Working With Children

FAMILY YMCA OF EMPORIA-GREENSVILLE

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:  School Age Counselor                                                                            

Status: Part-Time Non-Exempt                                              

Reports to: School Age Child Care Coordinator                                                                      Revision Date:  October 29, 2025

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y in strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Provides direct supervision of a group of children in a structured before & after-school program. Creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Actively supervises a group of children, according to plans, while maintaining appropriate staff-to-child ratios, as required by the Virginia Department of Education. This includes participating in planned activities with the children.
2. Perform all duties in a manner that reflects the YMCA's character values.
3. Cultivate positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents, children, and other staff. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions.
4. Fill out accident/incident reports as needed.
5. Maintain consistent and accurate communication with staff and supervisor concerning program issues, supplies, schedule changes, illnesses, and other necessary information.
6. Facilitate emergency procedures.
7. Assist in planning and implementing the daily program, including the following: treating each child with dignity and respect; recognizing and considering the individual needs of the child in relation to cultural and socio-economic background, disabilities, special talents and interests, style, and pace of learning; helping children learn to think creatively, solve problems independently, and respect themselves and others.
8. Helping with the preparation of snacks, according to USDA & VDOE requirements.
9. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding children and their families.
10. Promote positive rapport among staff members.
11. Follow all personnel policies and procedures.
12. Maintain a neat appearance.
13. Promptly report problems to your supervisor.
14. Come to work with a great attitude!
15. Assist in the daily setup and cleanup of activities.
16. Be willing to put forth the effort to make the program a success.
17. Attend staff meetings and training.
18. Follow all standards for licensing as put forth by the Virginia Department of Education.
19. Perform other duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces innovative approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must be at least 16 years of age.
2. Must be able to relate to participants and staff in a mature and sensitive manner.
3. Must be able to collaborate with coworkers positively and supportively in a structured environment.
4. Must be a positive role model to program participants and fellow staff.
5. Must be able to interact and communicate clearly with others.
6. Must have the ability to provide for the physical and emotional needs of children served.
7. Must have the ability to be flexible and adaptable to changing situations and children’s needs.
8. CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications within 30 days of hire date.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Employees must be prepared to work outside in extreme weather conditions, such as but not limited to, excessive heat, rain, and cold.
• Must be willing to get into a swimming pool.
• Must be able to lift up to forty pounds.
• Bending, kneeling, stooping, sitting, and standing for extended periods of time.
• Active participation in all activities is required.
• Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.

The Family YMCA of Emporia-Greensville reserves the right to change this job description.

Job Title:  Child Watch Attendant                                          FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Reports to: School-age Child Care Coordinator                         Revision Date: 10/17/2025

Under the direction and supervision of the school-age Child Care Coordinator, the attendant will be responsible for planning, developing, and implementing all curriculum and program activities in the Child Watch program. The attendant guides the development of children, ensuring a safe, enriching, and healthy environment.

Essential Functions:

1. Assists with the day-to-day operations of the Child Watch program, meeting all applicable state regulations (if any) and Family YMCA of Emporia-Greensville policies.
2. Helps to implement the program curriculum in a developmentally appropriate manner, meeting the individual physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of the participants.
3. Helps to maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios, as specified by the Family YMCA of Emporia-Greensville, always.
4. Provides careful, attentive supervision, and is always alert.
5. Manages the program resources responsibly.
6. Uses a diverse selection of materials, equipment, and experiences for all participants. These materials should be multicultural, nonsexist, and anti-bias.
7. Helps to implement classroom curriculum, activities, experiences, and routines, under the guidance of the Child Watch Lead Attendant.
8. Participates with children in opportunities to use their large muscles, indoors and outdoors, considering each child’s physical and developmental capabilities.
9. Helps to provide a program that adheres to all YMCA health and safety standards (and applicable local and state standards).
10. Helps to provide a program that exhibits high standards in cleanliness and presentation.
11. Facilitates a programming environment that invites exploration promotes positive play, and welcomes children.
12. Promotes a team concept through a positive approach to supervision, communication, and interactions with others. Maintains ongoing communication with supervisor.
13. Helps to facilitate a positive program environment that develops self-control in children using positive guidance techniques. Expectations match and respect children’s developing capabilities.
14. Upholds the association’s child protection policies, child abuse, and neglect guidelines, and proper reporting procedures always.
15. Communicates daily with program parents.
16. Demonstrates appropriate decision-making abilities.
17. Demonstrates a working knowledge of YMCA mission, values, purpose, and goals. Strives for the highest standards of program excellence.
18. Upholds and exemplifies the YMCA’s principles of character development, customer service, and programs that build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.
19. Performs all other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

YMCA Competencies:

Relationships: Builds rapport and relates well with members and children.

Communication: Actively listens for understanding and meaning.

Values: Accepts and demonstrates Y’s values

Inclusion: Works effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.

Qualifications:

1. Must be at least 16 years of age.
2. Must possess and demonstrate the ability to engage in all activities associated with the daily care, activities, and routines of the program’s children, including but not limited to interacting with children at floor level, physical education activities such as running, jumping, etc., lifting children and equipment, and participating in outdoor activities.
3. Must possess oral, auditory, and written communication skills appropriate for interacting with both children and adults.
4. Must be capable of directing the daily administrative, program-related, and supervisory responsibilities of a Child Watch program.
5. CPR; First Aid; AED certification.
6. Completion of YMCA program-specific certifications.
7. Must be able to read and speak English fluently.
8. Must be available to work during regular hours of operation.
9. Must be able to stand, sit and walk at various times as required.
10. Must be able to lift twenty-five pounds.
11. No visible tattoos and piercings (other than ears). No visible gauge piercings.

Physical Demands:

Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations.

Effect on End Results: 

1. A program that is built upon developmentally appropriate practices in which children are encouraged to grow to their full potential.
2. A program that is respectful and supportive of families.
3. A program that meets the highest standards of quality.
4. A warm, friendly atmosphere that contributes to building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

GENERAL FUNCTION:  Under the direction of the Preschool Lead Teacher and in harmony with the Christian nature and purpose of the established policies and goals of the YMCA, the Preschool Assistant is responsible for assisting in the day to day operations of the YMCA's Preschool Program.  

COMMITMENT: The Family YMCA of Emporia-Greensville values you as an employee, and we are excited about what you have to contribute to this group of children and the YMCA in its entirety.  The YMCA mission is your highest priority, and the YMCA's goals for the children and families that we serve is of the utmost importance  A professional, clean appearance and a respectful and committed attitude are always the minimal expectation.

GENERAL FUNCTION:  Under the direction of the Preschool Lead Teacher and in harmony with the Christian nature and purpose of the established policies and goals of the YMCA, the Preschool Assistant is responsible for assisting in the day to day operations of the YMCA's Preschool Program.  

COMMITMENT: The Family YMCA of Emporia-Greensville values you as an employee, and we are excited about what you have to contribute to this group of children and the YMCA in its entirety.  The YMCA mission is your highest priority, and the YMCA's goals for the children and families that we serve is of the utmost importance  A professional, clean appearance and a respectful and committed attitude are always the minimal expectation.