Youth Development Counselor - Kilpatrick at YMCA of… · Katy

Summary: YMCA of Greater Houston is dedicated to helping young people grow, learn, and thrive. The Youth Development Counselor role involves creating a safe and enriching environment for youth, guiding positive behavior, and leading engaging activities while building strong relationships with children and families. Responsibilities: - Champion Safety & Supervision: Keep children safe, engaged, and accounted for at all times. You’ll monitor activities, conduct headcounts, and respond confidently to any situation using YMCA policies and training - Guide Positive Behavior: Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment by using positive behavior-management techniques that help children grow socially and emotionally - Lead Fun & Meaningful Activities: Bring the YMCA curriculum to life through games, projects, and hands-on learning. You’ll adapt activities to meet the diverse needs and interests of every child - Model YMCA Values: Demonstrate honesty, respect, responsibility, caring, and faith in everything you do. You’ll be a role model that children look up to - Support Daily Operations: Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe program space that meets YMCA and state licensing standards - Build Strong Relationships: Connect with children, families, school staff, and your YMCA team to create a positive, collaborative community - Protect Youth: Follow all child-protection policies, ensure proper sign-in/out procedures, and maintain vigilant supervision of all program areas Required Qualifications: - At least 18 years old - High school diploma or GED - Six months of experience working with youth in a licensed facility, school, church, or similar setting - CPR, First Aid, AED, and Child Abuse Prevention training (or willingness to obtain) - Ability to plan and lead age-appropriate activities - Experience working with diverse populations - Ability to pass state/local background checks and fingerprinting - TB test and any required immunizations per state/local guidelines Preferred Qualifications: - Clear, positive communication - Ability to engage groups of youth - Strong decision-making and problem-solving - Commitment to inclusion and cultural competence - Team-oriented mindset - Desire to grow and help others grow Required Skills: CPR, First Aid, AED, Child Abuse Prevention training, Experience working with diverse populations, Positive behavior management, Planning and leading age-appropriate activities Benefits: Free YMCA Membership, Discounts on YMCA programs, Paid training and professional development, Leadership growth pathways within youth development and beyond, A supportive, mission-driven team environment, Flexible schedules, Opportunities to make a lasting impact on the community and families