Camp Courageous

Respite Counselor Job Description

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Qualifications:

• At least 18 years old. Most first year counselors have at least one year of college.
• Sincere and genuine interest in working with individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities.
• Emotional maturity and integrity.
• Enjoyment and appreciation of nature.
• Experience with individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Mandatory Reporter certification or in-house course within 30 days.
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR certification. Can be obtained through Nursing Department
• Willing to complete additional in-house trainings as required.

Position Overview:

Counselors are responsible for supervising their campers and providing for their care, safety and well-being.  Counselors must be aware of and follow all the established safety rules and emergency procedures.  Developing a good rapport with campers enhances the experience for all.

A counselor must also:

• Interact and communicate effectively with all staff to ensure campers an enjoyable and worthwhile camping experience.
• Weekend activities are pre-scheduled. Communicate the daily schedule as the weekend progresses
• Supervise and participate in all experiences with the assigned camper group, encouraging full participation. Provide a safe experience for each camper.

Position Responsibilities:  Respite Counselor

• Participate in staff orientation.
• Familiarize yourself as much as possible with campers’ individual backgrounds and needs by reading camper applications before they arrive.
• Prepare cabins for camper arrival by:
  • Labeling bed and personal item containers.
  • Arrange beds according to specific camper considerations.
• Greet campers and introduce them to their new environment. Assist in unpacking personal belongings.  Mark items for easy identification.
• Familiarize yourself with each camper’s needs and/or wants regarding program activities and expectations during their stay at camp.
• Arrive at the cabin at 7:30 a.m. each morning and 2:15 pm in the afternoon
• Contact Program Director or Assistant Program Director if you are too ill to work.
• Do assigned rest hour and night cabin duties. Assist campers as needed.  Remain in assigned area to provide proper supervision.
• Attend staff meeting on Friday evening:
  • Work as a team with all staff to ensure quality care and programming.
  • Review the weekend schedule, keeping in mind camper’s interests and capabilities.
  • Review special needs list thoroughly. Ask any questions you have about campers.
• Assist and supervise campers in personal care as needed. For example, dressing, eating, toileting, brushing teeth, showering, personal needs, etc.
• When assisting campers with person care needs at least two staff must be present.
• Make sure campers are on time for:
  • Medication
  • Meals
  • Activities
• Participate fully with campers in each activity, evening program, or special event.
• Promptly report to the Nursing Staff:
  • Any unusual physical symptoms
  • Change in dietary pattern
  • Unusual appearance or lack of bowel movements.
  • Incidents of injury, damage or loss of property.
  • Seizure activity.
• Ensure that campers are appropriately dressed for weather conditions and planned activities.
• With co-counselor complete Online Counselor Reports during Respite Weekends by 1:30pm on Sundays. These include activities attended throughout the weekend as well as personal care and behavioral needs.
• Choose and color special awards for individual campers in your group to be presented at the end of the week.
• Follow all rules and regulations including no alcohol, tobacco, or firearms at camp.

Supervision Ratios:

For campers with special needs the following ratios are advised:

Every effort should be made to minimize the potential of any staff being one on one with a camper when out of sight of others.  This includes in rest rooms and shower areas, during personal care and when in healthcare setting.