Cabin Counselor Assistant

JOB TITLE: Cabin Counselor Assistant
DEPARTMENT: Recreation Therapy
REPORTS TO: Cabin Head

Description of Position

The Cabin Counselor Assistant position involves working hands-on with children and adults with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses. Cabin Counselor Assistants will live in the cabins with participants and will be responsible for assisting participants, to whatever degree necessary, with their activities of daily living (showering, dressing, bathing, eating, and so forth). This will be performed with assistance and mentoring from the assistant cabin head and the cabin head as well as other cabin counselors. Cabin Counselor Assistants will also assist participants, on an as needed basis, in program areas (waterfront, creative arts, camp outs, etc). Documentation will be kept on all camper activities, for which cabin counselor assistants will be learning and assisting the other staff in the cabin. The Cabin Counselor Assistant will have the opportunity to meet with a designated staff member periodically who will act as a mentor and provide guidance as needed. Midway through the summer, this position will meet with TR Director and Program Specialist, at which point skills and performance will be evaluated and if essential function of a cabin counselor are met, then the person in this role could stay for a longer duration as a cabin counselor, stay on as a cabin counselor assistant, opt out for the rest of the summer, or be asked to end their commitment for the summer.

All counselors must be 18 years of age by the first day of camp.

Essential Functions

  • Ability and desire to work with individuals with disabilities in an outdoor setting where "campers come first."
  • Ability and desire to work with persons of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds in a dynamic outdoor environment which values growth and change of self and others.
  • Ability and desire to perform, and teach, all aspects of personal care. This includes, but is not limited to, transferring, showering, dressing, feeding, and other activities of daily living.
  • Willingness to learn, understand, and model the mission, vision, and values of Bradford Woods.
  • Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to interact with and work as a team player with other staff, participants, volunteers, and participant’s families/care-givers.
  • Ability to serve as a positive role model to program participants.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced environment, which can be both physically and emotionally demanding.
  • Ability to learn and grow in the position by receiving and accepting constructive feedback from supervisors and parents.
  • Ability to complete accurate documentation forms on participants as required on a regular basis.
  • Ability to assume responsibility for the order, cleanliness, and safety of cabins, program areas, and Bradford Woods grounds.
  • Ability to perform additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills Required

  • Some college experience in the human service and/or recreation field preferred but not required.
  • CPR and First Aid highly preferable.
  • Willingness to learn.
  • Flexibility.
  • Patience.

Cognitive Requirements

  • Ability to assess needs of participants and staff.
  • Ability to solve problems in a fast paced, dynamic setting.
  • Ability to make judgment decisions in a setting where variables can change quickly, and often without notice (such as weather conditions).
  • Ability to easily, effectively, and proficiently communicate needs, feedback, and questions.
  • Ability to demonstrate responsibility, maturity, and self accountability (i.e. professionalism).
  • Ability to follow directions.

Physical Requirements

  • This is a physically active position requiring mobility.
  • Lifting and pushing as needed (i.e. transfers, equipment).
  • Stamina to endure long hours in a position that is both physically and emotionally demanding. Again, nights will be part of the duties and responsibilities due to our residential capacity.
  • Ability to make judgment decisions in a setting where variables can change quickly, and often without notice (such as weather conditions).
  • Ability to be independent in care, mobility and with no supervision as this position will have time off built into the day with unstructured and unsupervised time.
  • Ability to easily, effectively, and proficiently communicate needs, feedback, and questions throughout the program.
  • Because all positions involve assisting with personal care, fluency and proficiency of the English language is essential – both written as well as oral.
  • Ability to provide a safe, fun environment for all.

Training

  • Attend mandatory All Staff training session prior to, and/or during camp.

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Indiana University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission, as required by Title IX. Questions or complaints regarding Title IX may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the university Title IX Coordinator. See Indiana University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination Policy, which includes contact information.