Counselor

Essential Functions / Job Duties:
• Supervise and implement activities for a group of children in accordance with both age and developmentally appropriate practices as outlined by licensing agency, State of Florida and the YMCA of South Florida mission.
• Conduct and maintain any necessary measurable tools to track children’s progress.
• Distribute nutritious snacks on a daily basis using universal health/sanitation practices.
• Maintain coordination with facility personnel for safety and benefit of children in the program.
• Document behavior issues and/or incidents daily, as needed.
• Conduct a health check of each child daily, noting fever, bumps, bruises, burns, or other questionable signs of abuse and document the incident with the Site Supervisor.
• Maintain high level of professional courtesy with parents, facility personnel, staff and clients at all times.
• Know and follow proper emergency procedures appropriate to the facility and in conformity with procedures adopted by the YMCA of South Florida and emergency service authorities to ensure the safety of children.
• Preserve the quality of supplies, equipment and materials. Ensuring proper supply by reporting re-order needs to the Site Supervisor.
• Provide regular inspections of areas used by the program to ensure both cleanliness and safety.
• Check bathrooms for supplies and basic cleanliness before allowing participants to enter.
• Document all necessary administrative forms as directed by Site Supervisor and/or Program Manager.
• Attendance at all staff meetings and training opportunities.
• Assist the Site Supervisor in any other appropriate ways as directed.
• Report all incidents and accidents within 24 hours to the corporate office.
• Adhere to the Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting requirements that mandate by law all childcare personnel to report suspicions of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The YMCA requires employees to follow the internal reporting procedures with the assistance of the Program Managers.
• Ensure that the proper staffs to child ratios are maintained at all times and reports discrepancies to the Site Supervisor as needed.

Time Management
• Works 90% of schedule on the desk / Hands-on role
• 50% – Focused on executing Association protocols and performance metrics; team performance; reduction in cancellations
• 40% – Customer Service
• 10% – Administrative duties (scheduling, payroll, etc.)

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities / Position Requirements:
• A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum Two (2) years’ experience including One (1) year experience of direct contact with children with special needs.
• Ability to relate to children.
• The Counselor II must be at least eighteen (18) years-old at the time of hire.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
• Must have a demonstrated competency in the planning and implementation of recreational and educational activities.
Certificates and Licenses:
• Within one (1) year of employment the Counselor I must have completed and hold certificates in the following:
• The Thirty (30) Hour Training Requirement consisting of (a) Child Growth and Development, (b) Health, Safety and Nutrition, (c) Child Care Facility State and Local Rules and Regulations, (d) Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect, and (e) Behavior Observation and Screening.
• The Ten (10) Hour Developmentally Appropriate Module (Preferred- School Age-Appropriate Practices).
• Current CPR and First Aid certificates by time of employment or within ninety (90) days from the date of hire.
• It is the responsibility of the Counselor II to complete and maintain all necessary certifications, within the proper time frame, as set forth by either the licensing agency, State of Florida or the YMCA of South Florida and maintain all necessary certifications, within the proper time frame, as set forth by either the licensing agency, State of Florida or the YMCA of South Florida.

Position Profile
• Outgoing personality enjoys speaking to people.
• Fun, caring, energetic, responsible, and reliable.
• Ability to work well with others to develop good relationships with parents, children, and colleagues.