Advocate Camp Counselor for children with disabilities, School Break Cam

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.

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.

• →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

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

• 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.

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

• 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

• 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

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 https://www.bostonjcc.org/careers/

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.

• 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)

• 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.

• 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