Youth Counselor

YOUTH EDUCATION ACADEMY; Paterson (NJ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Youth Education Academy in Paterson, NJ is seeking a Youth Counselor to supervise and guide youth in our programs. The role emphasizes creating a positive, safe environment where children can learn and grow, with mentorship and role-modeling responsibilities.

The Youth Counselor leads activities, supports social and emotional development, and participates in program planning. Must be energetic and able to work with children in a busy setting, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year of experience with children in group settings.
• CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Must meet NJ Office of Licensing requirements for child care personnel.

Responsibilities

• Actively supervise and engage with a group of children, ensuring safety at all times.
• Lead and assist in daily activities, including academic support and recreation.
• Develop age-appropriate lesson plans aligned with curriculum goals.
• Submit supply lists for activities to the Youth Center Director or Assistant Director.
• Serve as a positive role model with patience, empathy, and respect.
• Use positive behavior management to guide children and build self-esteem.
• Build positive relationships with children, parents, and staff.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, organized program space.
• Accurately complete attendance records and incident reports.

Skills

Youth development passion

Patience & positivity

Interpersonal communication

Team player

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CPR and First Aid Certification

Knowledge of NJ licensing requirements

Job description

Description

Job Title

Youth Counselor

Department

Site Operations

Reports To

Youth Center Director & Assistant Youth Center Director

Location

[Enter Work Location(s)]

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Job Summary

The Youth Counselor is a direct service professional responsible for the daily supervision and engagement of youth in our programs. This role focuses on creating a positive, safe, and supportive environment where children can learn and grow. The Youth Counselor will lead planned activities, provide mentorship and positive guidance, and serve as a role model to support the social, emotional, and physical development of all participants.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Actively supervise and engage with a group of children, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.
• Lead and assist in the implementation of daily activities, including academic support, recreation, and enrichment programs.
• Develop and write age-appropriate lesson plans and activities that align with the program's curriculum goals.
• Submit supply lists for planned activities to the Youth Center Director or Assistant Director in a timely manner.
• Serve as a positive role model, demonstrating patience, empathy, and respect for all participants.
• Use positive behavior management techniques to guide children's behavior and promote self-esteem.
• Build positive relationships with children, parents, and fellow staff members.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming program space.
• Accurately complete required documentation, such as attendance records and incident reports.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This role requires high energy and the ability to work in a busy, and sometimes loud, environment with young children. The role is physically active.

• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Will frequently stand, walk, sit on the floor, bend, stoop, and kneel for extended periods.
• Must be able to actively participate in all physical activities with children, including sports, games, and outdoor play in various weather conditions.
• Must possess the mobility to quickly respond to emergency situations.
• Must possess the mobility to navigate all areas of the facility and respond quickly to situations.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required for events and meetings.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Youth Education Academy (YEA) is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at YEA are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. YEA will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience working or volunteering with children in a group setting (e.g., camp, school, after-school program).
• Skills: A passion for working with youth and a patient, positive demeanor.
• Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Skills: Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Skills: Must meet all requirements set forth by the NJ Office of Licensing for child care center personnel.
• Certifications: CPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain within 90 days of hire).

Preferred

• Some college coursework in Child Development, Education, or a related field.
• Experience leading youth activities.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.