Youth Development Counselor

YMCA of Greater Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 16,531 - 24,796; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA Membership

Program discounts

Paid training and development

Leadership growth pathways

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Houston is seeking a Youth Development Leader for our before/after-school and day camp programs. You will create a safe, fun, and enriching setting where youth feel supported, valued, and excited to learn, while building strong relationships with families and staff.

You will champion safety, guide positive behavior, lead engaging activities, and uphold YMCA values across all program areas, including daily operations and community collaboration.

Qualifications

• Clear, positive communication with children and families.
• Ability to engage groups of youth in activities.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving in dynamic environments.
• Commitment to inclusion and cultural competence in a diverse setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead before/after school and day camp activities with energy and creativity.
• Maintain safety, supervision, and sign-in/out procedures according to policies.
• Build positive relationships with youth, families, school staff, and YMCA team.
• Model YMCA values and support daily operations in licensed facilities.

Skills

Communication

Group engagement

Decision making

Inclusion & cultural competence

Team mindset

Growth mindset

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CPR/First Aid/AED training

Job description

Join a team that's shaping the next generation.

At the YMCA, we're more than a childcare provider; we're a community dedicated to helping young people grow, learn, and thrive. If you're enthusiastic, responsible, and ready to make a real impact, this role offers the chance to inspire children every day while building meaningful relationships with families and fellow staff.

What You'll Do

As a Youth Development Leader, you'll bring energy, creativity, and compassion to our before/after-school and day camp programs. You'll help create a safe, fun, and enriching environment where youth feel supported, valued, and excited to learn.

Your Impact

• Champion Safety & Supervision: Keep children safe, engaged, and accounted for at all times. You'll monitor activities, conduct headcounts, and respond confidently to any situation using YMCA policies and training.
• Guide Positive Behavior: Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment by using positive behavior-management techniques that help children grow socially and emotionally.
• Lead Fun & Meaningful Activities: Bring the YMCA curriculum to life through games, projects, and hands-on learning. You'll adapt activities to meet the diverse needs and interests of every child.
• Model YMCA Values: Demonstrate honesty, respect, responsibility, caring, and faith in everything you do. You'll be a role model that children look up to.
• Support Daily Operations: Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe program space that meets YMCA and state licensing standards.
• Build Strong Relationships: Connect with children, families, school staff, and your YMCA team to create a positive, collaborative community.
• Protect Youth: Follow all child-protection policies, ensure proper sign-in/out procedures, and maintain vigilant supervision of all program areas.

What You Bring

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED
• Six months of experience working with youth in a licensed facility, school, church, or similar setting
• CPR, First Aid, AED, and Child Abuse Prevention training (or willingness to obtain)
• Ability to plan and lead age-appropriate activities
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Ability to pass state/local background checks and fingerprinting
• TB test and any required immunizations per state/local guidelines

Skills That Help You Shine

• Clear, positive communication
• Ability to engage groups of youth
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving
• Commitment to inclusion and cultural competence
• Team-oriented mindset
• Desire to grow and help others grow

Physical & Work Environment Expectations

This is an active, hands-on role. You'll be moving, playing, leading activities, and occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs. Work takes place both indoors and outdoors, including exposure to weather, noise, and the joyful chaos of youth programs. Day Camp roles will include outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and extended periods of standing or walking.

Typical Schedule

Before/After School Program: Part-time, Monday-Friday, typically 2:30 pm-6:30 pm (aligned with ISD calendar). Occasional Saturdays. Day Camp Program: Monday-Friday, 6:30 am-6:30 pm with multiple shift options (aligned with ISD breaks). Occasional Saturdays. Participation in family nights, staff meetings, and trainings is required with advance notice.

Why the YMCA

When you join the YMCA, you join a mission-driven community that invests in your growth. You'll gain leadership experience, professional development, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. If you're ready to inspire, lead, and grow, this is where you belong.

Benefits of Working at the YMCA

• Free YMCA Membership
• Discounts on YMCA programs
• Paid training and professional development
• Leadership growth pathways within youth development and beyond
• A supportive, mission-driven team environment
• Flexible schedules
• Opportunities to make a lasting impact on the community and families

The YMCA of Greater Houston provides Equal Employment Opportunities for employment to all employees and applicants, including disability and protected veteran status.