PBG Inclusion Senior Counselor

Camp Shalom at the Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches is looking for talented, passionate individuals to join us and commit to giving our campers their best summer ever!   

If you love working with kids and have experience doing so, we want to talk to you about being a Inclusion and Special Needs Counselor this summer! To learn more about what you'd do, we hope you'll continue reading and submit an application.  

 
JOB SUMMARY:  
Besides having the best summer yet?! You'll have fun and get paid for it!  Ultimately, you're doing your job if campers are having fun and their safety and well-being are the priority at all times. Your role is to create a welcoming and supportive environment that ensures the participation and enjoyment of all campers. You play a crucial role in facilitating inclusive activities, adapting programs to individual needs, and providing additional support to children with diverse abilities. Work is generally June – August, Monday – Friday as directed by the summer camp schedule each year. Look below for some specific responsibilities and expectations of this position: 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Lead and supervise a group of campers throughout the day, ensuring their safety and well-being. 

• Foster positive relationships with campers, providing guidance, support, and encouragement. 

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with families, guests, co-workers, and leadership staff. 

• Work closely with campers with special needs to understand their unique abilities, challenges, and requirements. Provide individualized support as needed to ensure each camper can fully participate in camp activities. 

• Modify and adapt camp activities to accommodate different abilities and sensory preferences. 

• Enforce camp rules and policies consistently, promoting a respectful and inclusive atmosphere. 

• Implement strategies to address and manage behavior challenges sensitively and effectively. 

• Address behavioral issues promptly and implement positive reinforcement and encouragement to foster a supportive and nurturing environment. 

• Demonstrate positive behavior and attitudes, serving as a role model for campers. Campers look up to their counselors!  

• Encourage teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship among campers. 

• Assist campers in all ways possible ensuring good hygiene, health, and safety practices, especially in the event of an emergency. 

• Provide regular updates and feedback to appropriate camp staff on all camp-related matters. 

• Resolve conflicts according to policies and communicate with camp leadership as necessary. 

• Follow camp emergency procedures and participate in drills to prepare for potential incidents. 

• Advocate for the needs of campers with different needs, including emotional, social, or physical support. 

• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and planning discussions. 

• Complete necessary paperwork, such as attendance records, incident reports, notable achievements, and evaluations. 

• Attends camp orientation, open house, staff meetings, field trips, late nights, and overnights as required.  

• Performs additional duties as agreed upon by the supervisor and by camp needs. 

POSITION RELATIONSHIPS:  
The position requires occasional internal interaction with employees, parents, supervisors, officers, board members, and other agency personnel and community members. You would be responsible for maintaining positive, courteous, and professional relationships with families and children enrolled in the youth and camp programs, all JCC staff, professional staff from other related agencies, and the greater community.  

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:  

• A LOVE for working with children and having fun! 

• Highschool Graduate 

• Previous experience working with children with special needs or in a similar inclusive setting is preferred, but not required. 

• Previous youth group or camp experience is a plus, but not required. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an empathetic and patient approach. 

• Ability to speak fluent Englis