Youth Development Counselor - GoForth - Perry

YMCA of Greater Houston; League City (TX); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA Membership

Program Discounts

Paid training

Leadership growth opportunities

Flexible schedules

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Houston is hiring Youth Development Counselors for Before/After School and Day Camp programs in the Katy ISD, Conroe ISD, and Humble ISD areas. Expect part-time shifts, meaningful youth interaction, and a $3.00 per hour stipend in eligible locations.

Join a mission-driven team that emphasizes safety, inclusive programming, and community partnerships while you help children grow and thrive.

Qualifications

• Must be 18+ years old.
• HS diploma or GED.
• At least 6 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.

Responsibilities

• Keep children safe, engaged, and accounted for at all times using YMCA policies and training.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment with positive behavior-management techniques.
• Lead curriculum-based activities through games, projects, and hands-on learning.
• Model YMCA values: honesty, respect, responsibility, caring, and faith.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe program space meeting licensing standards.
• Build strong relationships with children, families, school staff, and YMCA team.
• Follow all child-protection policies and ensure proper sign-in/out procedures.

Skills

Clear communication

Youth engagement

Decision making

Inclusion & cultural competence

Team player

Growth mindset

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Earn an Additional $3.00 Per Hour!

The YMCA is currently offering a temporary $3.00 per hour stipend for Youth Development Counselors working in our Before/After School Programs serving Katy ISD, Conroe ISD, and Humble ISD.

This temporary stipend is separate from base pay and is available only to employees assigned to eligible locations. The stipend may be modified or discontinued based on organizational needs and funding availability.

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

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.