Youth Counselor/ Group Leader

Springfield Boys & Girls Club Inc; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Springfield Boys & Girls Club Inc in Springfield, MA seeks multiple youth counselors to create a safe, engaging environment for ages 6–18. You will lead educational and recreational activities, build relationships with members, and support academic success and healthy lifestyles.

The role emphasizes being energetic, responsible, and a positive role model who helps youth reach their full potential while working directly with youth in a hands-on program setting.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Minimum of six months’ experience working with youth.
• First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Ability to pass all required state and federal background checks.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with youth to ensure a safe, positive experience that includes educational and recreational opportunities.
• Foster an environment focused on youth development outcomes: academic success, healthy habits, and citizenship.
• Promote and stimulate program participation.
• Accompany members safely between program areas.
• Ensure attendance is taken in each program area and immediately report discrepancies.
• Participate in required trainings (behavior management, Club policies/procedures, Safety Culture, First Aid/CPR, and EEC requirements).
• Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem-solving.
• Assist with special events and programs.
• Ensure members adhere to all Club policies and expectations.
• Provide guidance and serve as a positive role model for youth.
• Prepare and facilitate daily activities that are inclusive and age-appropriate.
• Maintain clean, organized program spaces throughout the day and at shift end.
• Actively engage youth in structured activities at all times.
• Immediately report any concerns or incidents involving youth to leadership.
• Refer all parent/guardian questions, concerns, and disciplinary matters to leadership.

Job description

Reports To: Chief Program Officer

The Springfield Boys & Girls Club is seeking multiple youth counselors to create a safe, engaging, and positive environment for youth ages 6–18. In this role, you will lead educational and recreational activities, build meaningful relationships with Club members, and support their academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character development. The ideal candidate is energetic, responsible, and committed to serving as a positive role model while helping young people reach their full potential. Work directly with youth to ensure a safe, positive experience that includes educational and recreational opportunities.

Pay Rate: $16 per hour

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work directly with youth to ensure a safe, positive experience that includes educational and recreational opportunities
• Foster an environment focused on youth development outcomes: academic success, healthy habits, and citizenship
• Promote and stimulate program participation
• Accompany members safely between program areas
• Ensure attendance is taken in each program area and immediately report discrepancies
• Participate in required trainings (behavior management, Club policies/procedures, Safety Culture, First Aid/CPR, and EEC requirements)
• Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem-solving
• Assist with special events and programs
• Ensure members adhere to all Club policies and expectations
• Provide guidance and serve as a positive role model for youth
• Prepare and facilitate daily activities that are inclusive and age-appropriate
• Maintain clean, organized program spaces throughout the day and at shift end
• Actively engage youth in structured activities at all times
• Immediately report any concerns or incidents involving youth to leadership
• Refer all parent/guardian questions, concerns, and disciplinary matters to leadership

Additional Responsibilities:

• May participate in special programs and/or events.
• Attend five (5) hours of human service trainings per year.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Minimum of six months’ experience working with youth
• High standards of character, integrity, and adaptability
• Willingness to learn and follow state regulations and Club policies
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow directions and work collaboratively as part of a team
• Strong problem-solving and multitasking abilities
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population of youth and families
• First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Ability to pass all required state and federal background checks in accordance with BGCA and state regulations

Disclaimer:

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected in this classification. It is not designed, nor is it interpreted, as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Springfield Boys & Girls Club is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. The organization will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to, veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or any other protected group status as defined by law. Springfield Boys & Girls Club will also not discriminate against employees or applicants based on sexual orientation