Seasonal Youth Counselor - Pride of America
About The Position
The Youth Counselor is a seasonal member of the Cruise Staff aboard the Pride of America. The role implements scheduled social, entertainment, sporting, recreational, theatrical, and craft activities for guests aged 2–17, ensuring activities are safe and run on schedule. Counselors supervise youth and teen guests during entertainment-related activities and provide welcoming, attentive hospitality to guests and their parents. They may host and speak to large groups, perform in costume or character roles, and communicate program policies and general ship information. The role also includes administrative and organizational work related to youth-program operations and safety, plus maintaining, inventorying, and ordering program equipment and supplies. Counselors work cooperatively with Cruise Staff and other shipboard departments in a multicultural environment and must adapt to changing schedules, assignments, and deadlines. The position is aboard a large passenger vessel, which may carry more than 5,000 guests, including over 1,500 children during high season. It requires the ability to work seven days a week and live in close quarters while sharing limited cabin space. Crew members aboard Pride of America must meet U.S. Coast Guard physical requirements for a Merchant Mariner Credential. Physical qualifications and requirements include specified BMI and blood-pressure limits, mobility and balance, climbing, lifting and carrying, prolonged standing, and the ability to respond to visual and audible alarms. Additional detailed physical and health requirements are listed in the posting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Requirements
- At least one year of experience in a combination of programming and implementing youth recreation, youth sports, and/or childhood education for ages 2–17.
- At least one year of experience programming and implementing theatrical or drama-related activities.
- Intermediate to advanced English verbal and writing skills, including proper English grammar.
- Intermediate to advanced typing and computer software skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- High school diploma or foreign equivalent.
- Associate degree, or current enrollment in an accredited college degree program, or foreign equivalent, in a course of study related or relevant to childcare.
- Current and active CPR/First Aid certifications from a recognized educational institution.
- Able to work seven days a week.
- Able to live in close quarters and share limited space with other cabin-mates.
- Must meet applicable Pride of America U.S. Coast Guard physical requirements for a Merchant Mariner Credential, including the stated BMI and blood-pressure limits and physical abilities.
- Must be able to work in a multicultural environment and adjust to changing schedules, assignments, and deadlines.
- Must be service-oriented, able to take direction, and demonstrate professional appearance and good hygiene.
Nice To Haves
- One year of experience with special-needs programming.
- Intermediate verbal and writing skills in another language, such as German, Spanish, French, or Italian.
- One year of experience communicating via microphone and using or programming DJ and light/sound equipment.
- Unique hobbies such as juggling, theater, gymnastics, sports, dance, or singing.
- Extroversion, quick and critical thinking, wit, personable manner, and articulateness.
Responsibilities
- Implement scheduled social, entertainment, sporting, recreational, theatrical, and craft programs and activities for guests aged 2–17, ensuring they take place safely and on schedule.
- Host and engage groups of varied ages in public venues, including speaking on a microphone and conducting games, events, and activities.
- Perform character roles and participate in activities while wearing costumes.
- Communicate with parents and adults about general ship information and Youth Program policies and guidelines.
- Report on youth-program operations and safety with attention to detail.
- Remain accessible and approachable to guests, listen patiently, and provide hospitality even when a situation falls outside Youth Programs.
- Assist with maintaining storage, inventorying, and ordering equipment, supplies, gifts, and prizes used in the programs.
- Supervise and control youth and teen guests during entertainment-related activities.
- Work cooperatively with Cruise Staff and other shipboard departments, adapting to changes in schedules, assignments, and deadlines.
- Follow the Safety and Environmental Protection Policy, the SMS, and the procedures applicable to the position.
- Perform other related duties as assigned or directed.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
