision making abilities
• Upholds and exemplifies the YMCA principles of character and customer service
• Performs all other duties as assigned by supervisor
• Obtain minimum of 20 hours of professional development per year in a field related to children as required by DHS.
• Attend and participate in program activities, staff meetings and staff trainings.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Child Care Staff

(Competencies for "Leader"):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals,

clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 18 year of age
• High School diploma
• CPR/First Aid Certification (within 6 months of hire)
• Completion of all DHS paperwork and trainings
• Ability to understand and comply with YMCA Child Abuse Prevention policies.
• Completion of criminal background check and screening in accordance with YMCA standards.
• Completion of required Child Abuse Prevention training prior to and throughout employment.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with youth.
• Ability to understand and comply with YMCA Child Abuse Prevention policies.
• Completion of criminal background check and screening in accordance with YMCA standards.
• Completion of required Child Abuse Prevention training prior to and throughout employment.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with youth.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This section includes any unique working conditions as well as physical demands, which will vary based on the position and may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation. In light of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the inclusive nature of the Y, it is crucial that the physical and mental dimensions of each job be accurately and clearly identified, and not overstated.

• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
• Must be able to lift and carry/or assist children us to 50 pounds in weight
• Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.