GENERAL FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Camp Program Director/Site Director, the Camp Counselor will provide direct service to participants in licensed camp programs. The primary role of the Camp Counselor will be to serve as a role model for youth providing positive interaction and engagement throughout the program while leading participants in age-appropriate activities.
MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Education/Experience Requirements:
- Minimum Age 18
- Must have job-related experience working with school-age children.
- Lifeguards must have qualifications 1 – 2, above, in addition to current lifeguard certifications.
- Wranglers must have qualifications 1 – 2 above, in addition to 2 years field experience with horses.
- Tower/Ropes must have qualifications 1 – 2 above, in addition to Alpine Tower Training/Ropes certification.
Physical/Mental Requirements:
- Must be able to routinely perform the following moderate physical activities; climb, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, reach with hands, sit, walk and stand for extended periods of time, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, have finger dexterity, grasp, perform repetitive motions, talk, hear and have visual acuity. Must be able to swim and pass certification if lifeguarding. Must be able to ride horses if required for position. Must be able to belay and repel if working on the tower or climbing wall.
- Must possess problem solving, organizational and task management skills; ability to make independent and sound decisions in a rapidly changing environment.
- Must demonstrate a high level of maturity, patience, dependability, sound judgment, motivation and desire to work with all ages, especially youth.
- Must exhibit initiative in the absence of supervision.
- Must be able to relate to and work with diverse groups of people in a friendly and consistent manner.
- Must work collaboratively as a team member as well as independently and lead by assigned goals, duties and deadlines.
- Must present a neat and professional appearance at all times.
Job Requirements:
- Commitment to the YMCA mission, vision, and values
- Must attend New Employee Orientation within 30 days of hire.
- Complete Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED and First Aid, KDHE Health History, Site Orientation, and other mandatory trainings in accordance with Conditions of Employment.
- Learn all emergency procedures and action plans for the branch as necessary.
- Understand and abide by all policies and procedures as set forth by the association.
- Work a schedule that reflects the needs of the branch, including weekends and evenings.
JOB RESPONSIBLITIES
- Attending all mandatory staff meetings and in-service hours.
- Supporting and participating in scheduled program activities, supervising routines, and encouraging youth participation.
- Remaining actively engaged with youth throughout the program with a focus on building relationships and being a positive role model in the areas of interpersonal communication, sportsmanship, healthy eating, and physical activity.
- Demonstrating the ability to set and maintain limits for youth using positive reinforcements.
- Supporting and guiding youth through conflict to find positive solutions and work out differences and disagreement with respect to all involved.
- Maintaining good public relations with parents, guests, and staff, and as well as the public.
- Creating a welcoming environment by ensuring everyone who enters the program receives a warm welcome and children and parents are greeted by name.
- Communicating any issue or concerns to the direct supervisor in a timely manner.
- Following all reporting procedures for reporting suspected child abuse including notification to your direct supervisor, immediately.
- Maintaining open communication with the direct supervisor regarding training needs, clarification of responsibilities or policies, and/or feedback on performance.
- Engaging and actively participating in annual campaign, including but not limited to solicitation of donations and participation and support of campaign fundraisers.
- All other duties as assigned.
EFFECT ON END RESULTS: Ensuring children feel positive and look forward to coming to the YMCA program. Ensuring parents are pleased with the growth and development of the child(ren), positively affecting overall program stability.
