Job Description
Specialized Recreation offers summer camps for youth, teens, and young adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities. Additionally, Inclusion Services provides individual or group support to individuals with disabilities in typical camp settings. This is a part-time, temporary position in which Counselors will supervise and assist participants with disabilities in a summer camp setting. Setting options are:
- Camp Friendly (ages 6-12) at Durant Nature Preserve or Carolina Pines Community Center
- Camp Exploration (ages 13-21) at Marsh Creek
- Inclusion Services (youth through teens) at various camp sites supporting participants with disabilities in “typical” camp settings.
Duties and Responsibilities
*Please note a Counselor position regardless of the base assignment with a camp location or with inclusion services will be expected to perform the responsibilities listed below, and be prepared to shift between a camp location or into an inclusion support setting based on the program needs.
- Maintain constant supervision of campers and provide assistance when needed
- Modify activities as needed, or provide reasonable modifications for participation
- Must be able to actively participate in a variety of activities, including swimming
- Lead various activities scheduled for camp day
- Engage participants through multiple means of instruction
- Encourage and create social interaction between participants
- Monitor campers for safety and provide positive reinforcement or other behavioral supports as needed
- Identify problems and brainstorm solutions
- Maintain high energy levels and enthusiasm for prolonged periods throughout the day
- Assist participants with personal care activities – toileting, dressing, hygiene, feeding, management of belongings, and/or medication
- Document and/or relay accident/incident information to the appropriate staff
- Assist leadership staff in curriculum development
- Communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors
- Implement and model participant Inclusion Plan recommendations
- Complete observation notes, daily reports, and weekly documentation
- Maintain confidentiality of participants and families
- Attend and participate in all required trainings and staff meetings
Typical Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- At least 1 year of volunteer work and/or personal experience with people who have developmental and/or physical disabilities
- Possess an excellent work ethic
- High level of motivation, creativity, and enthusiasm
- Ability to be flexible and adapt to changes quickly
- Effective oral and written communication
- Ability to work as a member of a team
- Demonstrate a willingness to learn
- Maintain a high level of maturity and sensitivity
- Must be able to model appropriate behavior and use positive behavior techniques
- Must be able to monitor the safety and wellbeing of participants
- Ability to complete required trainings before working at camp including, a background check and controlled substance screening.
- Minimum age 16 years old
- Preferred to be able to work until August 11, 2023
Additional Information
Position and hours:
- Must be available for the month of May, and entire duration of summer camp.
- Camp dates: June 12 – August 11, 2023 (except June 19 & July 4)
- Hours are typically between 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday through Friday.
- Up to 40 hours per week pre-camp (May)
- Up to 50 hours per week June-August
- Mandatory meetings and required trainings will begin mid-May (may be day, evenings, or weekends)
Training Requirements: SRIS Camp College, Staff Manual Review, Safety Topics, Key Policies and Procedures, Compliance Training, SRIS Employee Orientation, Bloodborne Pathogens, Workplace Violence & Harassment, IT Compliance, Driver Awareness and Passenger Driver training