Social Worker

Austin Community College; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 39,060 - 55,800; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Meals included

Housing provided during camp season

Flexible hours available

Job summary

A summer camp for youth in Virginia Beach seeks a Social Worker to maintain emotional and spiritual health for campers. The role involves supervising support systems, responding to crises, and ensuring camper readiness. Ideal candidates should have a background in child development and mental health, possess strong communication skills, and be passionate about youth development. This part-time position begins in June 2026 and will be full-time during the camp season from June 16 to August 3, 2026.

Qualifications

• 4 years of experience in youth development, camping, or related fields.
• Licensure or certification in mental health or counseling preferred.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Implement and manage support systems for campers' health and wellness.
• Respond to mental health crises with immediate support.
• Collaborate with medical and leadership teams to support campers.

Skills

Child/adolescent development knowledge

Mental health understanding

Detail-oriented

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Google apps (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Calendar)

Job description

Sababa Beachaway is a co‑ed residential summer camp for rising 4th through 12th graders, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Sababa immerses campers in the magic and majesty of the beach, adds the right amount of Jewish spiritual practice, and provides a fun, non‑competitive yet challenging camp experience.

Sababa meaning “no worries” inspires us to be in the moment and fully present in all we do. We believe that surfing, sailing, scuba, ocean arts and ocean science promote wonder, awe, and curiosity - the cornerstones of Sababa Judaism. We celebrate that campers come from all different Jewish backgrounds, and that is what makes the Sababa Beachaway community so awesome!!!

Position Summary

The Social Worker is responsible for maintaining Sababa Beachaway’s emotional, social, and spiritual health initiatives, ensuring strong support systems for campers and staff. As a member of the management team, the Lead Social Worker will support camper intake to support camper readiness and wellness before, during and after camp. They will supervise a second social worker and/or other mental health provider. This is a part‑time position starting June 2026 (flexible hours) and full‑time in‑person position at camp in Virginia Beach from June 16 through August 3, 2026.

• Implement and manage camper support systems to ensure the physical, social and spiritual health of campers and counselors;
• Collect and review camper intake information prior to the start of camp to develop and draft camper behavioral plans and contracts where appropriate;
• Provide outreach to campers’ home support network (e.g., psychologists, social workers) as needed;
• Respond to mental health crises, providing immediate support and de‑escalation as needed;
• Debrief and provide guidance to campers and staff after crises or traumatic events; follow up with camper families in coordination with the Camper Care Director;
• Communicate with parents/caregivers regarding camper needs and progress;
• Record mental health interventions, successes, and challenges in the camp data management system ensuring data/information accuracy and attention to detail;
• Collaborate with the medical team to support campers needing medical procedures or behavioral support with the goal of returning campers to programming;
• In partnership with the camp leadership team, serve as a resource to campers, parents, and staff regarding MESSH challenges, fostering an environment for growth and success;
• Provide support and be an emotional resource to counselors, specialists, and group leaders to problem‑solve issues;
• Communicate with parents in coordination with the Camper Care Director and/or camp leadership to maintain open discussions regarding camper growth or challenges;
• Review camper care logs and ensure appropriate follow up with counselors, health team and others as needed;
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, providing excellent customer service and ensuring positive engagement with Sababa;

Experience, Qualifications & Skills

• Clinical or counseling background, licensure, or training in child/adolescent development, mental health, or wellness strongly preferred;
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in youth development, camping, education, or related fields;
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required, advanced degree in education, social work or related field preferred;
• Demonstrated passion for youth development and education, and you are genuinely excited about camp life. You understand the importance of the camp experience and align with the mission and goals of the camp.
• Demonstrated knowledge of child/adolescent development, mental health, and camper care, and ability to create systems that support the emotional, social, and spiritual well‑being of campers and staff;
• Detail‑oriented and organized, with experience managing camper data and forms and processes that ensure accuracy, efficiency, and a smooth experience for families;
• Must have proven skill in the use of Google apps (Gmail, Docs, Sheets and Calendar).
• Experience mentoring/supervising and training staff;
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations; and
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must have the:

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms frequently or for prolonged periods;
• Ability to perform manual labor, work indoors and outdoors, and lift up to 20 pounds.
• Vision abilities include close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, or reach overhead to store or retrieve materials.

Compensation

$3,500 - $5,000 per month depending upon experience, pro‑rated during PT months; meals and housing included during camp season.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this position, submit your resume and a cover letter telling us why your experiences would make you a good fit for this role.