Greater Austin YMCA·Austin, Texas
The Afterschool Counselor leads engaging activities for children ages 4-12, including STEM projects, arts and crafts, and outdoor play. They are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of students while fostering social-emotional growth and maintaining program operations.
This is a seasonal, part-time position that follows the academic school year, beginning in August and continuing through May/June. The role offers weekday afternoon shifts from 2:00 PM -- 6:30 PM at elementary schools in Kyle/Buda areas. Enjoy weekends off and a free YMCA membership!
As an Afterschool Youth Development Leader, you'll create a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for children ages 4--12. You'll lead activities that foster social-emotional growth, support academic success, and make afternoons fun and enriching. Most importantly, you'll help students feel seen, supported, and excited to learn and grow.
How You Will Make an Impact
Lead and engage youth in a variety of activities, including games, arts and crafts, STEM projects, outdoor play, and academic support, that promote learning, creativity, teamwork, and personal growth.
Supervise groups of children throughout the program day, ensuring their safety, well-being, and positive participation while adhering to YMCA policies and Texas Childcare licensing standards.
Foster social-emotional development by modeling positive behavior and the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where all participants feel valued, supported, and encouraged to succeed.
Follow established curriculum and lesson plans while adapting activities to meet the needs and interests of participants.
Communicate effectively with children, families, and staff, providing updates, addressing concerns, and building positive relationships.
Serve and supervise snack time while maintaining sanitation, health, and safety standards.
Manage program operations through attendance tracking, activity preparation, documentation, organization, and other administrative responsibilities.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities to enhance program quality and effectiveness.
Serve as a positive ambassador of the YMCA's mission, vision, and values, contributing to a strong and supportive community.
Complete other duties as assigned.
What You Bring to the Y
18 years of age with a high school degree or equivalent.
Availability to work Monday through Friday from 2:00 PM -- 6:30 PM.
A minimum of one year of experience in camps, childcare programs, or similar environments is preferred.
Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
Ability to lead with a positive, service-oriented attitude.
Growth Mindset: Learn and improve to better serve members and the mission.
Team Player: Work collaboratively with others and support a positive team environment.
Communicates Effectively: Listens actively and communicates clearly with members and peers.
Fosters Belonging: Ensure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and included.
Customer Focused: Anticipates needs and ensures quality, member-centered service.
Self-Development: Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, talk and occasionally lift and/or move items including equipment, furniture and/or children. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Market context
In Texas, roles like this often draw candidates with youth coaching, pediatric therapy, or early childhood activity backgrounds, especially where child safety and movement instruction matter. Competition can be stronger for applicants who can show CPR certification, solid body mechanics, and experience working with ages 15 months to 8 years. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here, then compare them with the original posting so you can quickly confirm fit before applying.