Respite Camp Counselor

I. JOB SUMMARY

The Respite Counselor is part of TFC’s respite weekends and day camp programs during the fall, winter, and spring seasons where we provide accessible outdoor experiences such as horseback riding, sports, challenge education, creative arts, picnics, water activities, and gardening. The Respite Counselor position will supervise and assist campers (adults and youth) with disabilities in daily personal care (includes showering, toileting, feeding, dressing, etc.) while encouraging participation in daily recreational activities.

II. DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide and assist campers with personal care based upon individual needs. This includes dressing, feeding, toileting, showering, teeth-brushing, etc.
• Provide direct supervision of the campers to ensure their safety and whereabouts at all times.
• Guide and assist campers in a range of outdoor activities.
• Document the camper’s progress toward meeting his/her treatment goals.
• Set-up and ensure recreation equipment is secure and stored properly.
• Assist campers in daily cabin tidying tasks.
• Follow safety and emergency procedures as outlined in the Agency’s policies and procedures manual.
• Complete required documentation and paperwork required by licensing and Agency policy.
• Dispense topical medications prescribed to campers.
• Enforce camp rules and regulations to ensure the safety of the campers.
• Participate in all training activities that are provided by the Agency for professional growth and skill development, including pre-camp orientation.
• Work in collaboration with other staff to make it a rewarding, safe, and positive camp experience for everyone.
• Creates a nurturing and positive environment that supports the mission and vision of the Agency.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule & Hours:

• Seasonal position that occurs from September – May.
• Respites occur 1-2 times per month from Friday evenings through Sunday mornings.
• Stays in tents/cabins on site.

III. BASIC COMPETENCIES

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and driving record that is acceptable and meets requirements of the agency’s insurance carrier and CMH contracts.
• Past professional, educational, and/or volunteerism experience with youth or individuals with disabilities.
• Must meet the State’s Moral Character standard.

Skills and Abilities Needed :  

• Must be able to spend majority of the time outdoors and tolerate a variety of weather conditions.
• Able to expressively and receptively communicate in order to complete necessary documentation relating to the camper’s Plan of Service as required by partner agencies.
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Manage time and multiple priorities, meets deadlines.
• Exercise professional judgement in making decisions.
• Complete assigned tasks in an efficient and effective manner.
• Perform physically active work requiring frequent standing, reaching, walking, bending, shoveling, pulling/pushing (up to 150 lbs.), climbing, and lifting (up to 75 lbs.), in order to perform various tasks.
• Must be able to participate in games, sports, and physical activities including water-based games and activities.
• Adhere to all applicable safety and health policies and procedures.
• Able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury).

IV. JOB SETTING

The Fowler Center embraces an employment environment that promotes recovery and discovery, a person-centered approach to treatment/services, and cultural competence. An employee in this or any position is expected to support the employment environment.

The work environment described here is representative of that which an employee will typically encounter during a normal shift. Work may involve standing or walking for multiple hours during the work shift and may involve exposure to seasonal weather conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

V. Other Information

MCHS is an equal opportunity employer where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected characteristics as established by law. This policy extends to all policies and procedures related to the recruitment and hiring, compensation, benefits, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

Furthermore, this description is a summary of the responsibilities, duties, skills, experience, abilities, and qualifications associated with this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may be changed at any time at the discretion of the CEO. Employment is still considered at-will in which MCHS or the employee may with or without notice, with or without reason terminate employment. MCHS reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.