The YMCA of South Florida is looking for enthusiastic, energetic, passionate, team oriented and motivated Afterschool Counselors to work with children with special needs in our West Miramar afterschool programs (zip code areas-33029 and 33027). If you are passionate about the field of Education, enjoy on-going training, helping others grow, and have a sincere desire to cultivate our next generation of children, we have a position for you! Making a difference in a child's life is the most rewarding experience one can have during their professional career. Under the direction of the Site Supervisor, the Special Needs Counselor is responsible for the overall day-to-day group programming, behavior management, and direct supervision of a group of children in a licensed child care/day camp facility. Please note Medical Marijuana cards do not exempt you from successfully passing your drug test.

Essential Duties:

Supervise and implement, both age and developmentally appropriate activities, for a group of children with special needs as outlined by the licensing agency, State of Florida and the YMCA of South Florida's curriculum. Use measurable tools to track children's progress. Distribute nutritious snacks on a daily basis using universal health/sanitation practices. Document behavior issues and/or incidents daily, as needed. Conduct a health check of each child daily, noting fever, bumps, bruises, burns, or other questionable signs of abuse and document the incident with the Site Supervisor. Maintain high level of professional courtesy with parents, facility personnel, staff and clients at all times. Know and follow proper emergency procedures appropriate to the facility and in conformity with procedures adopted by the YMCA of South Florida and emergency service authorities. Provide regular inspections of areas used by the program to ensure both cleanliness and safety. Check bathrooms for supplies and basic cleanliness before allowing participants to enter. Attend all staff meetings and training opportunities. Report all incidents and accidents within 24 hours to the corporate office. Adhere to the Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting requirements which mandate by law all child care personnel to report suspicions of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Ensure that the proper staff to child ratios are maintained at all times and reports discrepancies to the Site Supervisor as needed.

Position Requirements:

A high school diploma or GED. Minimum Two years' experience, including one year experience of direct contact with children with special needs. Ability to relate to children. Must be at least eighteen years-old at the time of hire. Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing. Must have a demonstrated competency in the planning and implementation of recreational and educational activities.

Certificates and Licenses:

Within one (1) year of employment, you must have completed the following

DCF Trainings:

The Thirty (30) Hour Training Requirement consisting of (a) Child Growth and Development, (b) Health, Safety and Nutrition, (c) Child Care Facility State and Local Rules and Regulations, (d) Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect, and (e) Behavior Observation and Screening. The Ten (10) Hour Developmentally Appropriate Module (Preferred- School Age Appropriate Practices). Current CPR and First Aid certificates by time of employment. As a condition of employment, you will be required to submit to and satisfactorily clear a thorough Level II fingerprinting background screening. As a condition of employment, you will be required to submit to and satisfactorily clear a thorough Level II fingerprint background screening. As a Drug-Free Employer, all new hires must successfully complete a drug test. Please note Medical Marijuana cards are not accepted and do not exempt you from successfully passing your drug test. The YMCA of South Florida is committed to the policy of Equal Opportunity prohibiting discrimination in the workplace because of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation, age or disability. In accordance with House Bill 531 (2025) the Department of Children and Families require employers to make the "Care Provider Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness" website link: https://info.flclearinghouse.com available to all potential candidates receiving a background check via the Clearinghouse.

Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

$17.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount Application Question(s): What is the highest level of education you have achieved? Do you have personal or professional experience working with individuals with special needs? Have you worked in a childcare facility (afterschool/day care program)?

YES or NO Work Location:

In person