Counselor

Classification:  Nonexempt (Seasonal)

Reports to:  Team Leader

Position Purpose

Counselors are the primary caregivers for each camper.  The Counselor is responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, and carrying out activities and guiding campers in their personal growth and daily living skills.

Essential Job Functions

1. Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their living unit, within activities and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.

• Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth.
• Assure campers are properly supervised at all times.
• Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.

2. Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes.

• Responsible for leading and assisting with the teaching of activities.
• Actively participate in all program areas as assigned.
• Provide for the progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.
• Assist in program areas such as nature, all camp activities, and arts and crafts as directed.

3. Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff.

• Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.
• Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by health care manager.
• Be alert to campers and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems, and discuss with camp health manager and/or resident camp director when appropriate.
• Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to camp director.

4. Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.

• Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
• Set a good example to campers and others in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, technology usage, schedule, and sportsmanship.

Other Job Duties

• Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.
• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned.
• Provide transportation support to participants and other team members.
• Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
• Assist in food preparation or maintenance of the camp facilities.
• Assist in the planning of any special events.

Relationships

Counselors generally have regular relationships with kitchen, program specialists, outreach and maintenance team members.

Qualifications 

• Must be 18 years of age or high school graduate.
• Must be able to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR.
• Must submit health history record and examination form prior to first day of work.
• Ability to interact with all age levels.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Understand the development needs of youth.
• Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in program areas designated camp program areas.
• Knowledge of American Sign Language and Deaf culture.

Physical Aspects of the Position

• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
• Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Ability to observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Ability to endure standing for long hours and doing activities such as running, bending, stooping, and stretching.
• Operate with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and varying environmental conditions.
• Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours.

Benefits

• Stipend of $225 a week
• 2 Staff Shirts
• Utilities (electricity, water, trash)
• High-speed internet & Wi-Fi
• Public telephone and videophones
• Training and certifications as appropriate
• Guaranteed one day off a week (More days off possible upon availability)
• On-Site Interpreter, Therapist, and Nurse
• Worker’s Comp
• Free activities during assigned program
• Food as provided during programs
• Vehicles and fuel as provided during programs
• Community bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathrooms
• Community exercise room
• Shared patio overlooking the creek in the backyard
• Fun and family-style environment
• Honor as an Aspen Camp alumni
• Memories to last a lifetime!

Notes

• This position does not provide medical/dental/vision care, personal transportation, postage, personal meals, personal cell phones, or cable.
• To protect the safety of our participants, team members, and community members, background checks and drug testing will be required of all hired team members. Drug testing will be randomly performed throughout programs.
• To ensure fair storage space for all, temporary team members are limited to one large (30″) suitcase OR one medium suitcase (24″) and one small suitcase (20″) OR three small suitcases (20″).
• Aspen Camp is not responsible for personal items and vehicles. Furthermore, Aspen Camp is not responsible for lost, broken, stolen, or left-behind items.
• Aspen Camp is a non-smoking campus.
• Pets are not allowed for any reason. Properly certified service animals are acceptable and all related expenses are the responsibility of the owner.