'25-'26 Charlottesville Lead After School Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY:

The YMCA After School Program is looking for a Cause-Driven leader who will be able to provide a safe and quality experience for children while supporting the Y’s focus: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. With support from the Site Supervisor, the Lead Counselor will be responsible for providing direction to a group of elementary-aged children. This position will lead a group in daily enrichment lessons, assist with homework support, and participate with the group during health & wellness activities, along with day-to-day site operations.

The YMCA After School program operates on-site at all elementary schools in Charlottesville City Schools (Sunshine, Greenbrier, Jackson-Via, Johnson, Walker, Summit, and Trailblazer).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Work between 1:45pm-5:30pm, Monday-Friday.

• Prepare/set up and implement daily enrichment activities.

• Adhere to program standards including safety and cleanliness.

• Supervise the children, classroom, and all activities.

• Maintain program site and equipment.

• Create a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth; model relationship-building skills in all interactions.

• Provide and welcome ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their child’s needs and progress; connect families to the Y.

• Maintain thorough knowledge of the licensing standards set forth by the Commonwealth of Virginia and maintain compliance at all times.

• Attend and participate in all program activities and team meetings.

• Adhere to the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

• Actively seek to continuously update skills by attending outside workshops whenever possible, becoming active in professional organizations and constantly seeking new ideas and materials.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Advancing Our Mission & Cause: Engaging Community, Volunteerism, Philanthropy, Change Leadership Building Relationships: Collaboration, Communication & Influence, Inclusion

Leading Operations: Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Fiscal Management, Functional Expertise, Innovation. Program/Project Management

Developing & Inspiring People: Developing Self & Others, Emotional Maturity

QUALIFICATIONS

• Meets educational and experience qualifications established by the Department of Social Services Division of Licensing.
• At least 18 years of age.
• At least six months experience working in a supervised child program or setting required; at least one year of experience working with children in a developmental setting is preferred.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Previous experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Participation in required in-service training (24 hours) annually.
• Completion of all required trainings prior to start date.
• First Aid & CPR and MAT certifications within the first 30 days.
• Must pass background check and receive negative TB result before beginning work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to plan, lead, and implement indoor and outdoor activities.
• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• The physical demands 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.