Counselor II

YMCA of Portsmouth; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads is seeking a Counselor II to provide a safe, inclusive, and enriching experience for children and youth ages 5-12. You will serve as a mentor, role model, and facilitator, guiding activities that build social skills, confidence, and memory-making moments.

You will lead and assist in a variety of programs—sports, arts, nature, STEM—and ensure active supervision, adherence to safety protocols, and effective communication with families and staff.

Qualifications

• Must meet Virginia DOE Lead Teacher qualifications and be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent is required and background checks will be performed.
• CPR/First Aid certifications must be obtained within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Supervision and safety of children at all times and adherence to safety protocols.
• Deliver diverse activities including sports, arts, nature, team-building and STEM.
• Foster positive relationships and resolve conflicts among peers.
• Promote inclusion and diversity in all programs.
• Communicate with children, families, staff and leadership about progress and needs.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities.

Skills

Supervision

Safety

Group management

Behavior management

Inclusion & diversity

Communication

Professional development

Developing self & others

Functional expertise

Program & project management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Lead Teacher qualifications per VA DOE

Background checks / pre-employment requirements

CPR/First Aid within 30 days

Job 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.

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 II at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, you will play a vital role in providing a safe, inclusive, and enriching child care experience for children and youth ages 5-12. You will serve as a mentor, role model, and facilitator, guiding children through a variety of recreational, educational, and character-building activities. By fostering a supportive and positive environment, you will help children develop social skills, build confidence, and create lasting memories.

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.
• Programming: Lead and assist in the delivery of a diverse range of activities, including but not limited to sports, arts and crafts, nature exploration, team-building exercises, and STEM..
• Group Management: Manage a group of children, fostering positive relationships and promoting teamwork and cooperation among peers. Facilitate conflict resolution and provide emotional support as needed.
• 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.
• Inclusion and Diversity: Create an inclusive and welcoming environment where all children feel valued, respected, and celebrated for their unique backgrounds and abilities.
• 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

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

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

Qualifications

• The Counselor (Program Lead) 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:
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a high school diploma or the equivalent
• Meet the minimum qualifications for “Lead Teacher” as defined by the VA Department of Education Division of Child Care Health and Safety
• 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

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.

Accountability

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.

Compensation

Wage Range: $13.00 - $15.50 hourly

The wage range provided reflects the YMCA of South Hampton Roads’ good-faith determination of the minimum and maximum starting salary for this position.

Salary Description

$12.77-$13.50