Counselor I
Description OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life through our culture. At the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all and create spaces where people can belong and become. We are genuine: we value people and embrace individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in the potential of people to grow, lead and become catalysts for change.
We are nurturing: we support individuals throughout their journey to reach their full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with our people. Our culture is not a People & Culture initiative; it is how we lead, serve, develop talent, make decisions and deliver on the YMCA's mission. POSITION SUMMARY: As a Counselor I you will play a vital role in supporting the Counselor II in providing a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for young children.
Your enthusiasm, dedication, and passion for early childhood education will contribute to the success of our preschool program. MUST BE ABLE TO WORK AT ONE OF THESE LOCATIONS: Albemarle Family YMCA Weeksville Elementary Northside Elementary Sheep-Harney Elementary WORKING HOURS: Mon-Fri: 2-6pm ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Supervision and Safety: Ensure the safety and well-being of children at all times, actively supervising activities, meals, and transitions.
Implement and enforce safety protocols and emergency procedures. Support Activities: Assist Program Leaders in preparing and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities that promote learning and development across all domains: cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language. Child Engagement: Engage children in meaningful play experiences, encouraging exploration, creativity, and critical thinking.
Foster positive relationships and provide individualized attention and support to meet the needs of each child. Behavior Management: Support positive behavior guidance techniques that promote self-regulation, conflict resolution, and social skills development. Model appropriate behavior and reinforce positive behaviors through praise and encouragement. Communication: Communicate effectively with children, parents/guardians, fellow staff members, and YMCA leadership.
Provide feedback on children's’ progress and behavior as appropriate. Professional Development: Participate in training sessions, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the job. Requirements YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: Functional Expertise Program and Project Management Developing Self and Others QUALIFICATIONS: The Counselor I will meet the qualifications set forth by the YMCA of South Hampton Roads and the Virginia Department of Education, Division of Child Care Health and Safety.
Minimum qualifications include: Shall be at least 16 years of age Shall work under the supervision of an individual qualified to be a Program Lead. Staff shall be in good character and reputation CPR/First Aid certifications required within 30 days of hire Completes all pre-employment requirements including background checks Adequate speaking, hearing and writing skills appropriate for interacting with children required Ability to be on time, every time for scheduled shifts required Ability to work at various program locations preferred Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds ACCOUNTABILITY: Accountable for achieving assigned organizational and youth development goals as measured through program quality, safety and compliance outcomes, accreditation readiness, cause-driven measures, operating results, participant and team member experience, and supervisor evaluation.
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory performance and successful completion and maintenance of applicable position requirements, which