Specialized Support Counselor
Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians•Dowagiac, MI
4d
About The Position
The Specialized Support Counselor provides direct support to youth participants and is responsible for ensuring their overall safety, development, personal growth, and skill attainment. This role also supports the delivery of outdoor educational and recreational experiences that emphasize Native American traditions and practices, while reinforcing the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Requirements
- Must meet minimum requirements of the position, complete a background check, and pass drug test to include testing for marijuana.
- Bachelor's Degree in a related field from an accredited institution whose program of study has been recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the United States Department of Education required.
- Three (3) years’ experience working with special needs youth, preferably a range of special needs such as: mental, physical, emotional, and behavioral.
- Upon hire, completion of provided First Aid and CPR certification is required.
- Ability to work as a member of a team and the ability to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Must have the physical ability to participate in camp activities which include, but are not limited to, hiking, canoeing, swimming, team building activities, building campfires, physical games, and activities.
- Ability to walk independently for a reasonable distance and assist another individual as needed, including pushing a manual wheelchair. Must have the ability to physically support children when needed for safety in general camp activities.
Responsibilities
- Identify and respond to camper behavior issues.
- Physical Ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and situations requiring first aid.
- Assist in maintaining accurate program records. Including incident reports, logbook documentation, and daily attendance records.
- Know and understand ALL emergency procedures associated with the program.
- Know, enforce, and follow all safety guidelines associated with the camp and all program areas. This includes but is not limited to being responsible for youth’s safety and their whereabouts at all times.
- Support youth to optimize participation in the camp schedule.
- Always maintain confidentiality.
- Contact Families to determine campers specialized needs.
- Communicate specialized needs and plan to camp staff as needed.
- Identify and create plans for youth with specialized needs.
- Develop emergency safety plans for youth with specialized needs.
- Train staff with techniques to address youth with specialized needs.
- Support staff in difficult situations.
- Advocate and support youth and staff in an inclusive environment.
- Perform other related functions as assigned.
