Camp Counselor

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: EHC Camp Counselor       

REPORTS TO:  EHC Camp Director

STATUS: Non-Exempt  

WC CLASS:  CAMPS

JOB PURPOSE:

As a residential camp for the blind, counselors are responsible for the overall provision of a traditional camp experience to all blind and visually impaired campers including but not limited to: Inventing new blind-friendly programming, motivating campers to use non-visual techniques, adapting all activities so that all campers can participate fully regardless of their level of vision. Incorporating active participation in camp meals, clean up and other daily functions through fun activities. Counselors provide supervision to recreational activities, providing educational experiences, promoting independence, supervision of health and safety of children and adults. Applicant must also have the ability to work with campers with secondary disabilities i.e. developmental, hearing impairments and mobility restrictions

AGENCY EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYEES:

As employees, we should:

• Read, understand, and adhere to all Agency policies and procedures.
• Conduct ourselves in a professional manner on and off the job, knowing that we are representatives of LightHouse.
• Perform all job responsibilities.
• Maintain a positive and respectful attitude toward everyone.
• Communicate regularly and appropriately with our supervisors, and colleagues within our own departments.
• Demonstrate efficient time management and the ability to prioritize our assignments.
• Consistently report to work on time, and be ready to begin performing our assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Work productively.
• Continue to learn and communicate a blindness-positive philosophy based on best current practices in the field.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education or equivalent: High school graduate/College education preferred:

Must be 18 years of age or older.

Must be able to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR.

EXPERIENCE:

Previous work in a camp, school or community service setting.  Experience working with individuals who are blind/visually impaired preferred, but not required.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1.) Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their living unit, within activities and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.

• Apply basic youth and blindness skill development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, and respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth.
• Understand basic adult learning modalities
• Assure campers are properly supervised at all times.
• Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.

2.) Participate in the development and implementation of program activities designed specifically for blind campers within the mission and outcomes.

•   Responsible for leading and assisting with the teaching of activities.
•   Actively participate in all program areas as assigned.
•   Provide for the progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.
•   Assist in program areas such as waterfront, nature, all camp activities, and arts and crafts as directed.

3.) Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff.

•   Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.
•   Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by health care manager.
•   Be alert to campers and staff needs and discuss with camp health manager and/or resident camp director when appropriate.
•   Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to camp director.

4.) Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior towards blindness.

•   Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
•   Set a good example to campers and others in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.

Other Job Duties:

• Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.
• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned.
• Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
• Stay current on best practices by reading, viewing instructional media and active participation before and during camp.

Physical Aspects of the Job:

• Must be able to transport 50 pounds
• Ability to enforce safety and emergency procedures.
• Ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Other duties may also be assigned

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Equal opportunity to all regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, or sexual orientation.

All employees at LightHouse are hired for an indefinite and unspecified duration and consequently, no employee is guaranteed employment for a specified length of time.  Employment is at the mutual consent of the employee and LightHouse. Accordingly, either the employee or LightHouse can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause (“employment at will”).

PLEASE SUBMIT RÉSUMÉ (AND ANY RELEVANT ATTACHMENTS) IN WORD FORMAT, TO HR@LIGHTHOUSE-SF.ORG.  VIDEO AND HYPERLINK SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED; THANK YOU.