Experienced Special Needs Professional for Camp Support Staff

Job Description

Job Description

Open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, the Springfield Jewish Community Center (JCC) Day Camp offers premium summer programs infused with Jewish learning and values from Kindergarten through high school. Located on the Longmeadow/Springfield, MA line, the Springfield JCC Day Camp is easily accessible for CT and MA residents. Our secure camp is located on 20 acres of beautiful grounds with basketball courts, a playground, athletic fields, private woods, a high and low ropes course, a zip line, a picnic grove, a pavilion, and more. Additionally, its air-conditioned indoor facility boasts a fitness center, an auditorium with a performance stage, an arts and crafts studio, classrooms, flexible play spaces, and best of all: an indoor 6 lane, 25-yard swimming pool!

With the encouragement and guidance of our highly-skilled staff, campers of all abilities and faiths participate in programs and activities designed to foster safe and fun growth, creativity, Jewish values/traditions, and lasting friendships. Instruction from our arts and crafts, archery/nature, ropes course, Judaic, and sports specialists will help campers discover their hidden talents. Whether making new friends or developing new skills, Springfield JCC Day "Camp-ers" will experience their best summer ever!

Camp Staff Orientation is: in the late afternoon/evenings of June 16th, 17th, 18th

Camp Runs: June 22nd through August 14th

Inclusion Camp Counselor

Inclusion is one of the core values of the Springfield JCC and is at the forefront of

everything that we do. Inclusion camp aims to integrate children with mild to moderate special needs into the camp day, allowing them to fully engage in the camp experience. Inclusion Camp Counselors provide 1:1 or 2:1 support to campers with special needs, within their peer age group.

● Provide individualized social, emotional, and/or behavioral support to Inclusion campers throughout the camp day

● Support campers within their assigned group while promoting inclusion, independence, and positive peer relationships

● Implement behavior support strategies and accommodations as directed by supervisory staff

● Collaborate closely with counselors, inclusion staff, and camp leadership to ensure camper success

● Maintain camper safety and well-being at all times

● Communicate concerns, progress, and needs promptly and professionally to appropriate staff

● Serve as a positive role model and uphold the values, policies, and expectations of the Springfield JCC

● Participate fully in staff training, orientation, and meetings and perform other duties as assigned

Requirements:

● A minimum of 1 year of experience working with children with special needs in a structured setting (summer camp experience preferred). Specific training will be provided during staff orientation.

● Must enjoy working with children and be active, flexible and adaptable to change.

● Demonstrate professionalism, reliability and dependability.

● Strong leadership and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

● Other duties as assigned

● Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with campers, parents, peers and supervisors.

● Must be able to ask for help when needed and accept constructive feedback.

● Must be at least 16 years old

Pay Range:

• $17 -$21

• Placement dependent on education level and years of experience