Junior Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Exciting Growth Ahead! We're excited to announce that we'll be opening our new West Essex YMCA in December 2026! As we get closer to our opening date, we'll be adding a variety of new positions across multiple departments. If you don't see the right opportunity today, be sure to check back regularly—new roles will be posted throughout the year as we continue to grow. We look forward to welcoming new team members to our expanding organization!

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal day camp.  Creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience. 

Requirements:

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Keeps campers focused and engaged in camp activities.
2. Assist Specialist during activity periods.
3. Consistently greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm.
4. Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y.    
5. Learn camper’s names. Respond to campers' needs. 
6. Assist Senior Counselor, Specialists, and all camp staff in carrying out themes, special events, trips, and all camp activities.
7. Encourage camper’s youth development progress. 
8. Help group maintain camp cleanliness.
9. Work cooperatively with all camp staff while planning all camp activities.
10. Perform the above responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner. Do more than the minimum for campers. Treat them as special. Treat campers and fellow staff members with respect.
11. Use redirection to appropriate activities when needed and use positive reinforcement to commend good choices.
12. Teach and instill the Four Core Values of the YMCA in all camp activities:  Caring, Respect, Honesty, & Responsibility.
13. Act as requested by the supervisor.

Safety:

1. Attend regular staff meetings scheduled by supervisor. 
2. Must attend and complete all required trainings.
3. At all times uphold camp safety standards. Maintain constant face counts. Will understand and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures. 
4. Help maintain group control and facilitate lunch time activities.
5. Must follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines.
6. Take on designated assignments for aquatic activities. Help expedite arrival and departure from the pool (i.e. dressing rooms, etc.). Follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality camp and to help maintain ACA accreditation.  
7. Secure and submit all accident reports.
8. Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor.
9. Follow supervision of bus counselors and help to ensure safety, expedient procedures and fun activities on the bus. Lead bus songs, stories and games.

Other Duties:

1. Always maintain a professional demeanor, as you are a representative of the YMCA.
2. Wear Camp T-shirt daily.
3. Maintain positive attitude, responsibility and self-motivation. Be punctual and reliable.
4. Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement : Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others. 

Operational Effectiveness : Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth : Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. 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:

1. High school student or equivalent.
2. Previous experience working with children preferably in a day camp setting, preferably as a CIT.
3. Interest preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc.
4. At least 18 years of age.
5. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.