Larkins's Place Inclusion Counselor Coordinator

This is a seasonal job, running from May 19, 2025- August 8, 2025. If the employee wants continued employment, they must go through the hiring process at that time.

The Inclusion Counselor Coordinator position is responsible for planning, development, and facilitation of Inclusion Services for children with disabilities. The coordinator will work directly with, and supervise, the Inclusion Counselors, and will also provide services to children with disabilities when needed. The coordinator will also work with counselors in many camps to help incorporate inclusive practices into our YMCA camps. This position reports directly to the Larkin's Place Director.

LARKIN’S PLACE CAMPS OVERVIEW

The Stephens Family YMCA runs over 100 camps each summer, including a variety of sports and specialty camps. The Stephens Family YMCA also has Larkin’s Place, which is a commitment to inclusion of individuals with disabilities into our programming. Larkin’s Place helps to serve youth and adults with many types of disabilities, including physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and emotional disabilities. In our commitment to providing access to our summer camps, Larkin’s Place will provide Inclusion Counselors to children who need direct support to access programming. Inclusion counselors are trained to work 1:1 or in small groups with those with disabilities. Throughout the summer, Inclusion Counselors will work to ensure the safety and accessibility of camps is met through accommodations and modifications. Typically, 15-18 children need inclusion counselors during the day at the YMCA.

REQUIREMENTS

This position requires that the applicant be at least eighteen years of age. Applicants must have experience working in a camp setting, and working with those with disabilities. The coordinator must be comfortable in providing feedback to the Inclusion Counselors, and helping out in situations which can be stressful or challenging. Preferably, the applicant will have formal training or course work in disability services and de-escalation strategies. Applicants must also have experience working in a team in a work setting. Applicants will need to be able to work 35-40 hours a week during the summer between 7:30A.M. and 5:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and stoop, kneel or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust and focus.
• The employee may be asked to assist in dressing, feeding, or lifting and transferring individuals with disabilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for leading a team of Inclusion Counselors in the facilitation of accessible and inclusive experiences.
• Creating positive behavior incentives or reaction plans to ensure safety of campers.
• Responsible for the safety of children in the camps at all times.
• Responsible for managing camper’s behaviors and correcting challenging behavior when necessary.
• Responsible for adjusting activities and schedules to meet the needs of camper with a disability.
• Responsible for attending all staff meetings and trainings.
• Responsible for following proper drop-off and pick-up procedures of campers each day.
• Responsible for leading field trips and following proper protocols and procedures away from the YMCA.
• Responsible for working scheduled hours and accurate completion of time cards.
• Responsible for effectively communicating with parents of children in Larkin’s Place Programming.
• Responsible for communicating all needs, concerns and requests of the parents, campers, and general camp to the Larkin’s Place Director.
• Responsible for any other duties deemed necessary by the Larkin’s Place Director.

EFFECT ON END RESULT

When this position’s duties are fulfilled successfully, the YMCA camp programs and Larkin’s Place will be viewed as a quality day camp that focuses on the safety of children and improve the quality of life in the Champaign County area. Campers with and without disabilities will participate in camp together, foster a greater understanding and acceptance of those with disabilities. All campers will acquire an understanding of YMCA values, an appreciation of others, and a sense of belonging.

BENEFITS

• Free YMCA membership
• Discount on YMCA programs and merchandise