Summer Camp Special Needs Counselor

Special Needs Inclusion Counselors will be partnered with up to four campers with additional needs including emotional, behavior, social, developmental, and physical needs. This is a temporary position working with camper’s ages 5-15 years old. The main responsibility of this position is to promote inclusion of campers with special needs in having a fun, safe, enriching camp experience. This position works under the direction of Site Supervisor & Assistant Site Supervisor to find creative ways to enable the child to have full participation in program activities and to ensure their success. The position requires maturity, creativity, and a caring personality. Special Needs Inclusion Counselors may provide one-on-one or group supervision, depending on the campers’ needs. The focus is on inclusion and modification.
Special Needs Inclusion Counselors will also help with the day-to-day responsibilities within camp.

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Under Supervision, leads specific recreational and athletic programs and services in accordance with the interests and needs of the public.
• Assist with behavioral issues with both the special needs and general campers.
• Help staff and campers modify projects and activities to allow all campers to be included.
• Supervise and provide a safe and healthy environment, both physically and mentally, to ensure the operation of a quality camp program for all campers.
• Responsible for the general safety, development, growth, and achievement of the participants in his/her group; report concerns to leadership.
• Organize, lead and provide a variety of high-quality small and large group activities each week. Activities may include crafts, nature, songs, games, opening and closing ceremonies, swimming, Family Night, etc. This includes time spent on the bus.
• Manage children's behavior and act as a role model and mentor. Model constructive participation in all daily activities and field trips.
• Lead children through the day-to-day operation of camp, including set up and clean-up of equipment and supplies for camp activities.
• Communicate with campers’ parents/guardians regarding experiences and report concerns to camp leadership.
• Ensure all children in the assigned group are accounted for onsite, and on field trips; conduct headcount for groups when loading buses, upon trip arrival/departure and throughout the day.
• Know, enforce, and follow all safety guidelines associated with the camp and all program areas. This includes but is not limited to being responsible for your campers’ safety and their whereabouts at all times onsite, and on field trips.
• Ensure the camp site is presentable at all times and is kept clean, organized and free of litter.
• Interact effectively and professionally with fellow employees, program participants, supervisors, staff, instructors and the general public.
• Assist in maintaining accurate program records including incident reports, logbook documentation, and daily attendance.
• Know and understand ALL emergency procedures associated with the camp program.
• Punctuality and regular attendance are essential functions of position.
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Full attendance for the nine-week summer and attend all staff meetings and trainings.
• Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 2-years of verifiable experience in a summer camp, recreational or school setting supervising children ages 5 – 15 in the following areas: arts & crafts, dance, sport, drama, music or athletics.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• High School Diploma or equivalent certificate.
• First Aid and CPR Certification is mandatory and must be current throughout summer camp; certification mandatory prior to start date.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to exhibit the energy and physical stamina to work with children of varying ages.
• Proficient communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to manage individual and group behavior in various activities in an education or camp setting.
• Ability to deal with stressful conditions in a calm and professional manner.
• Ability to understand and follow necessary precautions to secure the safety of camp.
• Skill to work with children of various ages by demonstrating patience, enthusiasm, and the ability to handle disruptive children effectively.
• Ability to serve as a positive role model, including attitude, punctuality, treating others with respect, sportsmanship, etc.
• Ability to interact well with fellow employees, participants and parents/guardians.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs light to medium work that involves walking or standing virtually all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office or shop machines or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
  • Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
  • Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.

WORK HOURS:
Sunday-Saturday with varied shifts/hours between 7:30am-10:00pm (Required to work nights, weekends and holidays to meet the business/program needs of the City. Hours may change based on operational needs.)

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Background check (fingerprinting) is required; all fingerprints will be checked through State of Florida’s Volunteer and Employee Criminal History System (VECHS) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
• Must successfully pass drug test and physical exam.
• Mandatory First Aid & CPR Certification. Certification will be provided during training.
• Mandatory orientation for those selected prior to the start of camp. Location and specific dates/times will be announced at a later date.
• Must be available to work for the entire program at assigned location.
• Mandatory workday for the July 4th Celebration at the beach.
• Work shifts vary from 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM, Monday through Friday. (the city does not guarantee a consistent schedule ex 8-4)
• Temporary position, with no employee benefits or paid time off.

STAFF TRAINING DATES:
May 30: 9:00am – 3:00pm (HR Onboarding and FRPA Training)
June 2: 9:00am – 2:00pm (First Aid/CPR, if needed)
June 4: 6:00pm – 9:00pm (Parent Orientation)
June 5: 6:00pm – 9:00pm (All staff Training)

SUMMER CAMP DATES
June 8th- July 31st(8 Weeks)
Extended Camp August 3rd– 7th

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS
It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE
The City of Deerfield Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

The City of Deerfield Beach values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and supports the hiring of returning service members and military spouses.

Under the directive of House Bill 531 (2025), please see link below to the new Care Provider Background ScreeningClearinghouse Education and Awareness website.
https://info.flclearinghouse.com

Applications to the City of Deerfield Beach are reviewed as received. Early application is encouraged, as this posting may close at any time.