Before & Afterschool Assistant Counselor

Metro YMCAs; Livingston (NJ); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Disability insurance

Life insurance

403(b) plan

12% retirement benefits upon eligible

Employee assistance program

Professional development opportunities

Metro Y program discounts

Complimentary YMCA facility access

Job summary

Metro YMCA of the Oranges seeks a part-time Group Assistant to support youth program delivery and supervision. You will help with activities, snack times, and homework support, ensuring safety and cleanliness in the activity areas.

You will work with children, families, and school partners, maintaining positive relations and following YMCA policies and safety protocols. Prior experience and relevant certifications are a plus, with opportunities to participate in training and events.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma preferred.
• Basic understanding of youth development principles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and take initiative.
• First-Aid, CPR and AED certification may be required.
• Mantoux test within two weeks of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist and ensure the safety of all children in the group per supervision standards.
• Support program activities including CATCH, Healthy U, snacks, and homework help.
• Follow First-Aid and safety protocols; participate in safety drills.
• Maintain positive group management and address behavior per policy.
• Build professional relationships with children, families, and school personnel.

Skills

Youth development

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Teamwork

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.
Sign on bonus may apply

Note that this position begins in September of 2026 and ends in June of 2026. If you are interested in multiple roles, we will be adding new positions across multiple departments with the opening of our new West Essex YMCA, in December of 2026! Continue to check our careers page for updates!

Requirements

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

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.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• 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.

Part Time 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.

• 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
• complimentary use of YMCA facilities

*Full job description provided upon interview process.*