POSITION: Enchanted Hills Camp Counselor
REPORTS TO: Director, Enchanted Hills Camp and Retreat
STATUS: Daily
WC CLASS: Camp
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. This includes but is 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. Counselors should encourage active participation in camp meals, clean-up and other daily functions through fun activities. Counselors provide supervision to recreational activities, create educational experiences, promote independence and supervise the health and safety of children and adults. Applicants must also have the ability to work with campers that have secondary disabilities (developmental, hearing impairments and/or mobility restrictions).
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- High School graduate
- Some college education preferred
- Current First Aid and CPR certifications
- Previous work in a camp, school, or community service setting
- Experience working with individuals who are blind/visually impaired preferred
- Knowledge of Braille and/or sign language preferred
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be willing to live on camp premises
- Must be able to lift 70 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 situation requiring first aid
- Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness or injury)
- Possess the endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers
JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- 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 development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth
- Assure campers are properly supervised at all times
- Be aware of and implement safety guidelines
- Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for 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.
- 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 assist them with personal and/or health problems, 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.
- Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.
- 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
- 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
- Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings
- Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
N/A
WORKING CONDITIONS:
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is an equal opportunity employer to all. We strive to maintain a scent-free environment and a drug-free workplace. We also operate under a mutual “employment at will” policy.
TO APPLY:
Please submit a cover letter and résumé as Word attachments (no .PDFs please), to hr@lighthouse-sf.org, including the job title in the subject line. Please include a link to any relevant clips or portfolio pieces. Due to time constraints we will only respond to complete submissions in which there is serious interest; thanks for your understanding.
