Lead Adaptive Needs Counselor

Company: YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta
Location: Alpharetta
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

As a thought-leader and best-in-class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community-building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non-profits serving in Atlanta. Today, we’re looking for you to join us as we carry out our mission to positively impact lives and communities across the state. At the Y, we’re an association of like-minded people (staff, volunteers, and members), on the forefront of a movement to ensure that everyone especially children experience an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. In the course of a year, we provide more than 3,000 children, ages 6 weeks through Pre-K with high-quality literacy and STEAM-infused learning; give 58,000 youth and teens access to sports, aquatics, day and resident camps, teen leadership development programs, and employment opportunities; provide over 200,000 members with programs, services, and facilities to enjoy connection and maintain wellness regardless of age; and engage over 25,000 volunteers and donors from across Atlanta to share in the gift of supporting their communities. NATURE AND SCOPE: Under the direction of the Youth Development Director, the Lead Adaptive Needs Counselor will be primarily responsible for supporting the adaptive needs counselors and programing and for the successful achievement of providing guidance, safety, leadership, values education and enjoyment for children served by our adaptive need programming. RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to): Carry out daily program tasks related directly to the position's scope and responsibility. Stay updated on current issues regarding adaptive needs programming. Promote, monitor, evaluate, and ensure that all programs run smoothly with a high level of service to participants. Maintain branch and association certifications in CPR, Metro Atlanta YMCA for New Staff Orientation and Branch Emergency procedures and any other required certifications and/or training required by the Metro Atlanta YMCA. Assist as needed in all aspects of the YMCA and its community. Responsible for maintaining and reporting incident/accident paperwork. Other duties as assigned CRITICAL COMPETENCIES BASED ON NEEDS SPECIFIC TO ROLE: Be able to maintain a safe and healthy environment for staff and children. Be able to provide sound, caring, and positive leadership for children. Able to maintain a safe and fun environment for children. Provide, to everyone, extraordinary customer service to parents. Be able to recognize and implement safety standards in all program activities. Be able to participate effectively with other staff in implementing creative and fun adaptive need programming. Have a good understanding of the mission and values of the YMCA and be able to demonstrate and teach based on those values. Communicate positively with parents and staff as . Attend all staff training. REQUIREMENTS: High School Diploma in progress or completed or GED Must be at least 1 8 years of age 2 years of experience working with children in a structured setting Required certifications current First Aid/CPR; must obtain any other certifications for the position A working knowledge of computers: MS Word, MS Excel, database management Exemplify YMCA ideals, leadership qualities Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, problem -s olve and possess effective time management skills Strong customer service skills and personal commitment to service and hospitality Knowledge of the outdoors and environmental education Pass a criminal background check , BFTS background check, and drug screening CPR within 30 days of employment and maintain throughout employment ERGONOMICS: Ability to work actively outdoors and/or indoors while supervising children. Ability to climb, walk, run, stoop, squat or kneel. Ability to lift and carry equipment to appropriate destinations or affect the carrying of such equipment. Ability to use senses which enable safe supervision including seeing and/or hearing. It's fun to work in an organization where people truly BELIEVE in what they are doing! Employment and Benefits package for this job posting is offered through the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc. Employment Requirement: Ability to pass a pre-employment background check including Criminal Record check, Drug Screening and motor vehicle record (MVR) according to company policy. Must be legally eligible to work in the US without current or future sponsorship. This job posting is subject to change at any time. The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta offers excellent benefits and career opportunities as part of our culture of excellence. The opportunities to serve are vast, and we’re looking for like minded people, who share our values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY to join us and do their best work. The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. Location: Ed Isakson / Alpharetta YMCA

Keywords: YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, North Atlanta , Lead Adaptive Needs Counselor, Education / Teaching , Alpharetta, Georgia