Adventure Team Program Counselor

YMCA Of Greater Seattle • Eastsound, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Adventure Team Program Counselors facilitate low- and high-challenge-course elements, group initiatives, and the camp BMX track. Counselors also live in cabins with cabin counselors and campers and serve as cabin counselors when they are not working in their assigned program area. During staff training, Adventure Team members complete intensive challenge-course facilitation training led by Synergo. The position is led by the Adventure Team Unit Director and includes other duties as assigned.

This is a seasonal residential camp position requiring staff to live onsite. Staff housing is generally in shared cabins with campers or shared staff housing, depending on the position and availability. The work takes place indoors and outdoors. The position is exempt from minimum-wage and overtime regulations under Washington State wage and hour law. Work-related travel is conducted by YMCA-authorized drivers.

The hiring rate is $75 per day. Returning staff working the same or an equivalent job earn $80 per day for a second season, $85 per day for a third season, and $90 per day for four or more seasons.

The YMCA describes its commitment to equity as promoting a culture free from bias and injustice, removing systemic barriers, and creating equitable and sustainable environments in which social justice is woven into programs. Its mission is to build a community where all people, especially young people, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have some challenge-course experience, including experience as a participant, and be dedicated to helping people challenge themselves and learn from their experiences.
• Be very safety conscious and consistently use good safety practices.
• Be able to be physically active and spend time 30–60 feet off the ground.
• Demonstrate documented knowledge of challenge courses and current safety standards and practices.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of belaying, rappelling, knots, and rescue techniques.
• Be able to participate in rigorous outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, camping, and swimming.
• Meet the physical demands of the job, including occasionally lifting store or janitorial products and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Adhere to abuse-prevention policies, appropriate-boundary requirements, training, reporting, and mandated-reporting requirements.
• All job offers are contingent on passing a background check.

Nice To Haves

• Current Wilderness First Responder certification is strongly preferred.
• Current state-approved first aid certification.
• Current state-approved CPR certification.
• One or more years of college preferred.
• Knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations, including differences in language, culture, race, physical ability, and sexual orientation.
• Ability to speak a language in addition to English may be helpful.
• Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge and skills needed to perform effectively may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate low- and high-challenge-course elements, group initiatives, and BMX track activities.
• Supervise a group of campers and staff, ensuring staff account for campers and maintain safety at all times.
• Plan, schedule, and facilitate developmentally appropriate program activities that promote camper skill and character development, including unit and cabin activities and discovery clinics.
• Ensure counselors plan and organize activities.
• Maintain safety and cleanliness standards; note individual camper or staff health needs and concerns daily; and share cleaning duties with other staff.
• Communicate personal or camper and staff needs to a supervisor in a timely manner.
• Maintain equipment in sound and safe condition.
• Attend meetings and trainings.
• Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those concerning medical and disciplinary situations, child-abuse prevention, program and equipment inspections, written documentation, and emergencies.
• Perform cabin counselor duties when not working in the assigned program area.
• Adhere to abuse-prevention policies, maintain appropriate boundaries, complete required training, report suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and comply with mandated-reporting requirements.
• Ensure staff are appropriately screened, trained, supervised, and held accountable to the organization's abuse-risk-management standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• YMCA of Greater Seattle membership for the employee and their household.
• Free access to mental health resources.
• Paid time off that accrues rapidly and is available immediately upon hire.
• Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare and day camp programs.
• Some benefits are available only to full-time staff.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed