Afterschool Counselor (Buda/Kyle)

Greater Austin YMCA; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership

Weekday afternoon shifts

Weekend off

Job summary

Greater Austin YMCA is seeking an Afterschool Youth Development Leader for a seasonal, part-time role that runs August through May/June. The position offers weekday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM at elementary schools in the Kyle/Buda area, with weekends off and a free YMCA membership.

You will create a safe, engaging environment for children ages 4–12, leading activities that support academic success and social-emotional growth while fostering belonging and excitement to learn.

Qualifications

• 18 years of age with a high school degree or equivalent.
• Availability to work Monday through Friday from 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
• A minimum of one year of experience in camps, childcare programs, or similar environments is preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to lead with a positive, service-oriented attitude.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise youth in a variety of activities that promote learning, creativity, teamwork, and personal growth.
• Supervise groups of children throughout the program day, ensuring safety and adherence to YMCA policies and licensing standards.
• Foster social-emotional development by modeling positive behavior and YMCA core values.
• Create an inclusive, welcoming environment where all participants feel valued and supported.
• Follow curriculum and adapt activities to meet participants’ needs and interests.
• Communicate effectively with children, families, and staff, providing updates and addressing concerns.
• Maintain snack time sanitation, health, and safety standards.
• Manage attendance, activity prep, documentation, and other administrative tasks.
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development to improve program quality.
• Serve as a positive ambassador of the YMCA’s mission and values.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Growth mindset

Fosters belonging

Customer focus

Self-development

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Why Your Role Matters

This is a seasonal, part-time position that follows the academic school year, beginning in August and continuing through May/June. The role offers weekday afternoon shifts from 2:00 PM — 6:30 PM at elementary schools in Kyle/Buda areas. Enjoy weekends off and a free YMCA membership!

As an Afterschool Youth Development Leader, you’ll create a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for children ages 4–12. You’ll lead activities that foster social-emotional growth, support academic success, and make afternoons fun and enriching. Most importantly, you’ll help students feel seen, supported, and excited to learn and grow.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Lead and engage youth in a variety of activities, including games, arts and crafts, STEM projects, outdoor play, and academic support, that promote learning, creativity, teamwork, and personal growth.
• Supervise groups of children throughout the program day, ensuring their safety, well-being, and positive participation while adhering to YMCA policies and Texas Childcare licensing standards.
• Foster social-emotional development by modeling positive behavior and the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where all participants feel valued, supported, and encouraged to succeed.
• Follow established curriculum and lesson plans while adapting activities to meet the needs and interests of participants.
• Communicate effectively with children, families, and staff, providing updates, addressing concerns, and building positive relationships.
• Serve and supervise snack time while maintaining sanitation, health, and safety standards.
• Manage program operations through attendance tracking, activity preparation, documentation, organization, and other administrative responsibilities.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities to enhance program quality and effectiveness.
• Serve as a positive ambassador of the YMCA’s mission, vision, and values, contributing to a strong and supportive community.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What You Bring to the Y

• 18 years of age with a high school degree or equivalent.
• Availability to work Monday through Friday from 2:00 PM — 6:30 PM.
• A minimum of one year of experience in camps, childcare programs, or similar environments is preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to lead with a positive, service-oriented attitude.
• Growth Mindset: Learn and improve to better serve members and the mission.
• Team Player: Work collaboratively with others and support a positive team environment.
• Communicates Effectively: Listens actively and communicates clearly with members and peers.
• Fosters Belonging: Ensure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and included.
• Customer Focused: Anticipates needs and ensures quality, member-centered service.
• Self-Development: Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, talk and occasionally lift and/or move items including equipment, furniture and/or children. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.