Childwatch Counselor

About the Role

Join a team dedicated to strengthening families and supporting youth by providing a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for children.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervision and Safety:
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children in a welcoming Childwatch environment.
• Monitor activities to promote safe, age-appropriate behavior and adherence to YMCA policies.
• Provide for children’s physical needs, including feeding, assisting with restrooms, and administering first aid/CPR.
• Notify parents/guardians of necessary diaper changes.
• Assist with maintaining accurate records (attendance, incident reports, compliance documentation).
• Conduct regular headcounts.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to emergencies and incidents.
• Behavior Management:
• Implement positive behavior management techniques to foster a respectful and inclusive environment.
• Address the emotional needs of children.
• Respond to behavioral issues calmly and constructively, following established guidelines.
• Soothe distressed children, comfort those who are sick or hurt, redirect negative behavior, and offer positive reinforcement.
• Communicate important information or observations to incoming staff regarding individual children.
• Provide an updated list of children currently in attendance.
• Activity Implementation:
• Implement a variety of age-appropriate activities, including structured and unstructured activities as outlined in the YMCA-approved curriculum.
• Encourage and facilitate positive social interactions among children.
• Adapt activities to meet the diverse needs and interests of all children.
• Policy Adherence:
• Follow all organizational policies, protocols, and procedures related to health and safety, child protection, and confidentiality.
• Maintain a clean and organized environment, adhering to sanitation and safety standards.
• Report any concerns or issues to the Childwatch Lead or Program Director promptly.
• Daily Operations:
• Maintain the Childwatch environment by adhering to YMCA of Greater Houston program standards and youth development standards.
• Leadership:
• Supervise children under the direction of the Childwatch Lead.
• Make sound decisions in alignment with YMCA and youth development standards.
• Act as a role model by exemplifying the YMCA’s five core values.
• Relationship Building:
• Maintain positive relations with children, parents/guardians, center operations, directors, and other staff.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and staff trainings.
• Administrative Duties:
• Utilize designated software to accurately check children in and out of Childwatch.
• Assist with ensuring tablets and communication devices are fully charged, ready for use, and properly secured.
• Child Abuse Prevention:
• Report suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse and incident reporting requirements.
• Ensure youth are properly signed in and out, and only authorized adults are allowed in the facility.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with each child.
• Ensure unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely monitor high-risk locations.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.
• At least 6 months of experience working with youth at a childcare facility, church, school, or equivalent (preferred).
• Strong awareness of child safety.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations appropriately.
• Must be able to successfully pass CPR, First Aid, AED certifications, and Child Abuse prevention trainings.
• Ability to engage with children positively and create an environment that fosters learning and respect.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Previous experience with diverse populations.
• Current record of tuberculosis examination and/or current local health department regulations, examinations, and/or immunization as required by the local or State Department of Health.
• Pass a local/state background and FBI fingerprinting check.
• Team-oriented mindset.

Physical & Work Environment Expectations

• Active, hands-on role requiring standing, walking, bending, reaching, and engaging with children.
• May occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Work primarily indoors with occasional outdoor activities.
• Exposure to active childcare environments, varying noise levels, and routine cleaning products.

Typical Schedule

• Part-time schedules available seven days a week.
• May include:
• Morning Shift: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Afternoon Shift: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Evening Shift: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Schedules may vary based on location and operational needs.
• Participation in staff meetings, trainings, family events, and YMCA activities may be required.

Benefits Of Working At The YMCA

• Free YMCA Membership
• Discounts on YMCA programs
• Paid training and professional development opportunities
• Career growth opportunities within the YMCA
• Flexible scheduling
• A supportive, mission-driven team environment
• Meaningful work that positively impacts children and families