Head Counselor

Overview

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Head Counselor at the YMCA of Northern Utah maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all youth, and provides a quality experience to both youth and their families. This is a seasonal position.

This job announcement is not intended to be inclusive of all functions, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position, however, representative of the essential job functions and typical criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the position.

Responsibilities

• Deliver meaningful training and onboarding to ensure new camp staff are prepared and set up for success.
• Assist Director in supervising, developing and evaluating seasonal camp staff. Give empowering feedback to improve skill sets and capabilities.
• Play a key role in assisting the director in the creation, preparation, and delivery of progressive program activities.
• Prepare and support the delivery of progressive program activities to cabin counselors and activity specialists. Coordinate all camp program and campfire activities with other staff.
• Plan and facilitate waterfront activity days and manage lifeguards on duty.
• Implement camper recognition program and develop additional recognition programs as needed in collaboration with the Assistant Camp Director and Camp Director
• Provide opportunities for youth to lead, problem-solve, and make decisions and choices within the program and provides daily opportunities for youth to reflect on and respond to their experiences.
• Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
• Communicate issues and problems as they arise to the Camp Director. Problem solve with support staff to resolve all issues.
• Provide any and all help with behavior management issues that may arise in cabins and/or between staff.
• When necessary, be ready to lead a cabin of children with the same duties as a Cabin Counselor.
• Model relationship-building skills in all interactions; develops and maintains collaborative relationships with staff, youth parents and other community stakeholders.
• Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in all program areas.
• Advise Camp Director on any equipment/supplies that need to be replaced or purchased.
• Follows all policies, procedures, and standards as established by the law or the Y (e.g., safety or emergency procedures, behavior guidance strategies, child abuse prevention policies); makes ADA accommodations where appropriate; maintains the program site, equipment, and required program records. Ensure that camp staff know and follow safety and educational procedures of camp programming.
• Work alongside entire camp staff throughout the program week and on the last day of program to clean the facility.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

*This is not an exhaustive list of job duties. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned.

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.

• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings.
• Ability to work in excess of a 40-hour week with irregular work hours.
• 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.
• May be exposed to adverse outdoor weather conditions and air quality at elevations 8,000-10,000 ft
• Ability to respond appropriately and effectively to emergency situations such as but not limited to fire evacuations, severe weather, or a missing camper.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; one year or more of college preferred.
• Meets minimum age standards as established by state law and/or the Y.
• Meet the YMCA of Northern Utah Driver Requirements.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications required.
• ACA-recognized lifeguard certification required.
• Meeting the requirements and being a YMCA Driver is required.
• Previous experience lifeguarding required.
• Previous experience in with waterfront programming preferred.
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds, with experience working with diverse populations.
• Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Benefits

Staff working 15 hours per week

• 100% off Childcare programming*
• Employee & Employer Retirement Contribution Options
• Professional Development Assistance

Staff working less than 15 hours per week:

• 50% off Childcare programming*
• Employee & Employer Retirement Contribution Options
• Professional Development Assistance

*Limitations and restrictions apply to some programs.

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.

Posted Salary Range

Salary : $500 - $568