Summer Day Camp Inclusion Aide

About the role

At the Y, we create an exciting, safe camp environment for kids and staff to have an unforgettable summer. Summer Day Camp Inclusion Aides are responsible for supporting and assisting individuals with disabilities, promoting their participation in activities, and ensuring their safety.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a role model in supporting inclusion and high-quality camp programming.
• Modify learning or recreational activities as needed, including activities, rules, equipment, and supplies.
• Promote participation in program activities and independence to the fullest extent possible.
• Maintain the confidentiality of information pertaining to the individual(s) assigned for support.
• Teach socially acceptable behaviors by serving as a role model and using positive reinforcement and behavior management strategies.
• Implement individualized behavior management plans, when necessary.
• Communicate consistently with team members and program leaders to prepare for activity modifications.
• Communicate with parents, classroom/program team, and program leadership through weekly summaries of the individual’s participation.
• Support program activities as assigned by supervisor, including substitute support for ongoing camp activities.
• Ensure the physical and emotional health and safety of participants by being safety conscious, following established YMCA standards, and critically evaluating situations for potential risks.
• Monitor participants and team members, providing coaching and intervention as necessary.
• Set up and store facilities and equipment for activities after use.
• Notify program leaders of any broken or unsafe equipment or resource needs.
• Keep program facilities clean at all times.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; must be at least 18 years old.
• Prior experience working with children; experience with children with disabilities and/or in a similar program setting preferred.
• Commitment to, and passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission and serving the needs of diverse youth.
• Basic knowledge of child growth and development as well as developmentally appropriate practices for age group.
• Ability to observe participant behavior and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to build constructive relationships, act as a role model, and communicate effectively with children, families, team members, and others.
• Demonstrated YMCA Y Team competencies in previous experience or practice.
• Physical qualifications as outlined in job description.

Qualifications

• Meet additional program guidelines for background checks and medical screenings based on program requirements.
• Support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by reporting any items that may pose a health or safety hazard, following all policies and procedures related to child safety, and completing required training.