Adaptive Summer Camp Lead Counselor

Piedmont YMCA•Charlottesville, VA

19h•$20•Onsite

About The Position

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Piedmont Family YMCA is looking for enthusiastic leaders to help make a positive impact on our campers enrolled in the Charlottesville area Adaptive Camp program this summer. The Lead Counselor supports the Site Supervisor in managing the daily functions of camp; which is comprised of youth, teens and adults with developmental delays and disabilities. Responsible for positive behavior interventions, ensuring high quality program delivery, and assisting in the general safety and well-being of the campers and staff.

Requirements

At least 21 years of age
High school graduate or equivalent; one year or more of college preferred
At least six months of verifiable experience working in a supervised child program or setting required
Prior experience in working with individuals with disabilities (paid, volunteer, or internship)
Available to work between the hours of 8:30 am-4:30 pm, Monday – Friday
Ability to work June 8-July 31 (vacation days should be approved prior to employment)
Current Adult/Child/Infant First Aid/CPR/AED certification, Child Abuse Prevention certification, and Bloodborne Pathogen certification by first day of camp (available prior to camp training week)
Strong group leadership skills, high energy level, adaptability and dependability
Able to communicate, supervise and provide sound judgment to participants and staff
Able to react quickly, calmly and appropriately in an emergency situation
Ability to perform first aid
Ability to demonstrate leadership, initiative and creativity in order to establish and direct a comprehensive camp
Ability to maintain composure when interacting with staff, campers and caregivers
Ability to tactfully discuss campers' behavior with the campers and caregivers as needed
Must be able to work in fast paced environment that requires patience, focus and diligence.
Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings, including working outside for extended periods of time during summer conditions.
The physical demands will include standing, running, walking up and down stairs frequently, bending down, lifting program supplies.
Should be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Able to enter, stand and move in a pool or lake.
May involve interaction with participants experiencing behavioral or emotional escalation.

Responsibilities

Assist with pre-camp planning: making daily schedule, creating themes, researching activities, making supply lists
Assist with managing the scheduling and coordination of camp
Implement daily activities, field trips, and programs that are age and ability-appropriate and inclusive for individuals with disabilities and consistent with the Y’s value.
Develop and maintain good working relationships with the staff, parents and families by way of open communication, positive problem solving, flexibility, and teamwork.
Maintain YMCA requirements/ratios and ensures all staff members do the same.
Responsible for ensuring supervision of a group of 10-20 campers.
Create a positive working environment and models’ positive attitudes and professional tones/interactions with campers, caregivers, parents and staff.
Provide and welcome ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their campers needs and progress; connects families to the Y.
Organize and maintain camp equipment, supplies and property.
Adhere to program standards including safety and cleanliness.
Maintain thorough knowledge of the licensing standards set forth by the Commonwealth of Virginia and maintains compliance at all times.
Maintain camp records including, but not limited to: accident & incident reports, sign in/out sheets, attendance documents.
Responsible for Medication Administration (training provided).
Adhere to the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Strong communication with Site Supervisor & Director to include camp updates, needs and concerns.
Perform other duties as assigned.