Adaptive Program Leader - Chula Vista

YMCA of San Diego County; Chula Vista (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of San Diego County is seeking an Adaptive Camp Leader to support campers with special needs in a traditional day camp setting. You will facilitate activities, ensure safety, and provide positive guidance while collaborating with staff and families.

The role emphasizes inclusion, ongoing communication, and adherence to YMCA standards. The position runs Sept 21–Oct 2, 2026, with potential extension based on need.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate.
• Experience working with children or in special needs or related health fields is preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience with participants with special needs or behavior support is desirable.
• Must complete mandatory pre-camp training including Inclusion specific trainings.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification obtained within 30 days of hire from a recognized organization.

Responsibilities

• Assist with inclusion of campers with special needs into activities.
• Ensure safety and well-being of campers, including personal hygiene support.
• Provide supervision and act as a positive role model.
• Implement behavior management techniques to keep participants safe.
• Lead campers in activities, crafts, games, and songs.
• Maintain communication with supervisor, staff, and parents.

Skills

Child care

Observation skills

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CPR/AED

First Aid Certification

Job description

Overview

The Adaptive Camp Leader is responsible for working with campers who have special needs and/or who require additional support to be successful by helping to facilitate their inclusion into a traditional day camp setting, and by providing behavior modification and support services for campers with social-emotional/ behavior challenges and their families. This position will lead campers in a variety of activities daily, ensuring safety and well-being of campers, actively engaging in planning and implementation of quality YMCA programs and objectives, and serving as a positive role model.

Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm

This is a seasonal position scheduled from September 21 through October 2, 2026, with the possibility of an extension based on organizational needs.

Responsibilities

• Work individually or in small groups with a child with special needs or who requires additional support to implement age-appropriate program activities that engage campers in active and meaningful experiences
• Ensure safety and well-being of campers to include physical and personal care hygiene
• Provide continual supervision and comfort to camper and serve as a leader and positive role model
• Provide behavior management support and intervention techniques that ensure the safety of all program participants
• Facilitate programming, skits, games, songs, crafts and other camp activities
• Maintain effective daily communication and feedback with supervisor, staff, and parents
• Provide resources and effective strategies that support the camper while working with other staff
• Follow and maintain YMCA standards, goals and objectives
• Keep and maintain ongoing participant documentation for services as necessary
• The physical ability work with participants who may require diapering and/or lifting services Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse community
• Ability to adequately observe participant activities, enforce safety regulations and apply appropriate policies and procedures
• The physical ability to lead in group activities and to perform related physical skills
• Other duties as assigned needs to be included to all roles

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years of age and high school graduate
• Academic background or experience working with children, or experience in the special needs field, health field, or related
• 1 – 2 years advanced experience working with participants with special needs/social-emotional/behavior support needs ages 5-17
• Must have a sincere interest in working with children 5-12 years of age and the ability to relate to children and adults in a professional manner.
• Complete mandatory 24-hour pre-camp training which includes Inclusion specific trainings
• In-service trainings and staff meetings as assigned including Child Abuse Prevention Training
• CPR/AED, and First Aid Certification, must include Adult and Child/Infant, obtained within 30 days of hire and must be from one of the following certifying organizations:
  • American Red Cross
  • American Heart Association
  • American Safety & Health Institute

YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego CountyOffice of Labor Standards and Enforcement.

Pay Range

USD $20.50 - USD $22.00 /Hr.