2026 - 2027 After School Counselor

Greater Somerset County YMCA, Inc.; Plainfield (NJ); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

FREE Individual Membership Access toYM

10% Discount on programming

Y Retirement Fund

Professional development opportunities

Inclusive community

Job summary

Greater Somerset County YMCA is seeking School Age Child Care Counselors for our Plainfield location. This on-site, part-time role runs Monday–Friday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with flexible scheduling discussed at interview. Candidates should be at least 18, have a high school diploma or be a senior, and demonstrate experience working with children in structured groups.

Spanish bilingual preferred. Responsibilities include supervising groups of children, facilitating activities, ensuring safety,

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or Senior in High School.
• Experience working with children in a structured group setting.
• Strong communication skills with diverse groups.
• Must complete background checks, training, and certifications.

Responsibilities

• Assist with implementing a varied program for children aged 6–13, including Homework Time, Enrichment Activities, and Physical Activities.
• Supervise site groups of 6–100 children under Site Supervisor guidance.
• Greet children and families; maintain a positive, welcoming environment.
• Maintain safety and discipline under policy; respond appropriately in emergencies.
• Prepare and maintain organized, clean spaces; manage materials and equipment.
• Communicate regularly with Site Supervisor about any behavior concerns.

Skills

Experience with children

Excellent communication

Ability to learn and think quickly

Education

High School Diploma or Senior in High School

Job description

Description

An exciting opportunity to join a team of a progressive YMCA located in vibrant Somerset County, New Jersey. The YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With a 150-year-old history, Greater Somerset County YMCA (GSCY) is a pillar of the community and has seven locations across three counties, which collectively serve upwards of 30,000 individuals. GSCY has 100 full-time and 950 part-time employees along with operating revenues to $22+ million.
The Y empowers everyone—no matter who they are or where they are from. To fulfill our purpose of strengthening community for all, GSCY is committed to being an inclusive organization and leveraging our collective impact to address social inequities. To learn more about GSCY, visit our website: http://gscymca.org

Plainfield YMCA, a branch of the Greater Somerset County YMCA (GSCY), is currently seeking School Age Child Care (SACC) Counselors who are cause-driven leaders who share our commitment to nurturing and supporting our children, promoting youth development, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. SACC Counselors are responsible for assisting in supervising a group of children at the site-specific location (s). SACC Counselors are under the direction of the SACC & Camp Program Director; Senior Program Director; and the Site Supervisor. This job is fully on-site, not remote.

Spanish Bilingual preferred!

Requirements

Essential Functions:

• Assists with the implementation of a varied and challenging program of activities for children (ages 6-13) which includes Homework Time, Enrichment Activities, Organized Physical Activities, Free Play, and Snack Time.
• Assists the Site Supervisor with the supervision of all children on the site groups of 6-100 children
• Build relationships with children and families - Positively greet them every day.
• Maintains discipline with children during all activities under the guidance of the GSCYMCA Child Abuse Prevention Policy and Code of Conduct.
• Assists the Site Supervisor with motivating and encouraging all children to participate in program activities.
• Provides a safe environment for children and follows all required safety procedures in case of emergency.
• Assists the Site Supervisor in developing an attractive, organized, clean, and stimulating space:
  • Cleaning and disinfecting of all equipment as per state requirements (daily or weekly).
  • Maintain site/room, equipment, and materials in an orderly and safe manner.
  • Set up the site/room in advance of the children's arrival and clean up after the children's departure.
  • Maintains group belongings including state binder, student information sheets, necessary medications when off-site, and first aid kit.
• Keeps Site Supervisor apprised of situations requiring their attention as it relates to children's behavior.

Hours:

Monday – Friday,2:00 PM -6:00 PM

You must be able to work 5 days a week. If a flexible schedule is needed, please have it prepared during the interview.

***Must have reliable transportation options as scheduling is based on coverage needs at multiple site locations

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a High School Diploma or be a Senior in High School.
• Must have experience working with children in a structured group setting.
• Must have the ability to learn and think quickly to solve child-to-child situations.
• Good communication skills and the ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments.
• Must complete all required background checks, training, and certifications.

Licensing Requirements:

• Become registered in the Workforce Registry through NJCCIS with an updated professional profile record (salary/title/hire date);
• Meet CCDBG health and safety training requirements, which include completion of the following training*:
  • Health and Safety Basics
  • Identifying Child Abuse and Neglect – Mandated Reporting
  • Foundations of Child Development or Youth Growth Development
  • CPR and First Aid
• Complete criminal background check

Benefits of working part-time at GSCY include:

• FREE Individual Membership Access to any YMCA in the Nation.
• 10% Discount on most programming at Greater Somerset County YMCA.
• Access to one of the leading retirement programs, "Y Retirement Fund," from the first day of employment.
• Opportunities for professional development, mentoring, growth, and promotion throughout the YMCA Movement.
• A supportive and inclusive community for people of all backgrounds and access to Employee Resource Networks.

Greater Somerset County YMCA is a drug-free work environment. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information who share our values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.