Camper Support Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:  The role of the Camp Support Worker is to coordinate efforts with the Camp Administration, counselors, nurse, and clinician to implement strategies or take steps to help campers with a diverse array of abilities and social and emotional needs to positively engage in camp.  S/he will communicate with and act as a resource for staff and families.  S/he will display and encourage the character traits of honesty, respect, caring and responsibility and utilize the Developmental Asset approach to Positive Youth Development.

JOB FUNCTIONS:

Program/Department Responsibility:

• With the Camp Director, coordinate the Camp Support Team including leading Tuesday morning team meetings to review the Camper Concern Logs.
• Develops and creates individual support plans that recognize the uniqueness and interest of the child and works with team to ensure supports are in place.
• Coordinate the actions or tasks identified in the Camper Support Plan.
• Act as a liaison to family and/or support systems. Facilitate ongoing communication with families to provide updates and to problem solve any challenges.
• Provides direct support and guidance to camp staff in meeting the needs of the camper; intervene when appropriate to prevent or resolve problems
• Provide on-going training and guidance to front line counselors on how to: minimize common behavior problems and how work with campers who display a diverse array of emotional and behavioral challenges
• Monitor camp groups for behavior trends: positive and negative
• Create a culture of positive support and behavior management.

Fiscal Responsibility:  Adhere to all fiscal policies and procedures such as petty cash, purchase orders, and employee expenses as requested.

Facility/Housekeeping Responsibility:  Ensure that the working environment meets the highest standards of cleanliness and maintenance.

Interdivisional/Community/Volunteer Responsibility:

¨       Attend Camp Leadership Meetings

¨       Meet with other camp staff as needed

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES - LEADER

Mission Advancement:  Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values.  Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs.  Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them.  Supports fundraising. 

Collaboration:   Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.  Builds rapport and relates well to others.  Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations.  Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively.  Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness:  Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another.  Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.  Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings.  Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately.  Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth:  Pursues self-development that enhances job performance.  Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process.  Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships.  Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Physical Requirements:

¨       Bachelor’s in Education, Child Development, Social Work, Counseling, Special Education, Psychology, Child Psychology, Human Services or a related field is preferred; or working toward such a degree.

¨       An understanding of positive behavioral approaches and Positive Youth Development. 

¨       Minimum of Two years related work experience.  Some camp experience is preferred.

¨       Excellent oral and written presentation skills and demonstrates professionalism with staff, parents and participants

¨       Experience working with at-risk populations is helpful

¨       Computer skills: Word, Excel, Power Point

¨       Must be able to sit, stand, bend and walk during the work day