Junior Counselor, Explorer Camp - Youth Recreation Recreation & Wellbeing

Junior Counselor Position

UC Berkeley Youth Recreation offers several experiential leadership opportunities for junior high- and high school-aged youth in our summer youth camps. Our experiential leadership programs bridge junior and high schoolers from campers to leaders. The best Youth Camps staff are often former campers. Youth Camp alumni not only bring their own experience and memories, but they also bring an undeniable passion for camp. UC Berkeley Youth Recreation offers several different ways for tweens and teens to practice and improve their varying leadership skills.

The Junior Counselor position is a paid staff position for high school students to learn the beginning requirements of youth supervision, professional conduct, effective communication, and teamwork responsibility. The Junior Counselor role also assists in enhancing leadership and job skills skills required for this UC Berkeley program and future careers.

Responsibilities include adhering to all scheduling assignments made by Camp Coordinator(s), Camp Lead(s) and Asst. Lead(s) to support campers, camper groupings, and activities. Support and assist activity Instructor(s) and/or assigned Group Leader(s) with any delegated tasks. Provide mentoring and guidance to campers in support of camp staff. Lead general supervision of campers and downtime activities during the camper lunch period. Assist with the set-up and take-down of camp facilities and help tidy camp areas on a daily basis. Account for all campers in assigned group and conduct camper head counts regularly. Follow check-in/out duties as assigned. Walk campers safely between locations and supervise them on water/restroom breaks as needed. Assist campers with their belongings, lost and found, sunscreen/water, lunch, swim change, trash pick-up, etc. Assist with and/or participate in all special events, staff meetings, theme days, and programs designated by your leadership team and/or supervisor. Look for ways to improve the camp/program and share feedback in weekly staff meetings with the leadership team or designated team leader.

Administrative duties include preparing, maintaining, and processing all forms and paperwork accurately and promptly (work permits, reports, timesheets, employee paperwork, etc.). Complete Accident Reports, Incident Reports, and Child Abuse/Neglect (CANRA) forms when needed, making sure to alert supervisors. Follow campus-wide procedures in Mandated Reporting laws regarding child abuse and neglect (CANRA). Refer program and administrative questions to the appropriate supervisor. Keep equipment and supplies in order, well maintained, and in the proper location.

Miscellaneous duties include developing age-appropriate relationships with campers. Display appropriate behavior (action and language) around campers, staff, and parents. Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and sensitivity in all interactions with campers, staff, and parents. Follow all camp policies and procedures stated in the Employee Handbook and Employee Code of Conduct, including wearing required camp uniform and following assigned work schedule. Fill in for camp staff as needed, including filling in for camp staff at a different camp facility. Maintain a supportive environment for campers and staff. Accept constructive feedback and make necessary corrections. Complete all tasks in a timely manner as specified or requested by the supervisor. Perform miscellaneous tasks as requested by the supervisor.

Required qualifications include being at least 16-years-old. Must have previous experience/service hours working with youth and at least 500 camp/service hours completed. Must be adaptable to a varied and challenging environment. Basic skills in computer programs relevant to job duties. Must be able to work effectively, across all program levels, internally and externally. Must have a passion for working with youth. Have some knowledge of youth recreation programs/camps and their structure. Applicants must have completed the 10th grade.

Preferred qualifications include previous experience working in UC Berkeley Youth Recreation (formerly Cal Youth Camps) summer youth camps. Knowledge of and/or can quickly learn UC Berkeley's campus policies and procedures. Current American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric CPR, AED, First-Aid, Epi-Pen + Asthma certification (required for Junior Counselors to be considered for promotion to Group Leader/Instructor position).

Salary and benefits information can be found on the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website. The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $20.00 - $20.25. This is an approximately 3-month, variable hours, contract appointment. Typically reaching 32 - 40 hours in the summer. This is a non-exempt, biweekly-paid position.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.