Advocate Counselor (Summer Camp)

Description:

The Advocate Counselor provides 1:1 or 1:2 support to campers, ensuring their safety, well-being, and inclusion in all camp activities. They collaborate with the Advocate Coordinator to develop and implement individual recreation plans, adapt group activities, and provide scaffolding to meet their campers' needs. Advocate Counselors actively promote inclusion, assist with swim activities, and facilitate peer-to-peer interaction. They may also design and implement alternative activities when necessary to support campers. Additionally, they participate in staff training, maintain a clean and safe camp environment, and uphold Camp at the J's policies and procedures.

Dates and Hours

• Training: May 28 - 29 & June 1 - 5

Camp: June 8 - August 7, generally 8:00am-4:15pm on Monday and from 8:45am-4:15pm Tuesday-Friday

Regular Job Duties

Under the supervision of the Advocate Coordinator, general daily responsibilities include, but aren’t limited to:

• Work with the Advocate Coordinator to assist in the development of individualized recreation plans, setting goals, tracking progress, and adjusting as the summer progresses
• Modify existing camp operations (routines, schedules, procedures) to be accessible for campers based on their support needs
• Utilize and collaborate in the development of tools to support your assigned camper(s) (such as personal schedules, fidget tools, visual timers, etc.)

* Being flexible and willing to adjust programming based on your camper’s needs:

• Gaining approval from the Unit Head or Advocate Coordinator to join a different activity
• Organizing a smaller activity adjacent to the bunk activity
• Identifying a calming space and facilitating “cool down” activities
• Actively promote inclusion throughout the camp via small group discussions, role modeling, and intentional group planning
• Work with fellow bunk counselors to adapt group activities so that all children can be included
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• 18 years of age or older
• Have worked as staff in prior summers at Camp at the J or another camp (preferred)
• Secondary education and/or training in youth psychiatry, elementary education, special education or related field (preferred)
• Prior experience working with children, particularly those who may need additional adult support
• Willingness to learn and implement Universal Design and camper behavior management
• Actively utilizes empathy, patience, and intentional positivity in the workplace
• Ability to accept guidance, constructive feedback, and support from teammates
• Ability to sit, stand, kneel, and stretch for long periods of time
• Ability to work outside in high degree temperatures
• Ability to lift 50 lbs

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in the above position.