Youth Development Counselor - Wolman

YMCA - Katy, TX

Part-time - Entry Level

Katy, TX

Social Assistance

About the position

The Youth Development Counselor at the YMCA of Greater Houston is responsible for providing quality care and supervision to children in before and after-school programs and camps. This role focuses on teaching values, ensuring safety, and facilitating structured play and educational activities in alignment with state childcare licensing requirements and YMCA policies. The counselor is expected to create a positive experience for children and parents, emphasizing youth development and the YMCA's core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, caring, and faith.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and security of all children in the program at all times.
• Monitor children's activities to ensure safe and age-appropriate behaviors.
• Conduct regular headcounts and maintain accurate attendance records.
• Respond appropriately and promptly to emergencies and incidents, following established YMCA policies.
• Implement positive behavior management techniques to promote a respectful and inclusive environment.
• Address behavioral issues in a calm and constructive manner, following established guidelines.
• Implement a variety of age-appropriate activities, encouraging positive social interactions among children.
• Follow all organizational policies and procedures related to health and safety, child protection, and confidentiality.
• Maintain a clean and organized environment, adhering to sanitation and safety standards.
• Report any concerns or issues to the Site Lead or Program Director in a timely manner.
• Maintain the program site and camp environment by adhering to YMCA program standards and childcare licensing minimum standards.
• Supervise children under the direction of the Site Lead and act as a role model by exemplifying YMCA's core values.
• Maintain positive relations with children, parents, school personnel, and other staff.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and trainings.
• Report suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations, following mandated reporting requirements.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 6 months working with youth at a licensed facility, church, school, or equivalent.
• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse prevention trainings.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate program activities.
• Previous experience with diverse populations.
• Current record of tuberculosis examination and/or current local health department regulations, examinations, and/or immunization as required.
• Pass a local/state background and FBI fingerprinting check.

Nice-to-haves

• Prior childcare or babysitting experience is preferred.