Counselor

Position Summary:
The Family Services Counselor is responsible for the supervision and safety of the children in their group (Kids Zone, Club Y, and Summer Camp). Individuals in this position are responsible for assisting with planning, and implementing programs in accordance with policies, procedures, and philosophy and core values of the YMCA of South Florida.

Essential Functions / Job Duties:
• Take and maintain daily attendance records for children.
• Plan activities for and supervise a group of children.
• Communicate with parents/guardians in a courteous and professional manner.
• Assist supervisor with family center events
• Demonstrate, model and gear program to the needs of individual children with concerns for their interests, disabilities, special talents and developmentally appropriate activities.
• Communicates to parents clearly and in a timely manner any injuries, behavior problems and/or health concerns (i.e.: runny nose, fever, etc.)
• Report to supervisor and complete necessary accident/incident forms related to injuries or behavior difficulties and health concerns. “Mandated Reporter”
• Ensure all kids zone guidelines are met (Age restrictions and Log in & Log out procedures).
• Assist in annual campaign, which includes achieving individual and team goals.
• Implement various curricula.
• Uphold all YMCA policies and procedures including those related to safety and risk management; attend all mandatory YMCA and State (if needed) trainings.
• Participate in aquatic activities with children.
• Other duties as assigned by Sr. Program Director, Executive Director, or other Y senior staff.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (i.e. Leader, Team Leader, Multi-Team / Branch Leader):
Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the YMCA’s efforts for all stakeholders. Implements effective systems to develop volunteers at program and fundraising leadership levels.
Collaboration: Develops strategies to ensure staff and volunteers reflect the community. Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the YMCA. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.
Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves members and community in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.
Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Anticipates challenges that can sidetrack or derail growth and personal learning. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities / Position Requirements:
• Must be at least 17 years old
• Minimum of High School Diploma or GED equivalent and / or letter on High School letterhead with graduation intent date.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish, or English and Creole), a plus
• Minimum of one year working with children or childcare experience, preferred
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Prior experience working with children ages 6 months through age 15.
• Must enjoy interacting and communicating with children and parents
• Must possess creative ability and nature when implementing program
• Ability to keep children engaged and under control
• First Aid/CPR certification within 90 days of employment

Position Profile:
• Has a passion and enjoys working with children.
• Ability to stay calm during stressful situations.
• Strong communication skills.
• High level of patience.
• Has the creativity and flexibility to make every day a positive experience for camp participants.
• Enjoys working outdoors with children.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works with outside whether conditions. The employee occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Indoor and outdoor facilities (e.g. childcare and recreational sites); exposure to heat, cold, work on slipper or uneven surfaces.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
• Will be required to drive for meetings, trainings, and other work related duties.
• May be exposed to blood borne pathogens, which requires use of personal protective equipment.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.
• Being in good physical health with full range of body motion, including manual and finger dexterity and eye/hand coordination. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range. Occasionally requires working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds with or without assistance.
• Generally, the job requires 10% sitting, 20% walking, and 70% standing.
• Intermittent physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, lifting, and supporting participants.
• Incumbent will be exposed to virus, disease and infection from program participants.
• Incumbent may will be required to work at multiple locations throughout summer camp.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Employment at the YMCA is at-will. It is purely voluntary, based upon the consent of both the Association and the staff member. No expressed or implied contractual rights should be inferred from this job description.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to submit to and satisfactorily clear a thorough Level II fingerprint background screening.

As a Drug-Free Employer, all new hires must successfully complete a drug test. Please note Medical Marijuana cards are not accepted and 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.

In accordance with House Bill 531 (2025) the Department of Children and Families require employers to make the “Care Provider Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness” website link: available to all potential candidates receiving a background check via the Clearinghouse.

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.