Counselor - Leadership Specialist

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Leadership Specialist at the YMCA of Northern Utah is responsible for developing and implementing Camps progressive Leadership programs – The Rising Stars, Leaders in Training (LIT’s) and Counselors in Training (CIT’s) by maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all youth, and provides a quality experience to both youth and their families. This is a seasonal position.

This job announcement is not intended to be inclusive of all functions, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position, however, representative of the essential job functions and typical criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the position.

• Supervises a group of children and program activities relating to the leadership programs – The Rising Stars, LIT’s and CIT’s.
• Work as a counselor – cabin leader in sessions that leadership camp(s) are not running.
• Provide camp leadership with an inventory list for program supplies needed for the curriculum that fall within budget limits prior to summer
• Weekly inventory checks on all leadership program equipment, ensuring all equipment is fit for use.
• Advise Camp leadership on any survival skills equipment/supplies that are required.
• Follows all policies, procedures, and standards as established by the law or the Y (e.g., safety or emergency procedures, behavior guidance strategies, child abuse prevention policies); makes ADA accommodations where appropriate; maintains the program site, equipment, and required program records.
• Nurtures youth through purposeful programming; plans activities that are intended to achieve program goals and outcomes, are culturally relevant, are developmentally appropriate, and are consistent with the Y’s values.
• Creates a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth; models relationship-building skills in all interactions.
• Provides opportunities for youth to lead, problem-solve, and make decisions and choices within the program and provides daily opportunities for youth to reflect on and respond to their experiences.
• Provides and welcomes ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their child’s needs and progress; connects families to the Y.
• Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
• Work alongside entire camp staff to clean the facility after each week of program ends, tend to cleanliness of facility as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

*This is not an exhaustive list of job duties. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings.
• Ability to work in excess of a 40-hour week with irregular work hours.
• Staff are expected to live on site during the work week (Sunday-Friday). Staff can expect to work long hours, with 1-hour minimum break time during full workdays.
• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
• Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
• May be exposed to adverse outdoor weather conditions and air quality at elevations 8,000-10,000 ft
• Ability to respond appropriately and effectively to emergency situations such as but not limited to fire evacuations, severe weather, or a missing camper.

• High school diploma or equivalent; one year or more of college preferred.
• Meets minimum age standards as established by state law and/or the Y.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications required; will be provided in training if candidate does not have current certification
• Previous experience working with teens in a camp setting preferred.
• Previous experience in one or more of the following areas preferred: backpacking, camping, hiking, youth development, leadership programming, volunteering.
• Previous experience working with diverse populations.
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

OUR YMCA CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.  We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.