Senior Counselor

COMPANY: Tampa JCCs & Federation
JOB TITLE: Senior Counselor
REPORTS TO: Camp Director
LOCATION: 522 North Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606 (SBG Campus)
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time; Variable
STATUS: Hourly; Non-Exempt
HOURS: 40 hours per week
COMPENSATION: Paid biweekly

SUMMARY: Senior counselors are the cornerstone of our Summer Camp Program. Experienced counselors are needed to provide a structured approach that balances exciting camp experiences with guidance and mutual respect. Counselors should encourage campers to engage in all activities with creativity and confidence while experiencing many new and exciting challenges.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Give a 9-week summer commitment (May 30-July 28).
• Ensure campers’ safety at all times.
• Follow and promote all policies and philosophies in all interactions with staff, volunteers, and the public on and off site.
• Demonstrate a high quality of work standards and ethics.
• Under the direction of the Camp Director, implement behavior modifications as described in the Camper’s Code of Conduct.
• Under the direction of the Camp Director, consult with parents regarding camper behavior.
• Record daily camper attendance and submit accurate records each day.
• Participate in all camp activities, including those on-campus, and off-campus.
• Assist Camp Specialists in camper instruction and managing camper behavior during specialty periods.
• Lead Junior Counselors and CITs in safe and effective supervision of campers.
• Use learned positive reinforcement methods in managing camper behaviors.
• Relay all parent communication to Camp Director.
• Follow established cleaning procedures; ensure clean and tidy surroundings before transitioning to a different area on campus.
• Participate in weekly staff meetings.
• Wear staff shirt daily— shirts provided for each staff member.
• Be prepared to assist in any emergency situation involving a camper.
• Honor confidentiality of the Tampa JCCs and Federation.
• Stay up-to-date with all procedure and policy changes.
• Support the mission of the Tampa JCCs and Federation: support and enrich the continuity of Jewish life and values in our community.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Camp Director.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Minimum 1-2 years of experience working with school age children (ages 5-12).
• Professional experience in licensed childcare setting, strongly preferred.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED, currently attending post-secondary school, or possess a graduate degree from a college/university.
• Possess First Aid/CPR certification (can be completed during staff training week).

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Ability to complete counselor orientation, drug screening, background check, and First Aid/CPR class.
• Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, effectively with staff, campers, and parents.
• Ability to make sound decisions that support the mission and are in the best interest of every camper.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Multi-tasking and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and plan accordingly.
• Adaptability, as planned activities and events may need to change unexpectedly.
• Creativity and the ability to take initiative to keep campers engaged throughout the day.

BEHAVIORS REQUIRED:

• Enjoy working with children, and willing to provide a fun and nurturing summer experience.
• Highly motivated and energetic.
• Work cooperatively with directors and staff.
• Ability to take direction and comply with instructions given by supervisor.
• Confidence in supervising children and handling unforeseen situations.
• Willingly attend and participate in training sessions.
• Ability to be discreet and handle sensitive/confidential information in a responsible manner.
• Ability to handle diverse, simultaneous tasks.
• Demonstrate professionalism in appearance, including attire and attitude.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. Occasionally he/she is required to sit. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally required to lift up to 40 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Summer camp employees may be outdoors in a nature type setting or in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer