Under the direction and supervision of the Day Camp Director and consistent with the Christian mission of the YMCA, the Day Camp Inclusion Counselor will be responsible for the supervision, behavior and management and programming of the participants with special needs in the Day Camp program. This position requires an individual with the ability to work well with children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning or Cognitive Disabilities, or physical disabilities. In addition, staff in this role will be expected to collaborate with other Y staff, program parents, and volunteers. He/she must have strong decision making skills, versatility, initiative, and strong human relation skills. Staff must understand and follow program guidelines and maintain quality standards.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the safety of all children at all times.
• Responsible for going out of the room with any child with special needs when the child needs a break.
• Responsible for daily record keeping and adherence to all guidelines.
• Attend all staff meetings and trainings as required by the summer camp staff. 
• Assist in the daily cleaning and maintenance of the space and/or facility, help to create an environment each day, set up and take down included, while meeting quality walk through standards.
• Responsible for meeting the individual needs of all children in the program regardless of group placement.
• Responsible for assisting in activity and room set up.
• Maintain positive relationships and open, positive communication with parents, YMCA personnel and administration.
• Take on additional responsibilities in support services for the total program.
• Assume any other duties as assigned by the YMCA administration.

EDUCATION & SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have prior experience, at least 2 years, working with children with special needs either as a special education teacher or as a teacher’s assistant in a special needs classroom.
• The minimum requirements for this job is a high school diploma.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 18 years of age for licensed programs. Ability to work irregular hours and weekends.
• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
• Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
• Must be able to lift and carry supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
• Requires bending, pulling, crouching, leaning, kneeling, and walking, pushing, climbing, and jumping
• Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing in such a way as to be easily understood by children, staff and parents.
• Visual and auditory ability to supervise and respond to critical situations with children.
• Physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
• Must be able to move freely and quickly through the facility and alternate program locations including outdoors and field trips.
• Must be able to remain alert while on duty.