Summer Day Camp Counselor (GRN) (Personal Services)

POSITION SUMMARY:
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Day Camp Counselor is Friendly, Nurturing, Caring, Creative, and Responsible. Works in collaboration with other staff members to create a safe, memorable, and rewarding experience for all. Leads and participates in all camp activities with campers. Responds to campers needs, maintains an organized work environment, and acts as a leader at all times.

OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

The Akron Area YMCA stands with others in denouncing prejudice, racism, intolerance, and all other forms of discrimination. We are committed to our mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. In the 150-year history of the Akron Area YMCA we have always and will continue to be dedicated to doing more, doing better, and thus becoming a champion of change in our community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

CONNECT: Get to know each program participant to understand their individual needs and to assist them in the development of their independence, social skills, self-esteem, increased activity levels and peer-to-peer relationships. Help each program participant to adjust and grow with others. Meet the needs of each individual.
ORGANIZE: Assist with planning and implementing of the program activities in accordance with the goals and policies of the program. Maintain accurate attendance records.
LEAD: Take initiative. Create and lead activities that are safe, fun, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values. Follow age-appropriate discipline policy. Teach and model our mission and our cause.
BE ENTHUSIASTIC: Lead by example. Be interested, enthusiastic, and engaged in all program activities. Provide a memorable camping experience for all day campers in a safe and nurturing environment.
RESPONSIBLE: Keep program areas clean and involve participants in clean-up activities. Maintain a professional demeanor. Take the initiative to do what needs to be done. Attend all staff meetings, training sessions, workshops and conferences.
BE PUNCTUAL: Be dependable, punctual, organized, and prepared for the day.
BE SAFE: Understand and explain all safety and health rules, and other policies to participants.
BE CARING: Provide the personal attention needed to meet the needs of individual program participants. Treat all children, parents and staff with dignity and respect
BE SUPPORTIVE: Evaluated camp program and provide input to support staff and directors. Be supportive and respectful to fellow staff members and program leaders.
FOLLOW POLICIES: Use behavior management techniques and abide by mandatory reporting policies as outlined in the policy and procedure handbook. Meet regulatory standards, such as: ODJFS Licensing Rules, ODFJS Step Up to Quality requirements, and/or ACA Accreditation Standard.
Perform other duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Developing Self & Others - Supports members, participants or project teams in achieving their goals. Reflects and learns from successes and mistakes. Shares information.
Inclusion - Creates a safe environment in which others feel welcome and respected. Embraces all dimensions of diversity.
Communication & Influence - Interprets messages and body language effectively. Responds to the individual needs of the other person. Listens with intent to understand perspective of others.
Emotional Maturity - Acts in alignment with organizational values. Remains calm and objective under pressure. Accepts responsibility for behavior. Leads with empathy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | ABUSE PREVENTION:
Upholding the YMCA's commitment to the safety and well-being of youth in our programs is a core responsibility of all staff regardless of position.

Attend required abuse risk management training.
Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
Adhere to procedures related to managing and supervising high-risk activities.
Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:
*Each location and program may have specific qualifications that are unique based on the regulating body providing certification of the program and/or the host site requirements. These qualifications are representative but may not be entirely inclusive nor entirely exclusive for each position. Inquire with your hiring manager for details.

Must be at least 18 years of age (*)
High school diploma or equivalent is preferred (*)
Previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting
Certifications Required: CPR, First Aid (training may be provided) (*)
Must maintain professional appearance, strong communication, organization and administrative skills
Must believe in, teach, model, and implement the YMCA's mission and cause
Must be flexible and maintain positive attitude
Meet Qualifications of program specific regulating body such as Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS) or American Camping Association (ACA)

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.

Must be able to lift 25 pounds independently.
Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
Have the mental capability to make good decisions, which affect the safety and wellbeing of others.
Must be able to plan, lead, and participate (walk, run and play) in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings for extended periods of time.
Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency