Summer Camp Counselor - Youth Transition Program (Blind/Visually Impaired)

The Arc Ocean County Chapter; Madison (NJ); On-site; USD 40,622 - 48,657; Full time

Job summary

The Arc Ocean County Chapter is seeking Residential Summer Camp Counselors for a two-week program focused on supporting youth who are blind or visually impaired. Counselors will provide supervision, assist in activities promoting independence, and support daily living routines.

This role is ideal for college students or recent graduates in relevant fields, offering a stipend of $4,000 upon completion. This is a great opportunity for those interested in education and human services careers.

Qualifications

• Current college students or recent graduates encouraged to apply.
• Previous experience with individuals who are visually impaired preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a structured, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision and support to students in a residential camp.
• Assist in leading activities focused on independent living.
• Encourage workplace readiness and social skill development.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Current college students or recent graduates

Studies in Special Education, Psychology, or related fields

Job description

Overview

The Arc of Ocean County is seeking enthusiastic, dependable, and caring individuals to serve as Residential Summer Camp Counselors for a two-week transition program designed for youth who are blind or visually impaired. This immersive program focuses on helping students strengthen independence, develop confidence, and gain practical life and career-readiness skills within a supportive residential environment. The program will be hosted at Fairleigh Dickinson University during the final two weeks of July 2026, with mandatory staff training taking place in mid-July.

Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing supervision, guidance, and support to students within a residential camp setting.
• Assist in leading activities and programming centered on independent living, career exploration, social development, and college readiness.
• Support participants with daily living routines, organization, personal responsibility, and time management skills.
• Encourage and reinforce workplace readiness skills including communication, teamwork, professionalism, and self-advocacy.
• Assist students with adaptive strategies and assistive technology such as braille materials and screen reader tools.
• Supervise evening activities, overnight routines, and dormitory responsibilities.
• Transport participants to scheduled community outings and off-site activities when necessary.
• Facilitate community integration experiences and promote positive peer interactions and social skill development.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for all students and staff.
• Respond appropriately to behavioral, medical, or emergency situations as they arise.
• Work collaboratively with fellow staff members and assist with documenting student participation and progress.

Requirements

• Qualifications: Current college students or recent graduates are strongly encouraged to apply, particularly those studying Special Education, Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI), Psychology, Social Work, or related fields.
• Previous experience supporting individuals who are blind or visually impaired preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, communication, and organizational skills required.
• Ability to work effectively in a structured, fast-paced residential program environment.
• Candidates age 21 or older preferred.
• Must successfully complete all required criminal background screenings.
• Valid New Jersey driver's license required.

Benefits and Compensation

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young adults preparing for greater independence and future success.

Counselors who successfully complete the full two-week residential camp program will receive a stipend of $4,000.

This is an excellent summer opportunity for students and emerging professionals interested in education, disability services, counseling, human services, or social work careers.