Camp Shepard Camper Support Specialist (Seasonal)

POSITION SUMMARY: The Camper Support Specialists supports all campers age 4-14 behaviorally, emotionally and socially. In tandem with the unit directors, the CSS is responsible for assisting with proactive and reactionary assistance to camper behavior. Camper Support Specialist provides direct support to campers, families, and camp staff to ensure a safe, positive, inclusive, and development-focused camp experience. This role works closely with camp leadership and counselors to address behavioral, emotional, and social needs and support overall camper well-being.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Support campers emotionally, socially, and behaviorally.

2. Assist with special needs and inclusion strategies.

3. Assist with behavioral incidents and the development and implementation of support plans.

4. Develops and implements a character development incentive system for positive behaviors in the areas of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. This should include a minimum of one unit time activity for each unit.

5. Ensure camper safety and compliance with YMCA standards.

6. Review health histories for campers and communicate behavioral considerations to camp leadership and staff while respecting camper privacy, handles sensitive information discreetly.

7. Maintain clear proactive, on-going and post incident communication with parents/guardians about health or behavior concerns in collaboration with leadership staff.

8. Assist with camper sign-in and sign-out and serve as part of parent communication team.

9. Play a leadership role in staff training by helping educate new staff on supporting campers with additional needs.

10. Supervise and engage with campers during activities, transitions, and arrivals/departures.

11. Support campers’ emotional and social development by modeling positive behavior and reinforcing camp expectations.

12. Assist with behavior management and provide guidance to counselors on effective strategies.

13. Assist in documenting incidents, attendance, behavior logs, and relevant health information.

14. Promote a welcoming, inclusive environment for all campers.

Effect on End Result:

· Ensure camper safety and compliance with YMCA standards.

· Improved camper outcomes in the areas of emotional and behavioral growth and inclusion and belonging.

· Supports increased staff effectiveness through real-time intervention support, shared responsibility and support with challenging behaviors.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Understanding of child development and behavior management.

· Effective conflict resolution and communication skills.

· Ability to collaborate with staff and families.

· Minimum age requirement (typically 18 ).

· Experience working with children/youth in camp, school, or related environments.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

· Certification in CPR, First Aid, and AED preferred (or willing to obtain).

· Ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion and care.

· Commitment to YMCA values and inclusive practices.

· Requirements within 30 days of hire include: completion of: Child Abuse Prevention for Supervisory Staff; CPR; First Aid; AED; Blood borne Pathogens.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/OTHER

· Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations (depending upon the programs).

• Ability to create and sustain a culture of excellence and work and thrive as part of a cohesive team.
• Ability to lift/move heavy equipment and clean when necessary.
• Will sometimes work early morning, late nights, and weekends.
• Requires a flexible schedule to maintain consistency and productivity for this department.
• Strong oral communication skills required for occasional public speaking responsibilities and excellent written communication skills with proficiency in all Microsoft Office programs.

Pay: $17.00 - $18.50 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $19