Lead Camp Counselor

As a thought-leader and best-in-class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community-building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non-profits serving in Atlanta. Today, we’re looking for you to join us as we carry out our mission to positively impact lives and communities across the state. 

At the Y, we’re an association of like-minded people (staff, volunteers, and members), on the forefront of a movement to ensure that everyone -- especially children -- experience an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. In the course of a year, we provide more than 3,000 children, ages 6 weeks through Pre-K with high-quality literacy and STEAM-infused learning; give 58,000 youth and teens access to sports, aquatics, day and resident camps, teen leadership development programs, and employment opportunities; provide over 200,000 members with programs, services, and facilities to enjoy connection and maintain wellness regardless of age; and engage over 25,000 volunteers and donors from across Atlanta to share in the gift of supporting their communities.

 

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Under the supervision of the Youth Development Director and in cooperation with other staff, the Lead Counselor is responsible for developing program-specific activities for campers. They are responsible for achieving the goals of the day camp by assisting in the implementation of activities which provide guidance, leadership, education, and enjoyment for children served by camp. The Lead Counselor is responsible for assisting the counselor/leadership personnel and providing a safe environment. The ideal candidate embraces responsibility, loves to engage others and has the ability to facilitate creative activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited):

• Assist in planning and implementation of programs and safety protocol which will assist in the development of the camper physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually and which promote YMCA values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Assist in teaching the basic skills of various programs to campers in a safe and respectful manner.
• Report to the Camp Director/Unit Leader any difficult or unusual situations.
• Share problems with the Camp Director/Unit Leader so they can be solved.
• Assist in always facilitating proper group behavior.
• Stay updated on current issues regarding camp programs. 
• Promote, monitor, evaluate and ensure that all camp programs run smoothly with a high level of service to participants. 
• Maintain branch and association certifications in Metro Atlanta YMCA New Staff Orientation and Branch off-site Emergency procedures, Keeping Kids Safe and any other required certifications and/or training required by the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. 
• Responsible for maintaining and reporting incident/accident paperwork. 
• Adhere to YMCA of Metro Atlanta policies and procedures.
• Preform COVID 19 safety procedures and all other necessary protocols before, during, and post camp.  To include Personal temperature checks, camper and parent temperature checks and prescreen questions, sanitation of camp areas.  

REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma completed
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Experience working with children in a structured setting.
• Required certifications current First Aid/CPR; must obtain any other certifications required for the position.
• Complete PPE and safety protocol training prior to first shift.  
• A working knowledge of computers: MS Word, MS Excel, database management.  
• Exemplify YMCA ideals, leadership qualities. 
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, problem solve and possess effective time management skills. 
• Strong customer service skills and personal commitment to service and hospitality. 
• Knowledge of the outdoors and environmental education.
• Pass a Bright from the Start (BFTS) fingerprint background check and a drug screen.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES BASED ON NEEDS SPECIFIC TO ROLE: 

• Be able to set an example and lead counselors daily.
• Be able to maintain a safe and healthy environment for staff and children.  
• Be able to provide sound, caring and positive leadership for children. 
• Able to maintain a safe and fun environment for children 
• Provide, to everyone, extraordinary customer service to parent(s). 
• Be able to recognize and implement safety standards in all program activities. 
• Be able to participate effectively with other staff in implementing creative and