Inclusion/Kochavim Counselor (Working with campers with disabilities)

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You can choose to work as an Inclusion Counselor or a Kochavim Counselor. Inclusion Counselors work 1:1 or 1:2 with campers ages 4-12 who need extra support in order to fully participate in camp. Kochavim Counselors work with 1:1 or 1:2 with teens and young adults ages 12-21 with disabilities.  

Job Description 

• Supervision and Engagement 
  • Assist the aquatics staff during instructional swim and recreational swim with active supervision of your assigned Lessans camper(s) 
  • Actively participate in specialist-led activities by joining in, demonstrating enthusiasm, helping campers as needed, and ensuring everyone stays involved and on task. 
• Camper Care 
  • Collaborate with counselors, Inclusion Team, and the Health Room to manage camper’s health needs.  
  • Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of campers served, interact appropriately with campers in a variety of situations, appropriately model behavior (enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, and self-control), and use positive behavior-management techniques. 
  • Creatively adapt and individualize activities to the specific needs of campers. 
  • Assist campers with changing into and out of swim clothing in the locker rooms. 
  • Implement behavior charts, visual schedules, etc. as needed, in coordination with Unit Leadership, Inclusion Team, Specialists, and Yoetzet. 
• Preparation, Planning, and Organization 
  • Combine efforts with other staff members to ensure programs and activities run smoothly. 
• Communication and Attendance 
  • Actively participate in arrival and dismissal procedures.  
  • Provide daily written communication with camper’s parents about campers’ daily progress and other pertinent information. 
  • Attend all required sessions, orientations, staff meetings, late stays, and trips planned for the group(s). 
  • Professionally communicate and collaborate with external providers supporting campers through other agencies 

Salary is determined based on experience including previous experience at Lessans Camp JCC.  

Qualifications 

• Ability to physically assist campers in and out of the pool. 
• Ability to change soiled clothes as needed. 
• Assist campers in the bathroom as needed. 
• Ability to get on the floor to participate and supervise activities. 
• Ability to spend your camp day outdoors and walk and travel long distances. 
• Ability to move equipment and supplies as required. 
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds. 
• Prior experience working with campers ages 4-21. 
• Knowledge or experience with children and/or teens with special needs is preferred. 
• Be accepting of, and sensitive to the diverse racial, national, sexual orientation, gender identity, abilities, religious and cultural backgrounds of everyone at Lessans Camp JCC 
• Willingness to be flexible and adapt to changes in schedule, responsibilities, and Lessans Camp JCC activities as needed. 

Priority is given to candidates who are available for the entire camp season starting on June 16 going through August 8.