Salary: $27.00 - $29.00 Hourly
The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.
To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all.
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 and providing 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.
- High School diploma or equivalent required. College credits preferred.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Experience working with children with special needs.
- General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- 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.