McGill AfterSchool Counselor 26-27 SY at GASTON COUNTY… · Belmont

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Youth Development Program Director and/or Lead Coordinator and consistent with the Gaston County Family YMCA Mission, the after school staff is responsible for leading and building relationships with a group of children, while developing programming that is fun, culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and safe. They provide a quality experience to children and parents with a focus on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. After School counselors strengthen their professional, interpersonal and management skills through daily responsibilities of the job.

After School programs are for kindergarteners through 8th grade and are held on-site at all three Gaston County Family YMCA locations: Cherryville, McGill and Warlick.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: We believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide active supervision of assigned participants at all times, ensuring their safety, well-being, and positive engagement throughout the program.
• Plan, lead, and participate in developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive activities that support the YMCA's mission, core values, and youth development goals.
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating professionalism, integrity, respect, and appropriate behavior in all interactions with children, families, staff, and community partners.
• Build and maintain positive, supportive relationships with participants, parents/guardians, and coworkers while utilizing the YMCA voice: Nurturing, Genuine, Hopeful, Determined, and Welcoming.
• Maintain awareness of each child's individual needs, including medical, behavioral, and developmental considerations, and respond appropriately.
• Assist with daily program operations, including assemblies, snack service (when applicable), family engagement events, transitions, clean-up, and other scheduled activities.
• Follow all Gaston County Family YMCA policies, procedures, operational standards, emergency protocols, Get Slick training requirements, and program expectations.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to child safety by consistently adhering to all YMCA Child Protection policies, Praesidium Academy standards, abuse risk management practices, mandated reporting requirements, supervision expectations, and professional boundaries with participants.
• Maintain appropriate group management using positive behavior guidance techniques. Physical force or inappropriate discipline is strictly prohibited.
• Uphold the YMCA Staff Code of Conduct and avoid behaviors that could negatively impact participants, families, staff, or the reputation of the YMCA, including gossip or unprofessional conduct.
• Attend and actively participate in required staff meetings, training, certifications, and professional development opportunities.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers and complete required abuse risk management training before working with consumers and on an annual basis.
• Support the YMCA's mission and values through daily interactions and contribute to a safe, inclusive, welcoming, and high-quality program environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are directly or indirectly related to the successful operation of the Afterschool Program.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: (skills to be developed while working as a YMCA employee)

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, or special accommodations made of sufficient nature for completion of assigned tasks. Ability to communicate clearly through speech and understanding of the English language. Ability to walk, run, stand, kneel, stoop, and manual dexterity. Ability to lift a maximum of 50 pounds.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT:

• Leadership Development

• Character Development

• Community Development

• Professional Development

• Responsibility and ownership

• Ability to work effectively on a team

• Communication Skills

• Problem solving and conflict resolution

• Group Management

• Public Speaking

• Creativity

• Investing in others

• Inclusion/Ability to respond to individual needs

• At least 16 years of age.

• Previous experience working with children, preferred.

• Previous experience with diverse populations, preferred.

• Specific certifications and/or training may be required such as Praesidium Academy Child Abuse Prevention Training, CPR/First Aid and New Employee Orientation.