Lead After School Counselor

Ela Township; Lake Zurich (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid leave

Holiday pay

Job summary

Ela-Township in Illinois is seeking a Lead After-School Counselor for a part-time role, 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday when school is in session. You will oversee program operations, mentor staff, and foster a safe, enriching environment for participants.

You will coordinate activities, supervise counselors, and serve as a key contact for families, while ensuring safety, academic support, and positive youth development.

Qualifications

• Experience working with youth in educational or recreational settings.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build rapport with children, staff, and families.
• CPR and First Aid certification (can be obtained through program training).
• Availability during after-school hours (2:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.), Monday–Friday.
• Must be able to drive a 6-passenger van or 14-passenger bus; training can be provided. CDL not required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and provide guidance to after-school counselors, ensuring high-quality program delivery and professional development.
• Coordinate and lead daily activities, including educational projects, recreational games, and arts and crafts.
• Serve as primary contact for parents and guardians, addressing inquiries and concerns with behavior.
• Monitor and ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, enforcing program policies and procedures.
• Assist students with homework and encourage academic growth among students.
• Manage behavior challenges effectively, promoting positive interactions and social development.
• Maintain open communication with program management, providing updates as needed.
• Act as the lead responder in case of emergencies, ensuring swift and appropriate action.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Rapport with children and families

Communication with parents

Team mentoring

Education

CPR and First Aid certification

Job description

Position Overview:

The Lead After-School Counselor is responsible for overseeing program operations, mentoring counselor staff, and ensuring a safe, enriching, and supportive environment for all participants. This leadership role involves planning activities, managing logistics, and fostering strong relationships with children, families, and team members. The ideal candidate demonstrates excellent organizational and leadership skills, coupled with a passion for youth development.

Part-Time position with normal hours of 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday on days when school is in attendance.

Key Responsibilities:

Supervise and provide guidance to after-school counselors, ensuring high-quality program delivery and professional development.

Coordinate and lead daily activities, including educational projects, recreational games, and arts and crafts.

Serve as one of the primary points of contact for parents and guardians, addressing inquiries and concerns with behavior.

Monitor and ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, implementing and enforcing program policies and procedures.

Assist students with homework and encourage academic growth among students.

Manage behavior challenges effectively, promoting positive interactions and social development.

Maintain open communication with program management, providing updates as needed.

Act as the lead responder in case of emergencies, ensuring swift and appropriate action.

Qualifications:

Experience working with youth, preferably in an educational or recreational setting.

Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

The ability to build rapport with children, staff, and families.

CPR and First Aid certification (Can be obtained through program training).

Availability during after-school hours (2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.), Monday through Friday.

Required to be able to drive a 6-passenger van or 14-passenger bus; training can be provided. CDL not required.

Preferred Skills:

Background in education, child development, or program coordination.

Experience in team management or mentoring roles.

Familiarity with creating inclusive programming.

Work Environment:

Primarily indoors, with occasional outdoor activities as part of the program.

Physical activity, including standing, walking, and participation in activities, is required. May involve lifting and moving light equipment or supplies.

Pay Range: $17.50 – $18.00 hourly

Benefits: 1 hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked, Holiday Pay

This position is subject to random drug testing