Activity Counselor

Overview

• This is a second shift position with the hours of 4 pm – 12 am.
• Project EXPLORE is a residential camp for young adults with disabilities. Counselors will play an active role in providing a positive experience to young adults aged 14 – 21 with disabilities visiting the University of Iowa Campus. There will always be an On-Call Supervisor for assistance if needed.
• The Iowa National Summer Transportation Institute (INSTI) is a residential camp for students of color, young women, and students with and without disabilities entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grade in the 2023-24 school year.
• The Activity Counselor position is shared between UI REACH, Camp EXPLORE and INSTI. Please see below for specific dates.
• Preference will be given to applicants that are interested in working all the camps, however, applicants are still encouraged to apply if they can only work some of the camps.

Counselor Responsibilities

• Report directly to the Program Director.
• Report all incidents in and to the Director as necessary.
• Interact directly with attendees in the residence hall, classroom, and on campus.
• Provide support to attendees in participating in campus and community activities and groups.
• Supervise students to get ready for the next day’s activities and for bed.
• Provide support and supervision during all activities, including evening meals.
• Lead or co-lead activities in the community, classroom, and in the residence hall, including field trips.
• Accompany participants to activities, as necessary.
• Interact with the faculty, participants, and administrative staff.
• Assist with academic instruction during evening field trips and classroom activities, including presenting, organizing, and distributing resource materials and setting up activities.
• Model and encourage acceptable social behaviors and respectable personal standards.
• Establish and maintain rapport with attendees. Serve as a role model in areas of personal appearance, communication, interpersonal skills, decision-making, and responsibility.
• Model and instruct attendees on how to meet behavior expectations according to social norms in the residence hall, campus environment, and community.
• Promote effective study and living habits through development of self-confidence and positive attitudes toward living, learning, and studying.
• Implement and follow university policies and procedures.
• Accurately record and submit hours worked.
• Assist with check-in/check-out of all participants at all activities.
• Assist with evaluations.
• Assist with program opening and closing activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to work the afternoon shift.
• Previous experience working with young adults in an activity or classroom environment.
• A minimum of a high school degree plus two years of college or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience assisting and/or leading social and recreational activities for ages 14 – 21.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a team.
• Display a positive attitude.
• Ability to think quickly in fast-paced situations.
• Display patience, organization, and a desire to see others succeed.

Desired Qualifications

• Previous experience working with young adults with disabilities (for EXPLORE) and youth of color with and without disabilities (for INSTI) is strongly encouraged.
• Degree or seeking a degree in the field of education or related field.
• CPR/AED/First Aid certified.

Work Hours for EXPLORE and INSTI

• Camps will run June 11 – July 14 with no camp the week of July 3.
• June 7 – June 9: Mandatory Training
• June 11 – June 15: EXPLORE Camp (adults and minors)
• June 18 – June 30: INSTI Camp
• July 9 – July 13: EXPLORE Camp (adults 18 )

Training Requirements

• Criminal Background Check upon hire
• Minors on Campus online training
• Bloodborne Pathogen training
• Attend trainings that occur June 7 – 9

Rate of Pay

• $15 per hour