Advocate Camp Counselor for children with disabilities, School Break Cam

Job Description

Job Description

Be a role model. Make camp possible for every child.

Do you believe every child deserves to be fully included at camp? JCC Greater Boston is looking for caring, patient, and enthusiastic Advocate Camp Counselors to join our School Break Camps (December, February, Passover, and April school breaks).

Advocate Counselors are part of our camp’s Inclusion Team, working directly with campers with disabilities and individualized needs. Guided by ICPs (Individual Camper Plans) and supported by our Inclusion Team, Advocate Counselors partner with co-counselors to ensure that every camper is safe, supported, and fully included in their bunk and camp activities.

What you will do each day:

Each morning, you’ll connect with your camper, making sure they feel welcomed and ready for the day. You’ll support them in joining their bunk for activities – whether that means going over the schedule with them, cheering them on during sports, modeling skills and providing hands-on support in arts & crafts, or being in the water with them at swim. Throughout the day, you’ll model patience, empathy, and creativity as you help campers navigate challenges and celebrate successes. You’ll work closely with co-counselors and our Inclusion Team to adapt supports as needed. At the end of the day, you’ll leave knowing you made camp possible for a child who might not otherwise be able to fully participate.

Why work with us?

At our camps, the best part of the day is simple: the kids. Our staff say their favorite moments are playing games, cheering campers on at swim, creating art together, and bonding over shared interests.

Staff describe camp as fun, dynamic, and inviting. Here, you’ll gain leadership skills, make lasting friendships, and create unforgettable experiences – for campers and yourself.

JCC Greater Boston is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston’s core values - Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation - which resonate with many who do not identify as Jewish.

This is what our Camp Counselors say are the best parts of working at JCC Camps:

• Bonding with the campers
• The activities
• Free swim
• Leadership opportunities
• Making close friends with co-counselors

Available Dates:

• Veteran's Day Camp: November 11
• December Camp: December 28, 29, 30, 31
• MLK Day Camp: January 18
• February Camp: February 15, 16, 17, 18, 19
• April & Passover Break Camp: April 19, 20, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

Candidates do not need to commit to all dates. Staff are scheduled by the day and shift.

Available Shifts Each Day:

• Full Day 8:30am – 4:30pm, 8 hours
• Morning Shift 7:45am – 3:45pm, 8 hours
• Afternoon Shift 10am - 6pm, 8 hours

Primary responsibilities include, and are not limited to:

• Partner with co-counselors to build an inclusive group dynamic and implement accommodations from camper ICPs
• Advocate for camper strengths, needs, and abilities while encouraging independence and participation
• Support campers in fully engaging with bunk life and activities (arts, sports, swimming, special events)
• Ensure the safety and well-being of campers during structured and unstructured times
• Participate in and support campers during swim times (must be able to access the pool and swim with campers)
• Communicate regularly with co-counselors and leadership to ensure consistency of support
• Model patience, empathy, and positive behavior for campers and peers

Standard staff expectations include and are not limited to:

• Actively create a welcoming dynamic that contributes to an environment where each individual is valued and respected
• Actively participate as an essential team member
• Support JCC Greater Boston’s mission, vision, and values of belonging, joyfulness, collaboration, and transformation, including through role modeling
• Enthusiastically representing the organization, model excellence and achievement
• Attend JCCGB meetings and trainings as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

Skills you gain as a camp counselor:

• Negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to "think on your feet"
• Social/emotional knowledge
• Problem-solving techniques
• Project management skills
• Leadership skills
• Collaboration experience
• Flexibility

This is a great chance to join JCC Greater Boston's respected and valued, people-orientated workplace of diverse community services providers, which is rapidly growing! 

JOB DETAILS: This is an hourly position offering great perks, including JCC Health & Fitness center access during employment, a supportive, vibrant in-person work environment, and a competitive starting pay rate of $15 per hour. The pay rate offered will ultimately be determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and JCC's internal equity.

About JCC Greater Boston

Since opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, diverse community by nurturing meaningful, lasting relationships. Through our network of early learning centers, day camps, regional teen and family programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes, JCC Greater Boston provides highly valued connections, learning, and experiences for the Jewish community and friends.

JCC Greater Boston staff enjoy working in an innovative, friendly, and welcoming environment where their talents and contributions are appreciated. In our recent employee survey, staff rated their direct management and organizational alignment experiences close to 90% positive. If you want to upgrade your working experience and have a better work-life balance, we encourage you to explore becoming part of the JCC team!

The JCC is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston's core values: Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation, which we hope resonate with all.

To learn more about what makes JCC Greater Boston a wonderful place to work, please visit our careers page at

JCC Greater Boston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or disability. In a continuing effort to maintain and enrich a diverse environment, we actively encourage applications from women and members of underrepresented groups.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• 10th grade (or equivalent) and eligible for work permit 

• 1+ season (summer camp, semester, babysitting, coaching, other) experience working with children
• Concentration in Special Needs, Special Education, or similar field of study and/or comparable experience preferred   

Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC’s discretion to meet minimum criteria.

Skills and Abilities:

• Genuine enjoyment of working with children and helping them grow
• Strong safety awareness and communication skills
• Leadership qualities including patience, flexibility, teamwork, and creativity
• Positive attitude and ability to build meaningful relationships with campers and peers
• Proactive problem-solving and willingness to ask for guidance when needed
• Self-starter who takes the initiative
• Must be able to work well with others, building/sustaining collaborative solid relationships
• Ability to manage situations effectively and diplomatically and ask for help, guidance, or clarification when needed
• Commitment to build strong relationships with campers, co-workers, and camp leadership  

Physical Requirements:  

• Able to work well in a busy, dynamic, and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to work in variety of weather conditions for extended periods of time in case of rain, heat, humidity, cold, or other environmental factors to ensure the supervision and safety of campers in our care.
• Able to lift and carry objects weighing 30-40 pounds (boxes of supplies, children’s backpacks, etc.
• Able to sit and kneel; getting down at eye level with children regularly. 
• Ability to swim and supervise children in pool (able to stand in pool)

ADA Statement : Individuals must possess these criteria for knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation and using some other combination of skills and abilities.

Benefits

JCCGB Perks! Each employee is eligible for a free individual access to JCC Greater Boston's top class fitness, recreation and wellness facility in Newton – offering virtual and in-person programs including indoor swimming, many fitness classes, and workout facilities, as well as discounts to many JCCGB events, classes, outdoor pool, and more, including:

• Use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal-Sidman
• Access to group fit classes, Arts & Culture adult programming at member rates,
• Discounts on a variety JCCGB's fitness/wellness programs and services
• Free wellness events!

Benefits are subject to review and change by the Organization, and plan documents are the primary determinant.

A Great Place to Work! JCC Greater Boston is consciously evolving as a great place to work! In our recent 2023 employee engagement survey, at least 88% of our staff gave us top ratings on:

• Supportive colleagues
• Team camaraderie
• How their managers treat them
• Individual autonomy
• Knowing what their work contributes to and how it impacts others
• Pride in working for the JCC
• Program and service quality
• Holding ourselves accountable    

Our staff and leadership bring experience, excellence, and commitment to everything we offer and we are dedicated to a culture where all our employees may thrive. Our culture is built on our values, driven by our mission, and nurtured through the expert contributions of our professionals.