Before & Afterschool Assistant Counselor

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges; Hamburg (NJ); On-site; USD 22,041 - 26,174; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Disability insurance

Life insurance

403(b) plan

Employee assistance program

Metro Y program discounts

Facility usage

Job summary

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is seeking a part-time Group Assistant to support youth program activities in a safe, inclusive environment. The role emphasizes supervision, helping with snacks, homework support, and implementing program activities such as CATCH and Healthy U.

Candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work as part of a team. First-Aid/CPR/AED certifications and background checks may be required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma preferred.
• Basic understanding of youth development principles.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with staff, parents and school staff.
• Ability to problem solve aligned with YMCA mission.
• Ability to relate to children and build positive relationships.
• Experience leading group activities is preferred.
• Ability to work as part of a team and identify risk factors.
• First-Aid, CPR and AED certification may be required.
• Must complete background checks and fingerprinting.

Responsibilities

• Assist and ensure the safety of all children in the assigned group.
• Support program activities including CATCH, Healthy U, snacks, and homework help.
• Follow First-Aid and emergency procedures; participate in safety drills.
• Use positive group management techniques and address behavior issues.
• Build professional relationships with children, families, and school staff.
• Represent the YMCA positively and model good conduct.
• Maintain a clean program environment and assist with setup/cleanup.
• Adhere to sanitation and health guidelines and report maintenance needs.
• Promote YMCA programs and assist with special events and campaigns.
• Attend trainings and maintain applicable certifications.

Skills

High School Diploma

Youth development

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Relate to children

Group activities experience

Team player

First-Aid/CPR/AED

Background check

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Description

We are an all - inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. As a growing, mission focused, and future-oriented association of YMCAs, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven candidate to join our team. Note that this position begins in September of 2026 and ends in June of 2026.

Requirements

*Note, this position is identified as "Group Assistant" within the YMCA.

• High School Diploma preferred.
• Basic understanding of youth development principles.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communication with all levels including staff, parents and school staff.
• Ability to problem solve and take initiative that adhere to the purpose, mission and goals of the YMCA.
• Ability to relate to children and develop professional, positive relationships with youth.
• Up to one (1) year experience, leading group activities preferred.
• Ability to work as part of a team, as a role model and take initiative to identify potential risk factors and take measures to reduce them.
• First-Aid, CPR and AED certification may be required.
• Must complete CARI Background Check, CHRI/Fingerprinting and provide proof of a Mantoux test within two weeks of hire.

Essential Functions

• Assist and ensure the safety of all children of assigned group by following the supervision standards in the Code of Conduct and Licensing Requirements. Maintain constant head/face counts when transitioning between activities. Provide restroom supervision and, ensure children wash their hands after using the rest room.
• Assist and support the implementation of program activities including running or participating in CATCH, Healthy U, helping with snack and providing homework support as assigned. Use resources available to deliver activities that meet the purpose and vision of the Y Program and according to assigned curriculum, including 30 minutes of CATCH activities each day.
• Follow YMCA protocols for dealing with First-Aid and emergency situations. Participate in monthly safety drills.
• Use positive group management techniques. Anticipate and deal with behavior problems in accordance with YMCA’s Discipline and Expulsion Policy.
• Build professional relationships with children, their families and school personnel.
• Represent the YMCA in a positive manner in all interactions, including participants and their families, and school personnel. Function as a positive role model and set a positive example through behavior.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary program environment by ensuring supplies, equipment and tables are cleaned before and after snack or activities. Assist with snack set up/clean up. Ensure children wash their hands before snack. Report any maintenance issues, or supply and equipment needs to the Site Supervisor.
• Ensure the health and comfort of all children is maintained by providing attentive and hygienic care for children if they soil themselves, including changing soiled underwear or disposable training pants, including regular diaper changes as needed, ensuring cleanliness, following proper diaper-changing techniques to maintain the child’s health and comfort. Follow YMCA protocols for changing soiled underwear and disposable training pants.
• Adhere to sanitation and health guidelines as required by the licensing or authorizing agency (ies) and Metro Y policies and procedures.
• Promote Y Programs and Camps to families. Assist with planning and implementation of special events, including Annual Campaign.
• Attend all YMCA training and meetings as requested. Maintain certifications necessary for the position throughout the program.
• Perform other job-related duties as requested and necessary.

Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, which includes paid sick leave, a legal plan, disability insurance, life insurance, 12% retirement benefits upon eligibility, a 403 (b) plan, an employee assistance program, professional development opportunities, Metro Y program discounts, and complimentary use of YMCA facilities.

Part-Time

Salary Description

$16.00-$19.02 per hour