Respite Counselor

About the role

The Respite Counselor is part of respite weekends and day-camp programs during the fall, winter, and spring seasons, providing accessible outdoor experiences such as horseback riding, sports, challenge education, creative arts, and various other season-appropriate activities. The position supervises and assists campers (adults and youth) with disabilities in daily personal care while encouraging participation in recreational activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide and assist campers with personal care based upon individual needs, including dressing, feeding, toileting, showering, and teeth-brushing.
• Provide direct supervision of campers to ensure their safety and whereabouts at all times.
• Guide and assist campers in a range of indoor and outdoor activities.
• Document campers' progress toward meeting treatment goals.
• Set up and ensure recreation equipment is secure and stored properly.
• Assist campers in daily cabin tidying tasks.
• Follow safety and emergency procedures as outlined in the Agency’s policies and procedures manual.
• Complete required documentation and paperwork required by licensing and Agency policy.
• Dispense topical medications prescribed to campers.
• Enforce camp rules and regulations to ensure the safety of campers.
• Participate in all training activities provided by the Agency for professional growth and skill development, including pre-camp orientation.
• Work in collaboration with other staff to create a rewarding, safe, and positive camp experience.
• Create a nurturing and positive environment that supports the mission and vision of the Agency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and driving record that meets the requirements of the Agency’s insurance carrier and CMH contracts.
• Past professional, educational, and/or volunteer experience with youth or individuals with disabilities desired.
• Must meet the State’s Moral Character standard.

Skills

• Able to spend time outdoors and tolerate a variety of weather conditions.
• Able to expressively and receptively communicate to complete documentation relating to campers’ Plan of Service.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage time and multiple priorities, meeting deadlines.
• Exercise professional judgment in decision-making.
• Complete assigned tasks efficiently and effectively.
• Perform physically active work requiring frequent standing, reaching, walking, bending, shoveling, pulling/pushing (up to 150 lbs.), climbing, and lifting (up to 75 lbs.).
• Able to participate in games, sports, and physical activities.
• Adhere to all applicable safety and health policies and procedures.
• Able to assist campers in emergencies (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury).

Schedule

Seasonal position from September to May. Respite weekends occur 1–2 times per month from Friday evenings through Sunday mornings. Overnight stays in cabins on-site are required.