Afterschool Counselor

**Why Your Role Matters** This is a seasonal, part-time position that follows the academic school year, beginning in August and continuing through May/June. The role offers weekday afternoon shifts from **2:00 PM -- 6:30 PM** at elementary schools in the Austin, Manor, and Kyle/Buda areas. Enjoy weekends off and a free YMCA membership! As an Afterschool Youth Development Leader, you'll create a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for children ages 4--12. You'll lead activities that foster social-emotional growth, support academic success, and make afternoons fun and enriching. Most importantly, you'll help students feel seen, supported, and excited to learn and grow throughout the school year. **How You Will Make an Impact** - Lead and engage youth in a variety of activities, including games, arts and crafts, STEM projects, outdoor play, and academic support, that promote learning, creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. - Supervise groups of children throughout the program day, ensuring their safety, well-being, and positive participation while adhering to YMCA policies and Texas Childcare licensing standards. - Foster social-emotional development by modeling positive behavior and the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. - Create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where all participants feel valued, supported, and encouraged to succeed. - Follow established curriculum and lesson plans while adapting activities to meet the needs and interests of participants. - Communicate effectively with children, families, and staff, providing updates, addressing concerns, and building positive relationships. - Serve and supervise snack time while maintaining sanitation, health, and safety standards. - Manage program operations through attendance tracking, activity preparation, documentation, organization, and other administrative responsibilities. - Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities to enhance program quality and effectiveness. - Serve as a positive ambassador of the YMCA's mission, vision, and values, contributing to a strong and supportive community. - Complete other duties as assigned. **What You Bring to the Y** - 18 years of age with a high school degree or equivalent. - Availability to work Monday through Friday from 2:00 PM -- 6:30 PM. - A minimum of one year of experience in camps, childcare programs, or similar environments is preferred. - Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills. - Ability to lead with a positive, service-oriented attitude. - **Growth Mindset:** Learn and improve to better serve members and the mission. - **Team Player:** Work collaboratively with others and support a positive team environment. - **Communicates Effectively:** Listens actively and communicates clearly with members and peers. - **Fosters Belonging:** Ensure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and included. - **Customer Focused:** Anticipates needs and ensures quality, member-centered service. - **Self-Development:** Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged. **Physical Requirements:** While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, talk and occasionally lift and/or move items including equipment, furniture and/or children. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.