Counselor I

YMCA of South Hampton Roads; Norfolk, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 18,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads seeks a Counselor I to support a nurturing preschool environment under the supervision of a Program Lead. You will help implement developmentally appropriate activities, ensure safety, engage children and communicate with families.

This entry-level role requires patience, reliability, and the ability to work across multiple locations with flexible hours. Growth comes through training and community impact within a values-driven culture.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• CPR/First Aid certifications required within 30 days of hire.
• Background checks completed as part of pre-employment requirements.
• Strong communication skills with children, families and staff.
• Willingness to work at multiple program locations and maintain punctuality.
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with diverse families.

Responsibilities

• Supervision and safety of children at all times, including during meals, activities and transitions.
• Assist leaders in delivering developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities across cognitive, social-emotional, physical and language domains.
• Engage children in meaningful play, support exploration, creativity and learning.
• Support positive behavior guidance and help children develop self-regulation and social skills.
• Communicate effectively with children, families, staff and YMCA leadership; provide feedback on progress.
• Participate in training, staff meetings and professional development.

Skills

Child supervision

Communication with parents

Behavior guidance

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

Job description

Description

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life through our culture. At the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.

We are welcoming: we are open to all and create spaces where people can belong and become.

We are genuine: we value people and embrace individuality.

We are hopeful: we believe in the potential of people to grow, lead and become catalysts for change.

We are nurturing: we support individuals throughout their journey to reach their full potential.

We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with our people.

Our culture is not a People & Culture initiative; it is how we lead, serve, develop talent, make decisions and deliver on the YMCA's mission.

POSITION SUMMARY:

As a Counselor I you will play a vital role in supporting the Counselor II in providing a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for young children. Your enthusiasm, dedication, and passion for early childhood education will contribute to the success of our preschool program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervision and Safety: Ensure the safety and well-being of children at all times, actively supervising activities, meals, and transitions. Implement and enforce safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Support Activities: Assist Program Leaders in preparing and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities that promote learning and development across all domains: cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language.
• Child Engagement: Engage children in meaningful play experiences, encouraging exploration, creativity, and critical thinking. Foster positive relationships and provide individualized attention and support to meet the needs of each child.
• Behavior Management: Support positive behavior guidance techniques that promote self-regulation, conflict resolution, and social skills development. Model appropriate behavior and reinforce positive behaviors through praise and encouragement.
• Communication: Communicate effectively with children, parents/guardians, fellow staff members, and YMCA leadership. Provide feedback on children’s’ progress and behavior as appropriate.
• Professional Development: Participate in training sessions, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the job.

Requirements

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Functional Expertise
• Program and Project Management
• Developing Self and Others

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Counselor I will meet the qualifications set forth by the YMCA of South Hampton Roads and the Virginia Department of Education, Division of Child Care Health and Safety.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Shall be at least 16 years of age
• Shall work under the supervision of an individual qualified to be a Program Lead.
• Staff shall be in good character and reputation
• CPR/First Aid certifications required within 30 days of hire
• Completes all pre-employment requirements including background checks
• Adequate speaking, hearing and writing skills appropriate for interacting with children
• required
• Ability to be on time, every time for scheduled shifts required
• Ability to work at various program locations preferred
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Accountable for achieving assigned organizational and youth development goals as measured through program quality, safety and compliance outcomes, accreditation readiness, cause-driven measures, operating results, participant and team member experience, and supervisor evaluation.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory performance and successful completion and maintenance of applicable position requirements, which may include background screening, driver's license review, CPS screening, drug and/or alcohol testing, or other screenings as required by the position or applicable law.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position operates in YMCA centers, child care, camp, school, and other community-based environments and may involve both indoor and outdoor settings, varying temperatures, noise, and active program spaces. The role requires regular interaction with children, families, team members, and other stakeholders and may require flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, or holidays, based on program and operational needs.

The employee must maintain the physical and mental readiness necessary to safely perform the essential functions of the position and meet applicable licensing, certification, and child supervision requirements. Depending on the role, work may include prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, or active movement; participating in or demonstrating program activities; moving or positioning program equipment; responding quickly to participant needs or emergencies; and maintaining visual and auditory awareness necessary for effective supervision and safety.

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position, consistent with applicable law.

COMPENSATION:

Wage Range: $12.77 - $13.00

The wage range provided reflects the YMCA of South Hampton Roads’ good-faith determination of the minimum and maximum starting salary for this position. An increased hourly wage will be offered based on national certifications.