ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

MODEL:

• Represent and communicate the policies and standards of Camping Services and The Akron Area YMCA
• Promote a culture of open feedback and commitment to one’s best self.
• Communicate appropriately and professionally with campers, peers, and leadership.
• Follow camp guidelines for self-care to consistently be the best.
• Perform other duties as assigned

ENGAGE:

• Embody an “on-stage” mentality by actively and consistently participating in or facilitating program with campers at the highest level.
• Adapt programs to meet individual campers’ interests and needs
• Actively see feedback from campers, peers and leadership to improve the camp experience.

CARE:

• Listen actively to campers, address each camper by name.
• Be continually aware of physical and emotional needs of campers and meet them appropriately.
• Use age and developmentally-appropriate interventions with emphasis on being proactive.

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:

• Builds strong bonds within the group of campers and facilitates new friendships.
• Arrives on time and prepared to participate and facilitate as the program requires.
• Challenges campers, peers, and oneself to reflect on both positive and challenging experiences throughout the session.
• Brings creativity, positivity and consistency to each situation.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (LEADER):

• Values: Demonstrates in word and action the Y’s core values of caring, honest, respect, and responsibility and a commitment to the Y’s mission in all matters at all times. Shows a genuine concern for the needs, feelings, and well-being of others. Acts with integrity and credibility in all situations.
• Community: Delivers the benefits of good health, strong connections, greater self-confidence, and a sense of security to all who seek it. Demonstrates a desire to serve others. Anticipates and takes action to meet the needs of members and community. Knows and supports the achievement of healthy living goals of every member he or she engages.
• Relationships: Builds authentic relationships in the service of enhancing individual and team performance to support the Y’s work. Proactively assists others in meeting goals by sharing information and resources. Puts the good of the organization ahead of personal gain.
• Communication: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a manner that reflects a true understanding of the needs of the audience. Listens actively by asking open-ended questions. Communicates in a clear, concise, logical fashion to ensure understanding.
• Decision Making: Integrates logic, intuition, and sound judgement to analyze information to identify greatest opportunities, make sound decisions, and solve problems. Learns from experience and applies what is learned to new situations. Takes personal responsibility for decisions and the likely implications of behavior before acting.
• Quality Results: Demonstrates and fosters a strong commitment to achieving goals in a manner that provides quality experiences. Delivers high-value experiences to members and participants. Demonstrates pride in work by striving to meet or exceed supervisor or member expectations.
• Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills. Recognizes the needs of others and responds appropriately to what they are feeling, based on their choice of words, tone of voice, expressions, and other non-verbal behavior. Is empathetic towards others. Remains calm and objective when under pressure.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• The Counselor must be a minimum of 18 years of age and a High School graduate.
• At least one year of college or equivalent life/work-experience
• Participate in pre-season staff training. A mid-season training is offered for late hires.
• Must be able to receive and apply critical feedback in a fast-paced environment
• Must be able to make appropriate decisions regarding childcare and program
• He or she must also pass First Aid and CPR training (offered during or before staff training).

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
  • The employee will work regularly from 7am to 11pm.
  • The counselor will run, jump, and play for extended periods of time without break.
  • Must be able to lift objects that weigh up to 50 pounds
  • The counselor must be able and willing to participate in lakefront activities such as swimming and boating.