Childwatch Counselor - Foster

at  YMCA of Greater Houston

POSITION SUMMARY:

Supervises and interacts with children while parent engages in program activities; ensures the Childwatch program is safe, values oriented, and interactive

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 18 years of age.
• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse prevention training upon hire.
• Previous experience working with children preferred.
• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, interpret, retain, and teach documents such as safety rules, operating maintenance instructions, and procedure/educational manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of children, parents, staff, members of the YMCA, and/or others, as well as in one-on-one situations.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

• Promotes and incorporates the YMCA five core values and character development model in to all program activities.
• Supervises children at all times to ensure their safety.
• Stays alert to children’s needs and/or problems as individuals and as a group.
• Engages children in developmentally appropriate games and learning activities.
• Provides for physical needs of children including feeding, distributing snacks/drinks, restroom assistance, first aid, CPR and notifying parent of needed diaper changes.
• Provides for the emotional needs of children including soothing distressed children, comforting sick or hurt children, redirecting negative behavior, and giving positive feedback.
• Prepares area for program by ensuring toys, supplies, play areas, storage areas, bathroom area and furniture are safe, clean, sanitized, organized and well maintained.
• Inform incoming staff of any significant information about a child and list of children present in the group.
• Reports any concerns to supervisor about the children, parents, members and/or others as needed, including reporting of any incident where a child is injured, or suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Utilizes appropriate software when checking children in/out of program area.
• Attends mandatory trainings and meetings.
• Ensures youth are properly signed in and signed out, ensures only authorized adults are allowed in the facility, etc. Adheres to policies related to boundaries with each child.
• Ensures unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely monitors high-risk locations (bathrooms), etc.
• Report suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follows mandated abuse and incident reporting requirements.
• Meet timelines and deadlines related to supporting systems and employee compliance. Example includes but are not limited to Kronos Workforce Ready for review and approval of time sheets.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.