The Cross Island YMCA is seeking an Inclusion Camp Specialist who will be responsible for providing a safe and positive environment for school age children with special needs, to provide opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic/personal growth.

Summer Day Camp programs operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., July through August.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision at all times.
• Understand, maintain, and ensure that participants follow Risk Management and safety procedures.
• Keep the immediate supervisor informed daily of any concerns regarding participants, staff, or the facility.
• Plan and implement meaningful activities, lesson plans, and special events that are structured, age-appropriate, fun, exciting, challenging, and values based in the areas of arts, STEM, character development, literacy, creative expression, community service, physical fitness, and/or nutrition.
• Perform specific scheduled assignments, including, but not limited to, arrival and/or departure and lunch duty.
• Prepare the learning environment, lessons, and necessary supplies for program activities. Assume responsibility for the cleanliness and organization of the camp room, program supplies, and activity space.
• Support the planning and implementation of all camp activities, including, but not limited to, summer learning initiatives, field trips, in-camp events, and culminating performances.
• Provide support to Activity Specialists with activity implementation.
• Provide guidance and support to Counselor in Training (CITs), hold CITs accountable for program expectations, and complete and maintain all required CIT paperwork.
• Work cooperatively with all program staff.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all staff and participants.
• Create and maintain a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere that is consistent and sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Serve as a positive role model for participants.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (attendance, sign-in/out forms, behavior reports, incident reports, and accident reports, as appropriate).
• Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Summer Day Camp program to staff, participants, and caregivers.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents and guardians by regularly communicating about their child’s strengths and areas for growth. Take a leadership role in providing regular updates to caregivers (including Snapshots, behavior updates, success stories, etc.).
• Attend all required pre-camp training. Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.
• Ensure that groups are in ratio. Provide support and accountability to Day Camp Counselors and ensure that they maintain all program standards, even in your absence.
• Adhere to all Department of Health, YMCA of Greater New York, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.