Junior Counselor

About the role

The Junior Camp Counselor, under the guidance of the Camp Counselor and Unit Directors, is responsible for ensuring the safety, well-being, and positive experience of a designated group of campers within their assigned cabin. This role involves constant supervision, fostering a supportive environment, participating in activities, resolving conflicts, maintaining cabin cleanliness, and serving as a role model while facilitating campers' growth and enjoyment throughout their camp stay.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Camper Supervision: Providing support to Unit Counselors with continuous supervision and ensuring the safety and well-being of campers within the assigned cabin throughout various camp activities and during resting hours.
• Creating a Positive Environment: Establishing and maintaining a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere within the cabin, fostering positive relationships among campers.
• Activity Engagement: Participating actively in planned camp activities, encouraging camper participation, and facilitating cabin-specific programs or team-building exercises.
• Conflict Resolution: Addressing conflicts or behavioral issues among campers within the cabin, employing effective conflict resolution strategies, and promoting a harmonious environment.
• Communication and Collaboration: Communicating effectively with fellow junior cabin counselors, cabin counselors, the Unit Directors, and camp staff to address camper needs, share concerns, and ensure coordinated cabin experience.
• Role Modeling and Mentorship: Serving as a positive role model for campers by demonstrating exemplary behavior, values, and attitudes, and providing mentorship to support campers' personal development.
• Emergency Response: Being trained in first aid and emergency protocols, ensuring camper safety in case of accidents or unforeseen situations within the cabin.
• Cabin Maintenance: Overseeing the cleanliness, organization, and general upkeep of the cabin, ensuring compliance with camp rules and standards.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintaining accurate records of incidents, camper behaviors, and any noteworthy occurrences, reporting concerns or incidents to camp leadership as required.

Success in this position may be measured by:

• Achievement of established performance expectations
• Excellent customer/member service
• Compliance with YMCA policies and procedures
• Prompt and reliable attendance and accountability
• A consistent commitment to participant safety, professional boundaries, and abuse prevention expectations

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Working Conditions

May Include Indoor and outdoor work environments Exposure to varying weather conditions Moderate to high noise levels Evening, weekend, and holiday work as needed Frequent interaction with children, families, members, volunteers, and community partners

YMCA-CW Comprehensive Benefits for Eligible Seasonal Employees

• 403(b) Retirement Plan and Roth Options 9% Employer Contribution to the YMCA Retirement Fund (upon eligibility)
• Paid Sick Leave in accordance with applicable state and local law
• Complimentary YMCA Membership (recognized globally!)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Growth Opportunities

Participant Safety & Abuse Risk Management

Protecting children, vulnerable adults, members, employees, volunteers, and guests is an essential function of every position at the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette. Employees are expected to maintain professional boundaries at all times. Comply with YMCA Child Protection Policies, Abuse Risk Management Standards, and all applicable safety policies and procedures. Complete all required abuse prevention, child protection, safety, and position-specific training. Immediately report suspected abuse, neglect, policy violations, boundary violations, safety concerns, and incidents in accordance with YMCA policy and applicable law. Contribute to a culture of safety, accountability, inclusion, and respect through daily actions and decision-making.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The YMCA of Columbia-Willamette is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and organizational requirements. The YMCA of Columbia-Willamette does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, use of a trained service animal, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, Oregon, Washington, or local law. The YMCA of Columbia-Willamette provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities and to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, unless doing so would create an undue hardship.

Employment Relationship

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time to meet organizational needs. Employees are expected to perform all duties in accordance with YMCA-CW policies, including Child Protection, Abuse Risk Management, and participant safety requirements. Nothing contained in this job description creates an employment contract, express or implied. Employment with the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette is at will unless otherwise provided by a written agreement signed by an authorized representative of the organization. This means that either the employee or the YMCA may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice and with or without cause, subject to applicable law.

Requirements

• Must pass YMCA background check?
• Possess (or obtain during training) a current CPR/AED & First Aid Certification
• 16 years old or older

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Graduate of Counselor in Training Program
• Experience working with youth
• Experience or certification in Challenge Course Facilitation, Archery, Lifeguard

Required Certifications & Training

• Abuse Risk Management Training
• Child Protection Training
• CPR/First Aid
• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Mandated Reporter Training (where applicable)