Advocate Camp Counselor for children with disabilities, School Break Camps

About the role

Join JCC Greater Boston’s respected and valued, people-orientated workplace of diverse community services providers. As an Advocate Camp Counselor, you'll make camp possible for every child by supporting campers with disabilities and individualized needs.

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

Requirements

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

Skills

• Genuine enjoyment of working with children and helping them grow
• Strong safety awareness and communication skills
• Leadership qualities including patience, flexibility, teamwork, and creativity
• Positive attitude and ability to build meaningful relationships with campers and peers
• Proactive problem-solving and willingness to ask for guidance when needed
• Self-starter who takes the initiative
• Able to work well with others, building/sustaining collaborative solid relationships
• Able to manage situations effectively and diplomatically and ask for help, guidance, or clarification when needed
• Commitment to build strong relationships with campers, co-workers, and camp leadership

Physical Requirements

• 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
• Able to lift and carry objects weighing 30-40 pounds (boxes of supplies, children’s backpacks, etc.)
• 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)

Benefits

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

Pay

$15 per hour

Schedule

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