Lead Counselor

Position Description: Lead Counselor

Program: Camp Expedition

Reports to: Head Counselor, Camp Director

Classification: Seasonal, non-exempt

Position Purpose:

The Lead 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 Lead Counselor, under direction of the Head Counselor, is responsible for the campers in their unit and for ensuring their safety, and the integrity of the program. Under direction of the Head Counselor, the Lead Counselor supervises volunteer Counselors, and models effective interaction skills as well as intervention techniques. The Lead Counselor acts in the role of Head Counselor in the absence of the Head Counselor. The Lead Counselor will work collaboratively with all other staff and volunteers to create a well balanced and fun camp experience for all.

Essential Functions:

The Lead Counselor will be responsible for the following:

Administration

            Procedures

·         Be familiar with the role and responsibilities of the Head Counselor, should the need arise to act in that role.

·         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 in your unit.

·         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

·         Under the direction of the Head Counselor, assign Volunteer Counselors activities and other responsibilities, as necessary throughout the camp day.

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.

·         Act as a model for appropriate interactions as well as interventions, for the 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 Lead Counselor reports to the Head Counselor and the Camp Director.

The Lead Counselor assists in the supervision of Volunteer Counselors and CIT’s assigned to their unit. The Lead Counselor communicates any concerns or questions with the Head Counselor regarding placement of campers, volunteers, or CIT’s. The Lead Counselor communicates any questions or concerns regarding program or activities with the Head Counselor.

Necessary skills:

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

Qualifications:

Lead Counselors should have a minimum four year college degree in a related field, and/or two years experience working with children and families affected by autism spectrum disorders.

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

Physical requirements:

The Lead 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.