Head Counselor

Position Description: Head Counselor

Program: Camp Expedition

Reports to: Camp Director

Classification: Seasonal, non-exempt

Position Purpose:

The Head Counselors will fulfill the mission of Camp Expedition to the best of their ability through their actions, words and interactions with other Camp staff, volunteers, and participants. The Head Counselor is responsible for the campers in their unit and for ensuring their safety, the integrity of the program, and works collaboratively with the Program Specialist to ensure that goals and needs of each camper are met. The Head Counselor supervises Lead Counselors and volunteer Counselors, and models effective interaction skills as well as intervention techniques. The Head Counselor will work collaboratively with all other staff and volunteers to create a well balanced and fun camp experience for all.

Essential Functions:

The Head Counselor will be responsible for the following:

Administration

            Procedures

·         Understand and follow opening-and closing-day procedures for staff, volunteers, and campers.

·         Understand and follow crisis management plan, including emergency procedures.

·         Monitor safety and all procedures as they pertain to the campers, staff, CIT’s, and volunteers assigned to you.

·         Liaise closely with parents and guardians.

·         Attend daily staff/volunteer meetings.

            Records

·         Be familiar with camper and volunteer records. Know where they are kept and how to access them if necessary.

·         Know who is authorized to pick up the children in your unit.

·         Maintain HIPAA standards for all records.

Lead Counselors and Volunteer Counselors

·         Assign staff and volunteers activities and other responsibilities, as necessary throughout the camp day.

·         Supervise and evaluate staff and volunteers assigned to your unit.

Evaluation

·         Attend pre-camp and in-service staff and volunteer trainings.

·         Participate in the evaluation process of campers, staff, and volunteers assigned to your unit, as well as the evaluation of camp as a whole.

Program

·         Help campers to engage in camp activities.

·         Delegate tasks to staff and volunteers assigned to your unit.

·         Act as a model for appropriate interactions as well as interventions, for the staff and volunteers assigned to your unit.

·         Help provide an atmosphere for developing good morale and well-being among the camp family.

These are not the only duties to be performed. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties may be assigned as required.

Relationships:

The Head Counselor reports to the Camp Director, and is expected to work collaboratively with the Program Specialist to ensure that each camper’s individual goals and/or needs are appropriately met.

The Head Counselor supervises the Lead Counselors, Volunteer Counselors, and CIT’s assigned to their unit. The Head Counselor communicates any concerns or questions with the Camp Director regarding placement of campers, staff, volunteers, or CIT’s. The Head Counselor communicates any questions or concerns regarding program or activities with the Program Specialist.

Necessary skills:

The Head Counselor should be skilled in the carrying-out of children’s programs, be able to communicate effectively with parents, other staff and volunteers, and understand the unique needs of individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders.

The Head Counselor should have reasonable knowledge in maintenance, office and kitchen equipment, and some familiararity with emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers.

Qualifications:

Head Counselors should have a minimum four year college degree in a related field, and preferably a post graduate degree in Special Education, Child Development, Psychology or related field. Preferred qualifications include Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA) or similar certification and/or experience in working with children with special needs and behavioral difficulties.

Head Counselors should have two years experience working with children and families affected by autism spectrum disorders.

Head Counselors must be CPR/ First Aid certified, and pass a fingerprint and background check.

Physical requirements:

The Head Counselor position requires the ability to listen to others, to observe others’ actions, to read text and information, to comprehend instructions and manuals, and the physical ability to move around the camp environment.

Occasional heavy lifting may be required.