Special Needs Afterschool Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY

The position is responsible for providing leadership, ensuring safety of all participants and supervision of children in all planned activities in the presence of staff members.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Provide a safe and healthy environment, both physically and mentally, to ensure the operation of a quality Children's program.
• Responsible for assisting with feeding, changing and transporting children with special needs
• Ensures children are aware of rules, and daily scheduled routines
• Attend all staff meetings and the YMCA as required to meet educational requirements establishes in-service training.
• Assist in the planning and implementing of the daily activities that fit the children's needs and interests.
• Takes responsibility for the quality of the supplies, equipment and materials
• Report all suspicions of child abuse to proper supervisors
• Make sure proper procedures are followed for sign-in/out of children on a daily basis.
• Reports all accidents to the Supervisor
• Assist in the daily maintenance of the childcare area, ensuring safety and cleanliness.
• Assume equal share of the regular housekeeping chores such as cleaning, preparing for daily activities and cleaning up after projects.
• Ensure that YMCA Character Traits are evident in all activities.
• Establish a relationship with each child and know his or her present level of understanding; consider the needs of all the children and treat each child with respect and dignity.
• Work toward positive parent/staff relations.
• Participates in member retention, special events and fundraising.
• Completes all paperwork clearly and concisely.
• Remains up to date on emergency procedures and family center policies.
• All other duties assigned by Management

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be CPR & First Aid Certified
• Must have excellent leadership skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Desire and ability to work with children of all ages
• Demonstrated responsibility and dependability
• Follow through actions regarding communication with all parents
• May be required to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. in various forms.
• May be required to sit, stand, or maintain physical activity for extended periods of time.
• Must exhibit patience and understanding.
• Receives and follows detailed instructions. Must be alert at all times, keeping safety in mind.
• Must possess acceptable hearing and visual capabilities in order to monitor environment and children's well-being.
• Must be capable of working under pressure in a somewhat disruptive environment

CORE COMPETENCIES (TEAM LEADER)
• Mission and Community Oriented: Accepts and demonstrates YMCA values. Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits other volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them.
• People Oriented: Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
• Results Oriented: Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Supports fundraising. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately.
• Personal Development Oriented: Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process.

DISCLAIMERS
• Must complete successful criminal background check
• Must pass drug test
• All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA promotes an equal opportunity work place which includes reasonable accommodation of otherwise qualified disabled applicants. Please see your manager should you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
• Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.