Description
An exciting opportunity to join the team of a progressive YMCA located in vibrant Somerset County, New Jersey. The YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With a 150-year-old history, Greater Somerset County YMCA (GSCY) is a pillar of the community and has seven locations across three counties, which collectively serve upwards of 30,000 individuals.
The Y empowers everyone—no matter who they are or where they are from. To fulfill our purpose of strengthening community for all, GSCY is committed to being an inclusive organization and leveraging our collective impact to address social inequities. To learn more about GSCY, visit our website: gscymca.org
POSITION SUMMARY
Camp Star is seeking a Senior Camp Counselor to support the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal day camp. Creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Keeps campers focused and engaged in camp activities.
- Assist Specialist during activity periods.
- Consistently greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm.
- Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y.
- Learn camper’s names and respond to campers' needs.
- Assist Specialists and all camp staff in carrying out themes, special events, trips, and all camp activities.
- Encourage camper’s youth development progress.
- Help group maintain camp cleanliness.
- Work cooperatively with all camp staff while planning all camp activities.
- Perform responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner. Treat campers and fellow staff members with respect.
- Use redirection to appropriate activities when needed and use positive reinforcement to commend good choices.
- Teach and instill the Four Core Values of the YMCA in all camp activities: Caring, Respect, Honesty, & Responsibility.
- Act as requested by the supervisor.
SAFETY:
- Attend regular staff meetings scheduled by supervisor.
- Must attend and complete all required trainings.
- Uphold camp safety standards. Maintain constant face counts. Understand and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures.
- Help maintain group control and facilitate lunch time activities.
- Follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines.
- Take on designated assignments for aquatic activities. Help expedite arrival and departure from the pool. Follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality camp.
- Secure and submit all accident reports.
- Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor.
- Follow supervision of bus counselors and help ensure safety, expedient procedures and fun activities on the bus.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Maintain a professional demeanor, as you are a representative of the YMCA.
- Wear Camp T-shirt daily.
- Maintain positive attitude, responsibility and self-motivation. Be punctual and reliable.
- Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
- Uphold GSCY’s More Quality At The Y principles at all times.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school student or equivalent.
- Previous experience working with children preferably in a day camp setting, preferably as a CIT.
- Interest in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc.
- At least 18 years of age.
- CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse Prevention training within 30 days of hire date.
- Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations.
- Ability to work in environments subject to extreme heat and humidity.
- Physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies and administer CPR and First Aid.
- Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in various settings.
YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):
- Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs.
- Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.
- Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments and transfers learning from one situation to another.
- Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance.
Benefits of working part-time at GSCY include:
- FREE Individual Membership Access to any YMCA in the Nation.
- 10% Discount on most programming at Greater Somerset County YMCA.
- Access to one of the leading retirement programs "Y Retirement Fund" from the first day of employment.
- Opportunities for professional development, mentoring, growth, and promotion throughout the YMCA Movement.
- Supportive and inclusive community for people of all backgrounds.
Greater Somerset County YMCA is a drug free work environment. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information who share our values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.