Youth Counselor

Our YWCA has been serving the community since 1920 with programs that improve lives, inspire change, and create opportunities. We provide safe, welcoming places for women, girls, and families to learn, share, and grow; support women and girls on their paths to educational, career, and financial success; and advocate for women’s rights and civil rights.

We are one of  the area’s largest provider of child care services, a recognized leader in health and wellness programs, and operator of healingSPACE, Bergen County’s only Sexual Violence Resource Center. Women, girls and families come to us for a variety of reasons. Our hope is that they leave with a renewed spirit, healthy relationships, new skills, and stronger lives.

This position is part time, 25-30 hours per week.

Elementary school shifts are 7am-9am and/or 2:45pm-7pm.

There are openings in Dumont, Oradell, Cresskill and Harrington Park for 5 days a week (Monday through Friday)

Enthusiastically represent the YWCA by displaying a positive attitude, maintaining a high level of energy and commitment to quality throughout all aspects of the job. The SAP Youth Counselor is responsible for following the daily schedule and implementing programming as directed by the Site Supervisor.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Site Supervisor to create a fun, safe, engaging before and afterschool program. Consistently actively engage with all children at all times – do not sit on sideline just watching activity.
• Follow the school-age curriculum /daily and monthly schedule as directed by the Site Supervisor
• Assist the Site Supervisor to take attendance daily and keep track of participant absences
• Prepare and organize snacks for children, remind them to wash hands, assist with clean up
• Assist with homework as directed
• Inform the Site Supervisor when there is a need to replenish/refurbish equipment, crafts and first aid supplies at your site.
• Assure that all activities are in accordance with the policies and philosophy of the YWCA, and NJ DCF standards
• Assist the Site Supervisors to handle participant-related problems, including behavior problems, accommodating those with special needs as directed
• Comply with New Jersey State Licensing Requirements and adhere to YWCA Policies and Procedures including Risk Management Policies and Procedures.
• Ensure that incident report(s) are properly documented and submitted to your Site Supervisor within 24 hours of incident(s).
• Meet with Site supervisor monthly and attend departmental and other staff meetings as requested.
• Attend recommended training, educational programs that would enhance YWCA programs.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all personal information about children, families, and staff. Foster a sense of belonging, safety, and community to participants.
• Participate in vacation day events as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications Education/Experience:

High School Diploma / GED and at least one year working in youth/childcare setting - required

Licensing and/or Certifications:

Required to successfully complete CPR/First Aid certification within 30 days of hire.

Skills and Abilities: 

Ability to work as a part of a team and to collaborate with colleagues. 

Demonstrated communication skills (verbal and listening). 

Excellent organizational skills. 

Ability to work in a fast paced environment and with a diverse population. 

Demonstrated problem solving ability. 

Capability to respond to emergency situations and handle stress.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Walk, talk, sit, hear and lift up to 20 lbs.

Travel, (If applicable) Program assignment can vary, must be able to travel to other school sites

Additional Comments

Must embrace the mission and values of the YWCA, have a strong customer focus, and the ability to work with a multigenerational, diverse workforce and membership.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required to perform this job, rather describes the essential functions/responsibilities of the job.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.