Advocate Camp Counselor for children w/disabilities, JCC Sports Camp, Summer

JCC Greater Boston • Newton, MA

9h • $15 - $17 • Onsite

About The Position

Advocate Counselors are part of the camp’s Inclusion Team, working directly with campers with disabilities and individualized needs. Guided by ICPs (Individual Camper Plans) and supported by the Inclusion Team, Advocate Counselors partner with co-counselors to ensure that every camper is safe, supported, and fully included in their bunk and camp activities. JCC Greater Boston offers free bus service for staff from Cambridge, Brookline, Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, Wayland, Framingham, Natick, Needham, Newton and Wellesley during the summer season.

Requirements

• Eligible for work permit
• 1+ season (summer camp, semester, babysitting, coaching, other) experience working with children
• Enjoy working with children and a strong desire to make a difference every day
• Safety awareness and ability to communicate any issues and concerns with supervisors
• Exhibits leadership skills, including teamwork, patience, flexibility, and diplomacy
• Demonstrates positive attitude at all times
• Commitment to build strong relationships with campers, co-workers, and camp leadership
• Self-starter who takes the initiative
• Ability to manage situations effectively and diplomatically and ask for help, guidance, or clarification when needed
• Must be able to work well with others, building/sustaining collaborative solid relationships
• Able to work well in a busy, dynamic, and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities.
• Able to lift and carry objects weighing 30-40 pounds (boxes of supplies, children’s backpacks, etc.)
• Able to sit and kneel; getting down at eye level with children regularly.
• Ability to swim and supervise children in pool (able to stand in pool)

Nice To Haves

• While we prefer candidates who are available all summer, we recognize that candidates may have other obligations and are happy to work with your schedule.

Responsibilities

• Partner with co-counselors to build an inclusive group dynamic and implement accommodations from camper ICPs
• Advocate for camper strengths, needs, and abilities while encouraging independence and participation
• Support campers in fully engaging with bunk life and activities (arts, sports, swimming, special events)
• Ensure the safety and well-being of campers during structured and unstructured times
• Participate in and support campers during swim times (must be able to access the pool and swim with campers)
• Communicate regularly with co-counselors and leadership to ensure consistency of support
• Model patience, empathy, and positive behavior for campers and peers
• Actively create a welcoming dynamic that contributes to an environment where each individual is valued and respected
• Actively participate as an essential team member
• Support JCC Greater Boston’s mission, vision, and values of belonging, joyfulness, collaboration, and transformation, including through role modeling
• Enthusiastically representing the organization, model excellence and achievement
• Attend JCCGB meetings and trainings as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Free bus service for staff
• JCC Health & Fitness center access
• Supportive, vibrant in-person work environment
• Access to JCC Greater Boston's top class fitness, recreation and wellness facility in Newton
• Use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal-Sidman JCC during active seasonal employment
• Free or discounted enrollment for camp programs may be available for camp employees’ children based on availability.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed