Location and Job Title:

Camp Counselor for Children with Special Needs
Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches
5221 Hood Road
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

Principal Responsibilities:

JOB SUMMARY:

The Special Needs Camp Counselor, under the supervision of the Special Needs Camp Director and Special Needs Unit Head, will be required to stay with their camp group at all times in addition to being responsible for their campers' safety and well being at all times.The Special Needs Camp Counselor will follow the schedule provided by the Director of Special Needs and plan activities, when necessary, for the campers.Work schedule is generally June - August, Sunday - Saturday as directed by summer camp schedule each year.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs frequent head counts of campers, particularly when en-route from one activity to the next.
• Assists in the arrival and dismissal of campers.
• Assist campers in all ways possible ensuring good hygiene, health and safety practices, especially in the event of an emergency.
• Ability to model positive, mature behavior at all times.
• Addresses negative behavior appropriately according to agency policies.
• Must be organized.
• Ability to participate in all camp activities, adhering to policy and procedures to ensure the safety of campers and staff.
• Resolves conflicts fairly and effectively according to agency policies.
• Assists all campers to integrate effectively.
• Maintain positive relationships at all times with campers, staff, co-workers, guests and families of campers.
• Keeps Director of Special Needs informed and included on all camp-related matters.
• Displays creativity, and innovation in performing job duties.
• Eats with group and reports any children who do not eat lunch to Director of Special Needs.
• Ensures that campers do not lose their belongings.
• Ability to change diapers if necessary
• Must dress in appropriate swim attire when campers are participating in water play.
• Ability to get in and out of the pool when campers are in the pool.
• Responsible for group attendance and completing appropriate paperwork.
• Attends camp orientation, camp open house, staff meetings, field trips, late nights and overnights as required.
• Maintains adherence to all company policies and procedures, including agency safety requirements. Request safety-assistance devices, including requesting additional assistance prior to moving or lifting any excessively heavy and/or awkward objects.
• Must work the days and hours to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks, and be punctual and timely in meeting all performance requirements, including but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with agency staff members to form a positive, supportive team atmosphere and maintain courteous and professional working relationships with outside contacts of agency.
• Responsible for group attendance and completing appropriate paperwork.
• Performs additional duties as agreed upon by supervisor and in accordance with camp needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Some college experience required, preferably in ESE or equivalent.
• Experience with Special Needs individuals is a plus, but not required.
• Formal or informal child care experience is preferred, but not required.
• Previous youth group or camp experience is a plus, but not required.
• Ability to speak fluent English, understand it as well as read and write.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate physical effort which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 75 lbs), bending stooping, stretching, squatting and sitting.
• Must possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Must have visual and auditory ability to keep track of multiple campers and to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to camp activities.
• Effective and clear communication is essential between campers and staff.
• Write daily reports of each camper's activities.
• Noise level can be moderate to loud.
• Frequent exposure to outside elements, such as sun exposure, heat, humidity and rain.

Agency Information:

The JCC of the Greater Palm Beaches does not discriminate against employees or clients on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status or any other characteristic protected by Federal and State law.A non-discrimination clause concerning employment opportunity is incorporated in the Employee Policy and Procedure Manual.The JCC of the Greater Palm Beaches will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

This job description may not be all-inclusive and employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by management.Job descriptions will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity.Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification.