PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION

The purpose of this seasonal job classification is to plan and supervise recreation activities during summer day camp programs.  Position is responsible for assisting children with disabilities to assimilate into the day camp setting.
 
The City of Boynton Beach Recreation & Parks Department offers an inclusive summer camp program. We invite children of all abilities to participate in summer camp. An Individual Recreation Plan (IRP) will be created for each individual who requests a reasonable modification under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Summer Day Camp Inclusion Counselor is responsible for carrying out the Individual Recreation Plan and documenting the process.

* Summer Camp with the City of Boynton Beach begins June 10, 2019 - August 2, 2019, and mandatory training is held during the week of June 3, 2019 - June 7, 2019.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties and functions, as outlined herein, are intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this classification.  They are not listed in any order of importance.  The omission of specific statements of the duties or functions does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.  Other duties may be required and assigned.
 
Participates in orientation training. Becomes familiar with and implements camp policies, procedures, and philosophy as stated in the Summer Camp Staff Manual, and learns the role of the camp counselor.
 
Reviews and implements IRP. Evaluates IRP and provides feedback as needed. Communicates any questions, concerns or feedback to supervisory staff. Organizes and sets up programs and activities; gathers materials, supplies and equipment for use in implementing plans; and supervises recreation activities.
 
Resolves differences that may arise during play.
 
Assists at all camp check-ins and check-outs with assigned roles and responsibilities.
 
Participates in all activities with campers. Encourages and facilitates camper's participation in all activities by implementing appropriate strategies, such as visual structure and reinforcements.
 
Implements behavior management strategies according to the guidelines stated in the Summer Camp Staff Manual. Discusses these strategies with supervisory staff.
 
Greets the public; answers questions about registered participants from parents; meets parents/care providers daily or as needed and discusses the camper's week with them. Discusses with parents of children with disabilities if the agreed upon program modification(s) are being successfully met.
 
Assures that all of the camper's belongings are returned to guardians.
 
Opens and closes the recreation building; checks buildings; reports any maintenance problems; and maintains order in the building.
 
Complies with established policies, procedures, and regulations of the Recreation and Parks Department and the City.
 
Maintains the cleanliness of all areas of camp utilized by campers and camp staff. Completes assigned cleaning jobs. Stores supplies appropriately after use.
 
Performs all other duties as assigned.
 
COMMUNICATION COMPETENCIES
 
Effectively communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, contractors, engineers, companies, vendors, outside agencies, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
Accurately and expeditiously receives and delivers messages and information to the appropriate individuals.
 
Ability to prepare accurate and thorough written records and reports.
 
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervisory direction.
 
Ability to understand and quickly and accurately follow brief oral and written instructions on moderately complex matters
 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or equivalent; six (6) months previous experience in  working with or supervising children in a summer or other day camp or child care setting.  Experience must include prior interaction with children with disabilities. Must possess valid CPR/First Aid Certification prior to date of hire and must maintain the certification thereafter.
 
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
 
Possession of Florida State Department of Health Forty (40) hour Childcare Certification.
 
Certified Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Teacher.
 
Valid Florida Driver's License.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and understanding of how to lead and/or participate in all aspects of camp activities.
• Knowledge of behavior-management techniques.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and emergency procedures.
• Knowledge of the child developmental process and needs of youth.
• Knowledge of group management techniques.
• Knowledge of the limited abilities of youth as it relates to their ability to participate in recreational activities.
• Knowledge of environmental factors that could have a negative effect on campers, such as bad weather, water hazards, poison ivy and wild animals.
• Ability to plan activities for children with disabilities to successfully assimilate the children into the day camp setting and program.
• Ability to accurately follow the requested accommodation, which may include an individualized inclusion plan, to ensure the needs of children with disabilities are met.
• Ability to plan and coordinate weekly schedule of activities for youth.
• Ability to interpret and appropriately apply health and safety regulations to those youth participating in the day camp.
• Ability to observe each camper daily and check for cuts, bruises, skin rashes, or other indications of illness or injury.
• Ability to help the campers with daily self-maintenance tasks.
• Ability to serve as a positive role model for campers, including attitude, punctuality, treating others with respect, sportsmanship, etc.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with camp participants, parents of campers, other camp employees and volunteers.
• Ability to offer guidance in-group and camp-wide activities.
• Ability to work as part of a team to ensure that all camper's needs are met in a fair and appropriate way.
• Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, and initiate necessary action.
• Ability to remain calm and act resourcefully in an emergency and in stressful situations.
• Ability to recognize and respond to opportunities for group problem solving.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to keep camp supplies and equipment in good shape
• Ability to work with a variety of age and skill levels.

 
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
 
Physical Ability:  Tasks require the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of heavy weight (75 pounds).
 
Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals.  Tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
 
Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed indoors and outdoors, with possible exposure to adverse environmental conditions.  When working outdoors, may be exposed to a variety of environmental conditions, including high temperatures, humidity, moisture, odors, insects, and distracting noises.
 
 
The City of Boynton Beach, Florida, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S. C. 12101 et. seq.), the City of Boynton Beach will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.  The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 
 
A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties.  All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat of significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others.  Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and ability.