Youth Development Counselor

Youth Development Counselor - Weekley YMCA

YMCA of Greater Houston

About the Role

Join a team dedicated to shaping the next generation. This role offers the chance to inspire children daily while building meaningful relationships with families and fellow staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion Safety & Supervision: Keep children safe, engaged, and accounted for by monitoring activities, conducting headcounts, and responding to situations using YMCA policies and training.
• Guide Positive Behavior: Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment using positive behavior-management techniques.
• Lead Fun & Meaningful Activities: Bring the YMCA curriculum to life through games, projects, and hands-on learning, adapting activities to meet diverse needs.
• Model YMCA Values: Demonstrate honesty, respect, responsibility, caring, and faith.
• Support Daily Operations: Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe program space.
• Build Strong Relationships: Connect with children, families, school staff, and your YMCA team.
• Protect Youth: Follow all child-protection policies, ensure proper sign-in/out procedures, and maintain vigilant supervision.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED
• Six months of experience working with youth in a licensed facility, school, church, or similar setting
• CPR, First Aid, AED, and Child Abuse Prevention training (or willingness to obtain)
• Ability to plan and lead age-appropriate activities
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Ability to pass state/local background checks and fingerprinting
• TB test and any required immunizations per state/local guidelines

Skills That Help You Shine

• Clear, positive communication
• Ability to engage groups of youth
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving
• Commitment to inclusion and cultural competence
• Team-oriented mindset
• Desire to grow and help others grow

Physical & Work Environment Expectations

• Active, hands-on role involving moving, playing, leading activities, and occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Work takes place indoors and outdoors, including exposure to weather and noise.
• Day Camp roles may include outdoor activities like hiking and swimming.

Typical Schedule

• Before/After School Program: Part-time, Monday–Friday, typically 2:30 pm–6:30 pm (aligned with ISD calendar). Occasional Saturdays.
• Day Camp Program: Monday–Friday, 6:30 am–6:30 pm with multiple shift options (aligned with ISD breaks). Occasional Saturdays.
• Participation in family nights, staff meetings, and trainings is required with advance notice.