Youth Development Counselor, Bush Elementary

About the Role

Join a team that’s shaping the next generation. The YMCA is a community dedicated to helping young people grow, learn, and thrive. This role offers the chance to inspire children every day while building meaningful relationships with families and fellow staff.

A temporary $3.00 per hour stipend is currently offered for Youth Development Counselors working in Before/After School Programs serving Katy ISD, Conroe ISD, and Humble ISD. This stipend is separate from base pay and may be modified or discontinued.

Key Responsibilities

As a Youth Development Leader, you’ll bring energy, creativity, and compassion to before/after-school and day camp programs, helping to create a safe, fun, and enriching environment.

• Champion Safety & Supervision: Keep children safe, engaged, and accounted for at all times. Monitor activities, conduct headcounts, and respond 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

This is an active, hands-on role involving moving, playing, leading activities, and occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs. Work takes place both indoors and outdoors, including exposure to weather, noise, and youth programs. Day Camp roles may include outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and extended periods of standing or walking.

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.

Why the YMCA

When you join the YMCA, you join a mission-driven community that invests in your growth. You’ll gain leadership experience, professional development, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families.

Benefits Of Working At The YMCA

• Free YMCA Membership
• Discounts on YMCA programs
• Paid training and professional development
• Leadership growth pathways
• A supportive, mission-driven team environment
• Flexible schedules
• Opportunities to make a lasting impact