The YMCA of South Florida is currently looking for enthusiastic, energetic, passionate, team oriented and motivated counselors to join our team. YMCA Counselors are responsible for the overall day-to-day group programming, behavior management, and direct supervision of a group of 15-20 children in a licensed child care/day camp facility.

Essential Functions:

• Supervise and implement activities for a group of children in accordance to both age and developmentally appropriate practices as outlined by the licensing agency, State of Florida and the YMCA of South Florida's curriculum.
• Conduct and maintain any necessary measurable tools to track children’s progress.
• Distribute nutritious snacks on a daily basis using universal health/sanitation practices.
• Maintain coordination with facility personnel for safety and benefit of children in the program.
• Document behavior issues and/or incidents daily, as needed.
• Conduct a health check of each child daily, noting fever, bumps, bruises, burns, or other questionable signs of abuse and document the incident with the Site Supervisor.
• Maintain high level of professional courtesy with parents, facility personnel, staff and clients at all times.
• Know and follow proper emergency procedures appropriate to the facility and in conformity with procedures adopted by the YMCA of South Florida and emergency service authorities to ensure the safety of children.
• Preserve the quality of supplies, equipment and materials. Ensuring proper supply by reporting re-order needs to the Site Supervisor.
• Provide regular inspections of areas used by the program to ensure both cleanliness and safety.
• Check bathrooms for supplies and basic cleanliness before allowing participants to enter.
• Document all necessary administrative forms as directed by Site Supervisor and/or Program Manager.
• Attendance at all staff meetings and training opportunities.
• Report all incidents and accidents within 24 hours to the corporate office.
• Adhere to the Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting requirements which mandate by law all child care personnel to report suspicions of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The YMCA requires employees to follow the internal reporting procedures with the assistance of the Program Managers.
• Ensure that the proper staffs to child ratios are maintained at all times and reports discrepancies to the Site Supervisor as needed.

Job Requirements:

• A high school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 1 (one) year experience in a licensed child care/day camp facility setting which includes direct contact with children.
• Ability to relate to children.
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years-old at the time of hire.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
• Must have a demonstrated competency in the planning and implementation of recreational and educational activities.

Position Profile:

• Outgoing personality enjoys speaking to people.
• Fun, caring, energetic, responsible, and reliable.
• Ability to work well with others to develop good relationships with parents, children, and colleagues.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Within one (1) year of employment, you must have completed the following DCF Trainings:
• The Thirty (30) Hour Training Requirement consisting of (a) Child Growth and Development, (b) Health, Safety and Nutrition, (c) Child Care Facility State and Local Rules and Regulations, (d) Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect, and (e) Behavior Observation and Screening.
• The Ten (10) Hour Developmentally Appropriate Module (Preferred- School Age Appropriate Practices).
• Current CPR and First Aid certificates by time of employment.

After School positions are year-round part-time positions; typical hours are Monday through Friday 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Staff Members are expected to move into a summer camp position in June for the summer, then move back to an after school counselor.

Skills