Camp Counselor

Opportunity Enterprises • Valparaiso, IN

9d • $17

About The Position

Camp Counselor is a 12-week seasonal position that works with youth of all ages and abilities to provide a meaningful experience daily through activities and recreation. Counselors rotate weekly between the role of group counselor and inclusion counselor. Founded in 1967, we are a nonprofit organization that strives to help individuals with developmental disabilities reach their greatest potential and live full, enriching lives. Our vision is to create a fully integrated community where life for persons with developmental disabilities is valuable, purposeful, and fulfilling. We believe it is possible to make a positive difference in the lives of the individuals we serve by accepting people as they are and supporting them in achieving their fullest growth and development. We know that well-trained and motivated staff is at the core of helping us achieve our vision. Our employees work hard to ensure that our clients are heard and given the resources they need to be self-sufficient. To show our appreciation, we strive to provide a positive work environment that encourages innovation and change to help our employees continuously learn and grow.Make a difference today! Please fill out our brief application and– we’ll be in touch soon!!

Requirements

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Prolonged periods sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting.
• Ability to work inside and outside in normal weather conditions.
• Hike on various terrain
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
• REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
• The capacity to work as a team member
• Outgoing with a sincere and energetic desire to have a quality and consistent experience with youth
• Ability to teach and lead a variety of recreational activities
• Ability to inspire and motivate others
• Capacity to be flexible and improvise when needed
• Capable of active listening skills
• Ability to accept supervision and guidance, yet also act independently.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing
• Problem solve by analyzing situations accurately and taking effective action
• Be sensitive to gender, age, cultural diversities, and disabilities.
• Respond to emergency camper situations with appropriate First Aid and CPR and CPI
• EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• High School Diploma & 1 year of college or the equivalent preferred
• Must be 18 years old

Nice To Haves

• Experience with children and developmentally disabled population preferred

Responsibilities

• Act as a role model in your attitude and behavior setting a good example to campers and others in regards to general camp rules, policies, procedures and practices such as sanitation, schedule, inclusion and sportsmanship
• Lead and assist in regularly creating, coordinating, conducting, and evaluating safe, fun, and inclusive camp activities for all areas of camp appropriate for your age group
• Act as primary caregiver for each of your campers assuring that campers are properly supervised at all times including small group environment, and large, all-camp events. Be alert to the campers needs and aware of their safety at all times
• Observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, and enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures as needed using appropriate behavior-management techniques
• Take primary responsibility for the health and well-being of campers. Be aware of allergies, medications, diagnoses, special needs and behaviors for all campers
• Assist campers with 1:1 needs and personal care as needed (feeding, toileting, behavior management, activity participation, etc.)
• Provide inclusion support modifying all camp activities as needed to meet the needs of each camper for full and equal participation and success
• Arrive before programs to setup and speak with participants and/or parents and guests. Stay the necessary time needed after programs to clean up
• Encourage a fun and imaginative learning environment creating scenarios and scripts to enhance the experience of camp activities and events
• Follow the weekly schedule and ensure your campers are where they need to be when they need to be there
• Keep supervisor up-to-date on scheduling and evaluation feedback including concerns, updates, and challenges
• Attend the entire 3 week camp staff training, prior to the start of camp
• Create and keep civil relationships with fellow staff members
• Fulfill other administrative and essential roles and duties as necessary or as assigned

Benefits

• Benefits to all Employees:
• Accrued Time Off
• Partial Holiday Pay
• Partial Paid Birthday off!
• Employee discounts (Verizon phone plans & YMCA membership)
• Employee referral program
• Pay On Demand Option (Paylocity Wallet)
• FSA accounts
• Paid Mileage
• Employee recognition events
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Extensive training
• Flexible Hours
• CPR/First Aid training
• Additional Benefits to Full-Time Employees:
• 401K w/ 5% company matching
• 8 paid holidays
• Paid day off on Birthday!
• PTO
• Pay On Demand Option (Paylocity Wallet)
• HSA Accounts
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Casual Fridays
• Supplemental Insurance (short term disability, cancer plans, life insurance and more)

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees