Summer Camp Inclusion Support Counselor (1:1)

YWCA WHITE PLAINS AND CENTRAL WESTCHESTER•City of White Plains, NY

9d•Onsite

About The Position

At the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester, we believe every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and fully included. YWCA Summer Camps is more than a summer program—it’s a place where children build confidence, form friendships, and experience the joy of simply being a kid. We are seeking compassionate, energetic, and dependable direct support professionals to serve as Inclusion Support Counselors, providing dedicated 1:1 support to individuals with developmental disabilities throughout our 8-week summer camps. In this role, you are more than a counselor—you are a bridge. You help ensure that every camper can participate, belong, and thrive in all aspects of camp life. Whether it’s supporting a camper in the pool, encouraging participation in group activities, or helping navigate transitions throughout the day, your presence makes inclusion real. This is a hands-on, high-impact role for someone who leads with patience, empathy, and a genuine belief in the potential of every child. You’ll work alongside a team committed to equity, access, and creating meaningful experiences for all campers, while supporting individual needs in a way that is respectful, empowering, and rooted in dignity. Grounded in person-centered practices and aligned with OPWDD standards and core competencies, this role blends structure with heart—supporting not just safety and participation, but growth, independence, and joy.

Requirements

Must be 18 years or older
High School Diploma or GED required
Ability to remain patient, attentive, and engaged in a fast-paced environment
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Must pass required background checks (Justice Center, DOH, etc.)
CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
Completion of required OPWDD/DSP & Camp specific trainings upon hire

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children or individuals with developmental disabilities strongly preferred
Background in camp, recreation, education, gymnastics or human services a plus
Bilingual (highly preferred)
Completion of Direct Support Professional (DSP) Core Competency training aligned with OPWDD standards is preferred.
Candidates with or working toward certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) are strongly encouraged.

Responsibilities

Provide 1:1 supervision and support to ensure camper safety, engagement, and inclusion throughout the day
Support participation in all camp activities including swimming, gymnastics, sports, arts & crafts, and group programming
Adapt activities to meet the camper’s needs, abilities, and interests
Assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) as needed (e.g., toileting, feeding, transitions)
Implement behavioral support strategies using positive reinforcement and redirection
Promote social interaction, confidence, and independence
Maintain line-of-sight supervision and respond calmly to any safety or behavioral concerns
Assist with mobility and transitions throughout the facility and campgrounds
Complete required daily documentation, including progress notes and incident reports
Serve as a positive role model and contribute to a supportive, inclusive camp culture