YD Miami - Counselor

Under the direction of the Site Director, the Counselor is responsible for the overall day-to-day group programming, behavior management, direct supervision, and safety of a group of up to 25 participants / children. This includes planning and implementing activities in accordance to both age and developmentally appropriate practices as outlined by grant mandates, licensing agencies, the State of Florida and the YMCA of South Florida guidelines.

Essential Functions / Job Duties:

• Provides safety and supervision to children and ensures that activities are planned and followed in accordance with YMCA of South Florida guidelines.
• Maintains coordination with facility personnel for safety and benefit of participants in the program. Ensure that safety rules and practices are followed as they relate to children and staff.
• Ensure that the proper staff-to-child ratio is maintained at all times and report discrepancies to the Site Supervisor as needed.
• Document all necessary administrative forms as directed by Site Supervisor/or Program Director. Conduct and maintain daily attendance rosters.
• Conduct and maintain any necessary measurable tools to track children’s progress.
• Distribute nutritious lunch and snacks on a daily basis using universal health/sanitation practices.
• Follow all YMCA HEPA standards.
• Document behavioral issues and/or incidents daily, as needed.
• Conduct a health check of each child daily noting fever, bumps, bruises, burns, or other questionable signs of abuse and document the incident with the Site Supervisor.
• Maintain high level of professionalism with parents, facility personnel, staff, and clients at all times. Communicate with parents and guardians regularly.
• Uphold all YMCA policies and Risk Management / Safety procedures which require reporting all incident and accidents to Site Director immediately.
• Know and follow proper emergency procedures appropriate to the facility and in conformity with procedures adopted by the YMCA of South Florida and emergency service authorities to ensure the safety of children.
• Preserve the quality of supplies and materials. Report to Site Supervisor when supplies are needed.
• Provide regular inspection of area used by the program to ensure both cleanliness and safety.
• Check bathrooms for supplies and basic cleanliness before allowing participants to enter.
• Attend all staff meetings and training opportunities as required.
• Additional job duties as assigned.

Time Management

• 100% - Works Hands On
• 50% - Focused on executing grant and non-grant curriculum components, ensuring site safety, student engagement, etc.
• 50% - Customer Service (parents, stakeholders, etc.)

Position Expectations


Assist Site Director with reaching enrollment goals, site quality and safety

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities / Position Requirements:

• A high school diploma, GED or High School completion in process (Report Card, School Letter, Etc.).
• One to two (1-2) years’ experience of working with school aged children preferred.
• Ability to relate to children.
• Counselors assigned to M-DCPS sites must be at least 18 years old, at the time of hire.
• Counselors assigned to Community-based sites must be at least 17 years old (with 1 High School Reference), at the time of hire. (Not M-DCPS sites)
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
• Florida Certified Teachers in this capacity may use an active Florida Teaching Certificate in lieu of the education requirement.
• Must complete YMCA NEO, safety and risk management trainings.
• Must attend all regularly scheduled staff meetings and trainings.
• Must have demonstrated competency in the planning and implementation of recreational and educational activities.
• Must be able to implement curriculums and provide instruction to participants at a basic level.
• First Aid and CPR certification within 30 days of hire.
• Must complete 1st course within 90 days and remainder of the 45-hour childcare courses within the first year of employment.

Position Profile

• Outgoing personality enjoys speaking to people.
• Innate desire to provide excellent customer service.

As a condition of employment and a Drug-Free Workplace you will be required to submit to and satisfactorily clear a thorough Level II fingerprinting background screening and drug test.

Failure to complete the drug test will automatically disqualify you from employment. Please note Medical Marijuana cards do not exempt you from successfully passing your drug test.

The YMCA of South Florida is committed to the policy of Equal Opportunity prohibiting discrimination in the workplace because of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation, age or disability.

Equal Opportunity Employer


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.