Job Information
YMCA of Central New York CAMP EVERGREEN ACCESS & ABILITY COUNSELOR in Manlius, New York
Job Title: Camp Evergreen Access & Ability Counselor
Reports To: Associate Executive Director
Work Location: Camp Evergreen
FLSA: Exempt – FT Seasonal
Salary Range: Seasonal Salary $4200/Staff Training $15.50/hour
A Career with a Cause:
We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and grow. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
Our purpose is to strengthen the foundations of communities and families through our key areas of focus: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We are committed to these causes because a strong community is achieved when we invest in our children, health, neighbors, and values. Historically founded on the Christian principles of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility; our mission is to put these principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
We are for ALL.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Statement | YMCA OF CENTRAL NEW YORK (ymcacny.org)
Position Summary:
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Under the direction of the Associate Executive Director, the Access & Ability Counselor is responsible for working with staff and unit leaders in an active outdoor day camp program that will meet the objectives of the Hal Welsh East Area Family YMCA and will be appropriate for both campers and campers with special needs within the unit they are assigned. The Access & Ability Counselor will be responsible for up to 3 campers with disabilities per session, be in water to assist aquatics staff with swimming and supervision, provide inclusive opportunities for all campers that build confidence, teach new life-skills, and foster friendships, assist with daily pick-up assignment and attend overnights as needed. The Access & Ability Counselor assures the well-being for each participant in line with YMCA of the USA guidelines and association policies in accordance with their training .
Salary and Benefits:
Salary Range: $4250.00/season, Seasonal, Exempt
YMCA Membership
YMCA Summer Day Camp Quality Service Theme:
By acting as role models and building lasting relationships, we make a positive difference in families’ lives.
Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks:
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:
To supervise assigned camper(s) with special needs in the group ensuring their enjoyment and safety; be aware of safety issues to eliminate accidents. This includes supervising the application of sunscreen and bug spray 2-3x daily, ensuring they are drinking enough fluids regularly to prevent any dehydration; assist campers with the daily organization of their belongings; handle all discipline problems in a consistent manner as they occur. Seek advice from Senior Program Director as needed.
To assist assigned camper(s) with personal care or feeding needs.
To be responsible for clear, appropriate communication with campers, their families, and other staff when needed. Regularly communicating with parent/guardians of assigned camper(s).
Assist with daily pick-up procedures and assignments.
To attend and be actively involved in staff trainings, orientation, staff meetings, and a weekly in-service meeting prior to the beginning of the camp day.
To work with other staff to develop a fully inclusive, recreational and educational program each session. Assist in specialty areas of: swimming, arts, horseback riding, archery, nature studies, and adventure. To assist in the development and implementation of special programs as assigned by the Program Director or Unit Director.
To be involved in a daily swim program that includes being in the water with camper(s) while supervising and assisting with water activities (note: Female staff are required to wear a one-piece bathing suit).
To assist with the supervision of the lunch period (assigned by Unit Director) ensure your camper(s) are eating within a group of campers to foster peer relationships. Ensure that each camper is eating a proper lunch and drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration and other heat related illnesses.
To act in a professional manner at all times including personal appearance, speech, and interaction with campers, their families, and other staff.
To understand that you are part of a team that is responsible for a group of campers and that activities should be implemented in such a way that your campers receive a fun, meaningful, and safe experience. Making modifications as needed so children with special needs are able to participate.
To be responsible for the cleanliness and organization of the camp area including the pavilion, fields, camp shed, buildings, trails, and the playhouse.
To be available to assist with overnights as assigned (for which you will be compensated) and all Family Nights.
To be available after camp hours on the last day of the season and participate in the close up of camp.
To be responsible for implementing all other tasks as assigned by the Senior Program Director.
Experience, Education and Qualifications
High school graduate with some college experience preferred but not required.
Minimum of one year experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and/ or experience working with children in a camp/ child care group setting.
Experience working with children with developmental disabilities in sports, games, music/drama, and or outdoor activities.
Must be 17 years of age.
Excellent organizational and communications skills both verbal and written are essential to the success of this position.
Brings to this position maturity, responsibility and a sincere interest in working with people.
Possess a general knowledge and understanding of YMCA, its goals, and its mission.
Possess knowledge of various resources for programming ideas and the skills to utilize that information in program implementation.
Possess knowledge of age appropriate activities and expectations of children ages 3 to 14.
Trainings & Certifications:
CPR/AED and/or First Aid certifications preferred (opportunity provided).
Must attend and complete YMCA Child Abuse Prevention and other related training at Camp Iroquois Orientation.
YMCA Leadership Competencies:
Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause
Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence
Program/Project Management: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs
Physical Demands:
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Prolonged periods of standing and frequent bending.
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time.
Will be exposed to illness-causing bacteria and viruses
Must have basic swim abilities which include: swim at least 4 lengths of the pool (100 yards) and tread water for a minimum of 3 minutes.
Work Environment:
This job operates in a recreational and/or educational environment. This role routinely uses standard recreation and/or office equipment. At times, employees may be exposed to undesirable working conditions, communicable infectious diseases, and risk of injury from others. All employees are required to always follow the preventative health policies of the YMCA. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.