Advocate Camp Counselor for children with disabilities, School Break Cam

About the role

Join JCC Greater Boston’s respected and valued team of people-orientated workplace providers. As an Advocate Camp Counselor, you’ll make camp possible for every child by supporting campers with disabilities and individualized needs. You’ll partner with co-counselors to build an inclusive group dynamic, implement accommodations from camper ICPs, and ensure the safety and well-being of campers.

Responsibilities

• Connect with campers each morning to ensure they feel welcomed and ready for the day.
• Support campers in joining their bunk for activities, adapting as needed based on ICPs.
• Partner with co-counselors and the Inclusion Team to adapt supports as needed.
• Model patience, empathy, and positive behavior for campers and peers.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of campers during structured and unstructured times.
• Communicate regularly with co-counselors and leadership to ensure consistency of support.
• Work closely with campers during swim times (must be able to access the pool and swim with campers).

Requirements

• 10th grade (or equivalent) and eligible for work permit.
• 1+ season of experience working with children.
• Concentration in Special Needs, Special Education, or similar field of study, or comparable experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Genuine enjoyment of working with children and helping them grow.
• Strong safety awareness and communication skills.
• Leadership qualities including patience, flexibility, teamwork, and creativity.
• A positive attitude and ability to build meaningful relationships with campers and peers.
• Proactive problem-solving and willingness to ask for guidance when needed.
• A self-starter who takes the initiative.
• Able to work well with others, building/sustaining collaborative solid relationships.
• Ability to manage situations effectively and diplomatically and ask for help, guidance, or clarification when needed.
• A commitment to building strong relationships with campers, co-workers, and camp leadership.
• Able to work well in a busy, dynamic, and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities.
• Able to work in variety of weather conditions for extended periods of time in case of rain, heat, humidity, cold, or other environmental factors to ensure the supervision and safety of campers in our care.
• Able to lift and carry objects weighing 30-40 pounds.
• Able to sit and kneel; getting down at eye level with children regularly.
• Able to swim and supervise children in pool (able to stand in pool).

Skills

• Negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Social/emotional knowledge.
• Problem-solving techniques.
• Project management skills.
• Leadership skills.
• Collaboration experience.
• Flexibility.

Benefits

• JCC Greater Boston Perks!
• Free individual access to JCC Greater Boston's top class fitness, recreation and wellness facility in Newton.
• Discounts on a variety of JCCGB's fitness/wellness programs and services.
• Free wellness events!

Pay

$15 per hour, with the pay rate ultimately determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and JCC's internal equity.

Schedule

• Full Day: 8:30am - 4:30pm, 8 hours.
• Morning Shift: 7:45am - 3:45pm, 8 hours.
• Afternoon Shift: 10am - 6pm, 8 hours.

Primary responsibilities

• Partner with co-counselors to build an inclusive group dynamic and implement accommodations from camper ICPs.
• Advocate for camper strengths, needs, and abilities while encouraging independence and participation.
• Support campers in fully engaging with bunk life and activities (arts, sports, swimming, special events).
• Ensure the safety and well-being of campers during structured and unstructured times.
• Communicate regularly with co-counselors and leadership to ensure consistency of support.
• Model patience, empathy, and positive behavior for campers and peers.

Standard staff expectations

• Actively create a welcoming dynamic that contributes to an environment where each individual is valued and respected.
• Actively participate as an essential team member.
• Support JCC Greater Boston's mission, vision, and values of belonging, joyfulness, collaboration, and transformation, including through role modeling.
• Enthusiastically represent the organization, model excellence, and attend JCCGB meetings and trainings as assigned.
• Attend JCCGB meetings and trainings as assigned.
• Attend JCCGB meetings and trainings as assigned.

Other duties as assigned