Day Camp Support Counselor
4 days ago
Milwaukee
Job DescriptionSalary: $650/week Organizational Mission & Overview Our mission is to bring out the limitless potential in young leaders through extraordinary experiences and nurturing relationships. At PEAK, we know that with the right support and access to quality programs and experiences, all young people are able to achieve at the highest level imaginable. PEAKs Four Beliefs Every living being has inherent value. The community is better when everyone contributes. We can only grow when we are honest about our mistakes. Everyone has the power to change their world. POSITION SUMMARY:The Day Camp Support Counselor helps facilitate general camp operations and the implementation of all PEAK Behavior Guidance procedures. They carry out practices in ways that enhance participants social and emotional development by building respect, trust, and empathy. POSITION AVAILABILITY:This position is 40 hours per week and must be available Monday - Friday, June 22 - August 7, with the ability to work 7:45am - 4:15pm. BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY • Provide support to counselors in implementing best practices that promote social-emotional learning, establish supportive learning environments, and develop effective group management practices., • While this position is not a one-to-one aide for any given camper, the Day Camp Support Counselor will facilitate behavior plans for specific participants and check in with all involved parties (staff, guardians, youth, etc.) to ensure appropriate implementation., • Lead and support both small and large group activities including teambuilders, ice breakers, debriefs, mindfulness exercises, and goal setting., • Support the Day Camp Leadership Team with documenting and communicating observations regarding the successes, achievements, and areas for growth of participants and strategize solutions., • Work directly with individual campers and camper groups who need extra support (behavioral, emotional, life skills, etc.) to help them develop plans for success., • Support Day Camp facilities and operations throughout the camp day, including food preparation as needed., • Actively participate in, and assist in the preparation and implementation of camp, including All Camp activities, bus duty, inventory, clean-up and more. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS • This position is compensated at a rate of $650 per week, pre-tax., • Summer seasonal staff are paid on a bi-weekly basis and are classified as exempt, seasonal employees. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES • Belief that with the right support and access to quality programs and experiences, all young people are able to achieve at the highest level imaginable., • Proven experience in managing groups of children effectively and addressing behavioral challenges that commonly arise., • Able to implement an asset-based approach to youth development, relate to children, and have an understanding of their needs and motivations., • Flexibility in daily schedule and routine, knowing that the Day Camp Support Counselor may be called to support in a new group each day and may have last-minute updates to their days plan., • Enthusiasm about new experiences and ability to self-manage to bring a consistent level of energy all summer long., • Calm under pressure and able to embrace change and be flexible., • Ability to create a supportive relationship with staff while still setting appropriate boundaries and upholding expectations., • Ability to take and provide feedback with a growth mindset., • Serve as a role model for staff and campers, and make decisions in line with that expectation., • Ability to work independently and maintain a strong commitment to teamwork and exceptional interpersonal relationship management., • Ability to receive constructive feedback and coaching from supervisor and make necessary adjustments, • Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers to achieve program objectives., • Ability to support, and work with all camper age ranges at camp., • Commitment to being punctual and adhering to a schedule provided by camp leadership., • Possess strong communications skills and apply them with coworkers and supervisors, maintaining confidentiality of sensitive staff and camper information when necessary., • Ability to perform job duties in a fast-paced environment and able to embrace change and be flexible., • While not required, a background or degree in social work or psychology would be beneficial., • While not required, bilingualism (Spanish/English) would be beneficial. EDUCATIONAL, CERTIFICATIONS, & LICENSING REQUIREMENTS • Must be at least 18 and/or have a high school diploma or GED before the position start date to apply., • ServSafe Food Handler training and certification (PEAK can support in attaining)., • While not required, current CPR and First Aid Certification would be beneficial. REPORTING AND RELATIONSHIPS • The Day Camp Support Counselor reports to the Program Operations Coordinator. PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS The mental and physical requirements and work environment conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. • Day Camp programming is in constant motion. Campers and staff are interacting and moving around, doing various vigorous activities throughout the day, indoor and outdoor. This position may spend a large portion of the day outdoors and may remain standing or on their feet for long periods of time., • Must be comfortable working in a city park as a significant portion of time will be spent at the PEAK program center in Tiefenthaler Park, • Staff are required to actively participate in all camper activities, including water-related activities., • Staff must be ready for new experiences and maintain a consistent level of energy all summer long., • Position requires standing, stooping, sitting, walking long distances on uneven terrain (5+ miles a day), and occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds with or without assistance., • Camp activities are often loud, involving many people talking, yelling, cheering, etc., in indoor and outdoor settings., • The camp environment is often hot, rainy, with bugs or other wildlife. Staff must be able to work outside in a nature setting for sustained periods of time without air conditioning., • All PEAK Initiative properties, including Lake Valley Camp and the Milwaukee Program Center, are substance-free environments. Smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption, and the use of illicit drugs are strictly prohibited on all property regardless of whether or not staff are on break. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. PEAK Initiative is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.