KEEP Camp Counselor

JOB TITLE:   CAMP COUNSELOR K.E.E.P.

CLASSIFICATION:  SEASONAL

SUPERVISOR:   GROUP LEADER AND ASSISTANT CAMP SITE COORDINATOR K.E.E.P.

HOURS:  8:15AM – 3:30PM

EMPLOYMENT GRADE:  5
PAY RANGE:  STARTING AT $16.00

POSITION SUMMARY:

The camp counselor position is a part time seasonal position. Camp Counselors should display a desire to work with children through positive interaction and role modeling.

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma is preferred
• Minimum age for this position is 16
• Thorough knowledge of the specific activity preferred
• Ability to teach in any given class situation
• Must possess current First Aid, CPR and AED Certification

Essential Responsibilities

• Supervise participants while protecting their physical, psychological and emotional health.
• Learn all participants names through getting to know you games and interaction with all participants.
• Acts as a positive role model while teaching and encouraging healthy leisure lifestyle.  A positive role model demonstrates this through:  appropriate subject matter, tone of voice, and language.
• Becomes knowledgeable of all material in staff manual.
• Maintains and implements safety standards and procedures at all times to ensure a well-rounded program in a safe, positive environment.
• Contributes ideas and suggestions for staff meetings. 
• Is aware of each days planned activities.
• Learn the routine quickly and take initiative to ensure the schedule runs smoothly. 
• Take initiative to make sure or assist in the set-up of day’s activities.
• Is actively involved in all aspects of the camper’s day. 
  • Participating in sports (non-competitively)
  • Assisting at Art
  • Participating in activities during free time
  • Demonstrating enthusiasm in all planned activities
• Maintains order while Site supervisor or fellow counselors are explaining or talking with the group.
• Begins activities after afternoon snack time, before the end of the day.
• Will enforce all K.E.E.P. policies and procedures.
• Will not voice difference of opinion with other staff in front of the children or their parents.
• Assures that children are never to be allowed to roam at will at the camp site or on field trips.
• Will arrive at scheduled start time.
• Observes all regulations, which pertain to you as a staff member.

• Follows and initiates correct procedures during emergency situations (disaster, medical, etc.)
• Shall treat each child with dignity and respect. 
• Shall follow procedures for accident and incidents. (see procedure manual.)
• Will establish and maintain a positive liaison with parents, park staff and the community.
• Will promote the program and the park district in a positive manner.
• Understands that attendance on a 5-day basis is required. Four day workweeks are not conducive to the program or the welfare the children.
• Shall assure that the rooms are clean and all supplies and equipment are properly stored before leaving the facility.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Effective communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Understand and exhibit behavior consistent with stated values of the Park District.
• Assist with Special Events as needed.

SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT:

• Uphold safety and risk management strategies in support of and compliance with Park District policies, procedures, ordinances and practices
• Familiarity with and effective implementation of the Employee Safety Manual, Emergency Response Plan, and Crisis Management Plan
• Attend professional educational and safety trainings
• Assist with emergency procedures and building evaluation
• Utilize Personal Protective Equipment when performing duties, based on job tasks
• Correct unsafe conditions and/or report them to supervisor
• Promptly report hazardous conditions, accidents and injuries to supervisor
• Complete incident/accident report forms and promptly forwards them to supervisor

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Regularly required to talk, hear or read
• Frequently required to stand; walk; sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, or crawl
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds; and over 30 pounds with assistance
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception

PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Employee should be able to maintain a positive working relationship with other employees
• Possess the ability to work well with the general public, parents, peers and park district employees
• Employee must work effectively under deadlines in a variety of environments and elements
• Employee must demonstrate leadership qualities to perform required work
• Employee must be able to function in a sometimes fast and ambiguous environment

PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• None

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Employee performs some activities indoors.  Indoor environmental conditions will include lighting and temperature
• Employee may perform most activities outside in various weather conditions

COGNITIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Must be able to respond to and handle children's behaviors in a positive appropriate manner
• Employee must have the ability to follow directions
• Employee must have good verbal and written communications skills
• Employee must possess time management and organization skills to effectively perform the job
• Employee must have the ability to make judgments with respect to confidential information and problem solving
• Employee must use good safety awareness and judgment in all aspects of the position

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements and efforts of working conditions associated with this job.  While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job when circumstances changes; e.g., emergencies, rush jobs, changes in personnel, workload, technological developments, etc.