Afterschool Program Counselors

Love Working with Kids? - Make an Impact with the YMCA!

Join our Afterschool Program team and help children finish their school day with fun, friendship, and opportunities to learn and grow—while creating an environment where every child feels supported, included, and encouraged to thrive.

As an Afterschool Program Counselor, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a child’s day. You’ll help create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where children can build friendships, explore new interests, develop skills, and simply have fun. Along the way, you’ll put the YMCA’s core values of Honesty, Caring, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith into action.

For more than 110 years, the Raritan Bay Area YMCA has been part of the Perth Amboy community, serving the ever-evolving needs of children, families, and individuals throughout the Raritan Bay area. Located just five miles west of New York City, our Y currently serves more than 6,000 members through programs and initiatives focused on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

Position Details

• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 2:45 p.m.–6:00 p.m.; approximately 16.00 hours per week
• Pay: $15.92–$16.50 per hour
• Position Type: Part-Time, School-Year

Benefits Include

• Professional Growth & Training
• Free YMCA Staff Membership, and discounted program fees (restrictions apply)
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan – Eligible Upon Hire
• Paid NJ Sick Leave
• YMCA Retirement Fund – When Eligible (8% YMCA Contribution / 4% Employee Contribution)

Essential Responsibilities

• Supervise children and ensure their safety, well-being, and positive program experience. 
• Lead and assist with engaging, age-appropriate activities; including games, arts & crafts, homework assistance, and group projects.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment while serving as a positive role model.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, follow program policies and licensing requirements, and assist with daily setup, cleanup, and organization.
• Build positive relationships with children and families, communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors, and respond appropriately to behavioral or safety concerns.

The Raritan Bay Area YMCA is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are also a drug-free workplace.

• Experience in education, childcare, or working with children in a group setting preferred.
• Ability to lead and participate in age-appropriate physical and recreational activities.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups and adapt to individual children’s needs.
• Enthusiastic, dependable, flexible, and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• CPR/First Aid certification a plus, or willingness to obtain.