Job description

Greater Philadelphia YMCA Employment Opportunity!

POSITION PURPOSE
The Specialist Counselor is expected to provide appropriate programs and guide campers with special needs throughout the camping experience and assist them with daily camping activities and programs. Ensure safety and well-being of campers. Supervise campers and staff to ensure that camper and parent needs and expectations are met.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Read and be accountable for YMCA, state licensing, and ACA guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Supervise by being able to identify, KNOW, SEE, RESPOND to ensure the safety of each child in your direct care at all times. Adhere to a small group/ratio established by the state licensing agency and ACA.
• Assist in the supervision and planning of camp activities; ensure all campers can participate in all activities, no matter varied abilities whether physical, or intellectual. Actively participate in activities to encourage participation.
• Assist in the supervision and planning of camp activities; ensure all campers can participate in all activities, no matter varied abilities whether physical, or intellectual. Actively participate in activities to encourage participation.
• Assist Unit Leaders in effective and timely communication with parents/guardians regarding children's program experience, progress. Maintain confidentiality, use sensitivity, and patience at all times.
• Direct and maintain control of environments that build children’s self-esteem. Utilize positive reinforcement techniques for redirection as a form of behavior management.
• Interpret and maintain safety and health policies and procedures; review and understand your roles and responsibilities in emergency procedures
• Ensure appropriate behavior of campers and staff to avoid risk of accidents; maintain awareness of camper well-being
• Adhere to policies and procedures when caring for injured campers; report all incidents. Ensure a safe environment.
• Accurately maintain daily attendance records, emergency contact binders, and allergy reports.
• Arrive at camp, meetings and activities with the camp group at assigned time; displaying good sportsmanship; following YMCA rules and regulations.
• Embody the GPY commitment to diversity and inclusion, no matter race, color, creed, or gender identification.
• Ensure quality of camp by noting any problems, safety concerns, or equipment disrepair.
• Ensure camp and equipment cleanliness.
• Develop and implement an activity or program with campers. Plan at least one service project to increase camper awareness of environment, cultural diversity or within a prescribed theme.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

ROLE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• A degree in Special Education or related field, with at least 3 years’ experience working with children with special needs. Prior camp and supervisory experience preferred.
• Ability to motivate and supervise staff.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of spoken word to impart oral information and to convey detailed, spoken instructions to staff, members, children, and volunteers accurately, quickly, and loudly. Ability to perceive the nature of sounds by ear; ability to lift and carry 50-75 pounds; ability to maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling. Ability to move about on foot quickly; ability to stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl. Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time. Ability to judge distances and spatial relationships so as to see objects where they actually are and clearly see at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The physical environment requires the employee to possibly work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Frequently required to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure such as hearing protection and rubber gloves.

Acquire and maintain the following certifications:

• CPR/AED/O2 (valid 2 years with exception of Aquatics to renew annually), First Aid (valid 2 years) obtained through the American Red Cross
• Requisite OSHA online trainings (valid 1 year unless otherwise noted)
• Mandated Reporter Training (valid 5 years)
• Additional training and development specific to your role as reference in onboarding packet.

OUR CULTURE
At the YMCA we value CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY in personal character and behavior and believe that they are essential to attaining our mission

OUR MISSION
To improve lives by connecting people to health, well-being, and to each other.

The Greater Philadelphia YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. The Y considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or other protected classification and in accordance with applicable laws.

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