Job Title:           Lead Counselor           

Branch:             Oakbrook/Ponds/Downtown

FLSA Status:     Non-Exempt (Hourly) Part-Time

Reports To:       Program Director

Job:                   Starting Pay: $14.00

Revision Date:  January 29, 2024

  

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

Provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal day camp and/or afterschool program.  Provides a quality experience to children and parents focused on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring.

PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES:

  • Assist Program Director with development of program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values.
  • Serves as a supervisor and Co-Lead Counselor, but also as a support to childcare staff.
  • Administers and adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards.
  • Plans and conducts staff meetings and trainings.
  • Implement and educate the staff on risk management concerns, policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies. Needs to be sure HR receives all forms within a 24-hour period.
  • Models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Responsible for first impressions with parents at designated facility.
  • Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s core values and has a desire to fulfill community needs.
  • Provides a high-quality experience to children and parents by planning and implementing program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, and consistent with the Y’s core values.
  • Improvises quickly and appropriately when faced with unexpected circumstances, so as to better meet the needs of members.
  • Maintains positive relationships with parents and other staff through seeking to understand the other’s point of view, building credibility, and remaining calm in challenging situations.
  • Communicates concerns, issues, and suggestions regarding the program, facility, staff, participants, and parents with Family Program Director.
  • Will contact parents regarding any participant concerns, absentees, balances, etc. throughout the summer or school year.
  • Will maintain the participant records such as emergency contacts, and special needs.
  • Should be able to register participants for programs and membership. Must be knowledgeable about all programs.
  • Other duties as assigned.

ABILITY TO:

  • Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with members, staff, and others contacted in the course of the work.
  • Maintain cooperative community relationships.
  • Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
  • Set an example for the participants by displaying YMCA Core Values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
  • Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Carrying _ X_    Kneeling _X_                    Pushing X_     Sitting X_
Climbing _X_    Lifting _X (min 25lbs)        Running X_     Stooping _X_
Crouching _X_  Pulling _X_                       Standing X_    Walking _X_

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Y’s values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives.  Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

Operational Effectiveness:  Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance.  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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • High school graduate or equivalent; one year or more of college preferred.
  • Previous experience working with children preferably in a day camp setting
  • Experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc…
  • At least 18 years of age (The age minimum may be higher depending on state law and YMCA policies.)
  • CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse Prevention training within 30 days of hire date.
  • Completion of all mandatory on-line courses – ALL COURSES MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO 1ST DAY OF WORK.
  • Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

EDUCATION:

High School diploma or equivalent.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Proficient in the Windows Environment, emphasis on Word, and Excel.