After School Program Counselor - Youth Development Professional (Albany)

SACC Youth Development Professional (YDP)

The YDP School-Based role supports the program supervisor in managing educational and recreational activities for children. While ensuring participant safety, fostering a positive learning environment, and coordinating daily operations. This role requires a compassionate and responsible individual who can effectively collaborate with children, staff, and parents. The program is licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), and all employees must fulfill OCFS clearance requirements prior to starting.

The following non-exhaustive list of job duties required for this position:

Program Delivery

• Deliver Boys and Girls Club programs to club members in a fun and engaging manner
• Receive lesson plans from the SACC Coordinator and implement them during enrichment and power hour activity time
• Maintain open lines of communication with other Youth Development Professionals, SACC Coordinator, and club members
• Co-deliver enrichment activities and programs with Youth Development Specialists

Leadership & Supervision

• Oversee, support, and manage club members during program hours.
• Participate in periodical staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Co-deliver enrichment activities and programs with Youth Development Specialists.

Risk Management and Maintenance

• Ensure program areas are in compliance by understanding and implementing the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Regulations for School Age-Child Care, the Child and Adult Food Program, and grant.
• Assist in maintaining inventories of all program equipment and supplies; ensure all related supplies and equipment are maintained in good order (cleanliness and upkeep of Program Area after usage).

Health & Safety

• Ensure the health and safety of students and staff, by ensuring program areas are safe with evacuation and emergency procedures posted and first aid kits accessible.
• Conduct daily club member health check and file incident reports to SAC Coordinator
• Complete Foundations in Health & Safety training, Mandated Reporter training and any additional trainings as directed by OCFS and BGCA.

Internal: Other Youth Development Professionals, Site Supervisors, Youth Specialists

External: Club members, parents/guardians, school personnel

Credentials, Skills/Knowledge Required

Education and Experience:

• Required - High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
• Must be 18 years and older
• Experience working with youth preferred
• Knowledge of principles related to the development of youth between 4 and 13 years of age

Required Certifications:

• Physical and PPD Test
• CPR and First Aid Training, or the ability to obtain
• Foundations in Health & Safety training,
• Mandated Reporter

Essential Job Functions

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (to children and fellow staff)
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
• Proficient with Google Office Suite or related software
• Ability to implement enrichment activities and programs effectively
• Group Leadership Skills
• Proficiency in safety practices and procedures
• Must pass a comprehensive OCFS check, including fingerprinting, child abuse clearance, and sex offender registry check, as required by BGCCA/NYSED/OCFS regulations

Work Environment:

• Various school and club settings with moderate to high noise levels from children's activities. Indoor settings with standard temperature control. May involve exposure to typical childhood illnesses and allergens. Multi-site work environment requiring adaptability to different locations and facility layouts.

Travel Required:

• No travel required between sites during work hours. Position is assigned to specific site locations.

Physical Requirements:

• Standing/walking for up to 4.5 hours per day
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds
• Fine motor coordination for activity setup and computer work
• Regular verbal communication with children, staff, and parents
• Visual acuity to monitor children's activities and safety
• Extended periods of engaging in physical activities with children
• Ability to participate in recreational and educational activities with youth

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and hiring a diverse workforce. Persons from diverse backgrounds, including communities of color, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community, are encouraged to apply.