About Job
Under the direction of the program director, or center-specific designate, and consistent with the Christian
mission of the YMCA, the Lead Licensed Afterschool Counselor will be directly responsible for the safety,
supervision, programming, and involvement with program participants at the assigned YMCA. In addition,
the Licensed Lead Afterschool Counselor will provide administrative support and leadership to the
afterschool counselors to ensure all programmatic requirements for childcare licensure are met.
Culture Statement
The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to
collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with
Love and Serve with Purpose. We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope– promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care
& Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense
of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our
time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.
We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying
grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the
needs of others above our own. We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.
Essential Functions
- Provide leadership and guidance for afterschool staff and participants.
- Conduct regular observations of all program activities and provide ongoing feedback and
- Work with the program leadership team to assist with planning, scheduling, data entry, and other
- Build and maintain a positive environment for all students.
- Ensure the cleanliness of the program areas during each activity period throughout the day.
- Supervise and ensure the safety of students.
- Maintain attendance records and communicate absences as required.
- Follow all policies, procedures, and standards established by the YMCA and NC Division of Child
- Implement and execute lesson plans for scheduled program times, which include provisions for
- Incorporate weekly themes into daily activities.
- Present curriculum: Social Emotional Learning, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Literacy Infusion
- Facilitate Positive Behavior Management techniques and trauma-informed approaches.
- Assist in providing a positive learning experience for all students.
- Assist with group swim time and swim with your group during group swim time (proper dress is
- Maintain all program equipment in good order.
- Report all program changes and equipment needs to the Director/Leadership Staff.
- Maintain a positive relationship with parents, co-workers, supervisors.
Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership
Qualifications
- Minimum 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED.
- Minimum of 1 year previous child care experience.
- Completion of 20 hours of training in early childhood education and curriculum best practices
- Completion of Basic Safety Series and Child Abuse Prevention trainings upon hire.
- Interest in working with children and youth, exercising sound emotional maturity, moral character,
- Ability to adapt to changing needs and circumstances.
- Desire to learn and apply experiences as necessary.
- Strong interpersonal skills to be able to communicate in a positive manner with participants,
All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and
programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.
- Basic School Age Care Certificate (can be obtained after hire)
- Previous experience and training related to working with youth and diverse populations.
- Previous experience working in a YMCA licensed school-age childcare facility.
Working Conditions
- Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
- Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
- Must be able to lift and carry supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
- Requires bending, pulling, crouching, leaning, kneeling, and walking, pushing, climbing, and
- Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing in such a way as to be easily understood by
- Visual and auditory ability to supervise and respond to critical situations with children.
- Must be able to move freely and quickly through the facility and alternate program locations
Competencies
- PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended
impact occurs - EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in
all situations - COMMUNICATION & INFLUENCE: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that
engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause - CRITICAL THINKING & DECISION MAKING: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and
sound judgment
To learn more about our Y-USA Leadership Competencies, please click here:
Professional Field

