Therapeutic Summer Camp Counselor

Job Description

The Italian Home for Children organizes a therapeutic summer camp annually, where youth who struggle with participation in community activities due to their social, emotional, and psychological needs can attend a fun, engaging, and inclusive setting in which they can thrive. The Summer Camp Counselor is a member of the Therapeutic Summer Camp Program. They are responsible to develop and maintain a safe, engaging, and therapeutic environment for campers through engagement with children and supervision at all times. The Camp Counselor will work in collaboration with other staff members regarding planning of program schedule, activities and all aspects of programming. Most importantly, they are responsible for providing the highest quality of care by implementing a nurturing, caring, safe and structured environment for children to thrive and succeed.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title, but additional responsibilities may be required. Employees are expected to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Programming:

• Facilitate/co-facilitate daily group activities. Responsible for planning, preparation, and participation in activities; maintaining a consistent and predictable schedule and therapeutic structure.
• Direct supervision of and engagement with children to maintain safety in all aspects. Supporting children with their academic, behavioral, social, emotional growth. 
• Utilize “Safety Care” de-escalation strategies as clinically indicated, including both verbal and when absolutely needed, physical de-escalation strategies to manage youth safety.
• Utilization of agency vehicles to transport clients to and from the program, as well as field trips and community based activities. Staff members must have a driver’s license and feel comfortable operating agency cars.
• Participate in camp activities, including: arts and crafts, games, outdoor sports, swimming pool (can stay in the shallow end, no swim test required), and other therapeutic activities.

Administration:

• Complete serious incident and restraint reports as required, follow protocols to inform the Program Manager and/or Director of Therapeutic After School Program.
• Prepare and/or assist in generating behavioral reports in all required formats.
• Ensure efficient and timely record keeping.

Qualifications:

• Prior work experience working with children, families, educators, and care teams.
• Ability to commit to summer camp schedule, including 2 weeks of paid training prior to beginning of camp. Training dates are June 16-27 (M-F, 9-4). Camp operates from June 30-Aug 22, 8:15am-4:15pm, M-F.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Collaborative approach with others, including respectful interactions with coworkers, children, families and providers.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. 
• Discretion regarding confidentiality of clients/their histories, families, and co-workers.
• Follow up and follow through on tasks, able to prioritize.
• Ability to bend, reach, stand, and lift up to 75 pounds.
• Strong commitment to Italian Home’s values, philosophy and mission.

Italian Home for Children is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

We are dedicated to ensuring a fair hiring process and an equitable work environment. If you require accommodations during the application, and/or interview process, please contact hr@italianhome.org.

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