Special Needs Counselor

Salary: $18.25 - $20.50/hr

Position Summary: Children's Aid runs a summer day camp in Chappaqua, NY that brings together children from Manhattan, the Bronx, and Westchester. Campers and staff are bused to and from the camp each day. The purpose of this camp is to provide traditional summer camp activities (swimming, arts & crafts, sports, horsemanship, etc.) in the context of relationship building. The children who attend this camp are from different socio-economic, cultural, and racial backgrounds, and range in age from 6-13.

The Special Needs Counselor will provide tailored support to campers based on their individual requirements. Assignments are determined by aligning the counselor's expertise with the specific needs of each camper. This may involve working with campers who are deaf or have autism.

Essential Duties:

• Understand and promote the organization's Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with organizational policies and procedures.
• Foster an environment of fun, enjoyment, and respect within the group.
• Monitor the assigned camper to ensure they are actively participating in activities and functioning satisfactorily.
• Address behavioral issues and implement changes to ensure the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of all campers.
• Keep the Division Leader informed about the status of the assigned camper.
• Escort campers to various locations, including activities, the infirmary, or the office.
• Assist campers in keeping track of their belongings.
• Actively participate in all camp activities with the children to enhance their enthusiasm and enjoyment.
• Ensure daily attendance is recorded.
• Serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
• Adhere to all camp policies and procedures and model appropriate behavior for the children in accordance with camp rules.
• Attend three days of training and orientation prior to the start of camp.
• Attend meetings as required.
• Complete all paperwork as directed.
• Perform additional job-related activities essential to the success of the camp.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age by 6/14/2026.
• Prior experience working with children in a camp or after-school setting.
• Ability to work with assigned special needs.
• Proficiency in sign language preferred
• Specialized skills in supporting developmental delays.

It is the policy of Children's Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children's Aid will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children's Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Children's Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children's Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.