Youth Worker/Counselor

Responsibilities:

• Assist Program Director or Program Coordinator with the development of program goals and activities for youth 
• Create a nurturing and supportive environment for the youth 
• Supervise participants 
• Implement various recreational, educational, social, and team building activities 
• Provide classroom management and instruction 
• Act as a liaison with parents 
• Attend regular staff meetings 
• Attend First Aid, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CRP), and Responding to Emergency (RTE) training 
• Attend staff training sessions 
• Meet monthly with program coordinator and/or program director for supervision 
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Program Specific Responsibilities:

• Practice and recognize in others the program values Cooperation { Generosity { Honesty { Kindness { Respect { Responsibility { Tolerance ·
• With program supervisors, set program goals and develop appropriate activities for children
• Collaborate with colleagues to plan team projects and events
• Supervise teenaged junior counselors
• Encourage a love of learning and build children’s literacy and academic skills
• Develop, submit and implement weekly lesson plans which are child-centered, age-appropriate & engaging and which promote literacy, thematic exploration, & experiential learning
• Escort children on trips and identify opportunities for learning both inside and outside the community center facility
• Maintain records of children’s work. Submit portfolios as required for program evaluation effort
• Meet regularly with supervisors to present lesson plans, plan for future weeks, and receive feedback and assistance
• Provide homework assistance during school year
• Create a structured & nurturing environment which supports children’s emotional and social development
• Provide constant supervision and engagement of children in care
• Maintain an organized and child-centered classroom.
• Promote teamwork and group bonding
• Confer with program supervisors regarding disciplinary issues. Hold conferences with parents as needed
• Attend trainings in principles of early childhood development, nutrition and health needs, safety and security procedures, and child abuse and maltreatment identification and prevention
• Assist with planning and implementation of Holiday Camp
• Obtain needed supplies from office and make requests as needed for special supplies
• Maintain attendance records, meal records sign-out sheets and other necessary paperwork
• Submit required reports and paperwork to Program Director
• Engage in activities which promote physical fitness and health
• Ensure a physically safe environment for children in care
• Participate in all fitness activities including swimming and gym
• Promote healthy behaviors and foster children’s physical development
• Provide first aid and emergency care for children as needed
• Submit bi-annual physical
• Partner with families to promote sense of community
• Develop and build relationships with parents and families of program participants.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent 
• Two years (preferred) direct experience working with children under 13 years of age youth in a recreational, educational and social environment preferred. 
• Clearance through New York State Central Registry and New York State Office of Children and Family Services required 
• Experience with or knowledge of best practices in youth development preferred 
• Experience with or knowledge of whole language philosophy preferred

Salary: $18.00/hour