Youth Development Counselor - Bethke

YMCA of Greater Houston; Katy (TX); On-site; USD 16,531 - 22,041; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA Membership

Discounts on YMCA programs

Paid training and professional development

Leadership growth pathways

Flexible schedules

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Houston is seeking a Youth Development Leader to inspire and support children in before/after-school programs and day camps. This role involves creating a safe, inclusive environment where youth can thrive through engaging activities. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, responsible, and has experience working with diverse youth populations.

Benefits include free YMCA membership, discounts on programs, and opportunities for professional development. Join us to lead, inspire, and make a difference!

Qualifications

• At least 18 years old.
• Six months of experience working with youth in a licensed facility 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.

Responsibilities

• Keep children safe, engaged, and accounted for at all times.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment using positive behavior-management techniques.
• Bring the YMCA curriculum to life through games and hands-on learning.
• Demonstrate honesty, respect, responsibility, caring, and faith.
• Help maintain a clean and safe program space.
• Connect with children, families, staff to create a positive community.
• Follow child-protection policies and maintain vigilant supervision.

Skills

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

Education

High school diploma or GED

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.