Youth Development Co-Op Counselor Groves

Position Summary:

As part of the YMCA, the High School Co-Op Program students will assist in providing quality childcare at after-school and/or preschool sites. Under the supervision of experienced YMCA staff, co‑op participants will help create a safe, engaging, and values‑driven environment for children. This role supports youth development and promotes the YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, caring, and faith.

This is a learning opportunity designed to give students hands‑on experience in early childhood education, youth programming, and professional workplace skills.

• Support curriculum within the established guidelines for the participants.
• Help distribute snacks during designated snack time.
• Assist children with homework and quiet study activities.
• Facilitate both formal and informal play both indoors and outdoors.
• Supervise children under the supervision of a qualified Site Lead and/or counselor.
• Assist Site Lead and counselor(s) with the set‑up and breakdown of activity centers and cleaning of the program area.
• Adhere to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards.
• Maintain positive relationships with children, parents, school personnel, and other staff.
• Serve as a role model to the children by exemplifying the YMCA's five core values in daily interactions.
• Attend and participate in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff trainings.
• Assist the Site Lead where needed.

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y's 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 different 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 new 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.

• At least 17 years of age.
• Must be a currently enrolled high school student in a recognized co‑op or career readiness program that the TEA or another state or federal agency approved.
• Expected to obtain a high school diploma.
• Ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively with staff.
• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse prevention trainings.
• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
• 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.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

High school diploma or general education…