Counselor

Hospital for Special Care•New Britain, CT

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Counselors are under the direct supervision of the Head Counselors. Counselors provide direct supervision of a small group of campers. Counselors apply their knowledge and experience working with school-age children to supervise children in a developmentally--appropriate program for youth living with physical disabilities in accordance with the philosophy, policies, procedures and practices of CSC Adaptive Sports program and DPH Youth Camp Licensing Regulations.

Requirements

Minimum 2 years experience working or volunteering at a licensed Youth Camp and/or other licensed school age program, or adaptive sports program.
Effective interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
Visual acuity, varied periods of active participation in both fine and gross motor activities as required for proper supervision of children.
Reasoning; problem identification; foresight; quick decision making ability, organization skills; high level of communication skills relating to both adults and children; an ability to comprehend and communicate both verbally and in writing; current in early childhood developmental issues relating to school age children; knowledge of physical disabilities served and accommodations and supports for each; and an ability to work well as a team member.
Attends workshops and trainings for professional growth and development and attends trainings as required by the State of Connecticut.
Job requires working with changes in temperature inside/outside, dry/wet, humid, hot/cold, dirty, noisy (children's voices, instruments, equipment).
Possible exposure to body fluids, blood borne pathogens and odors (BM, urine, blood, vomit, foods); hazards (disinfectants, toys, foods and non food items spilled on floor, active children in motion); works alone, around and/or with others; quick emergency response.
Ability to be flexible with work schedule, if necessary, Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and/or may need to work beyond an 8-hour day depending upon program needs, attend daily staff meetings.

Nice To Haves

Person living with a physical disability.
Must be able to demonstrate skill with adaptive equipment for a minimum of one adaptive sport offered at the HSC Ivan Lendl Adaptive Sports camp.

Responsibilities

Conducts adaptive sports and inclusive recreation activities with campers based on the camp schedule, under the supervision of head counselors, assistant coaches, coaches and camp director and assistant director.
Works collaboratively with camp volunteers.
Observes and records notations of individual children to assure adequate record keeping as assigned.
Interacts verbally, non-verbally and physically with children, actively listens and responds to children based on each child's developmental level and individual needs.
Role models and encourages appropriate social behaviors in children, such as cooperation, helping, taking turns, and problem solving.
Facilitates independence in children by providing a balance of encouragement and/or assistance as needed.
Reports developmental, health and/or behavioral concerns with Nurse, Head Counselor, Director and/or Assistant Director so that concerns may be discussed with parents as needed.