Overview: We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated individual to work as a Personal Assistant/Learning Aide for our 17 year old son, a counselor at a Jewish summer day camp, with some additional needs. As a Personal assistant/Learning Aide for our son, you will play a vital role in providing one-on-one support to him, ensuring he has a positive and inclusive camp experience, and helping him successfully complete his tasks, duties, and responsibilities of being a day camp counselor. This position requires patience, understanding, and a genuine commitment to making a difference in the lives of individuals with special needs.
Responsibilities:
Personalized Support:
- Provide one-on-one assistance to the counselor with mild developmental disabilities, adapting job instructions to help explain and support the counselor in their responsibilities.
- Foster a supportive and inclusive environment by understanding and accommodating individual needs.
Communication:
- Collaborate closely with the counselor’s supervisors (Day Camp Directors, program Mentors) and peers (other camp counselors) to facilitate seamless integration of the counselor into group activities, the counseling team, and role responsibilities.
- Maintain open and clear communication with parents/guardians and camp leadership to address any concerns or gather relevant information about the counselor's needs.
Behavioral Support:
- Implement behavior management strategies to ensure the well-being and safety of the counselor in their role.
- Work proactively to prevent and address challenging behaviors, maintaining a positive and encouraging atmosphere.
Adaptation or Responsibilities:
- Modify and tailor counseling responsibilities to ensure the counselor is able to fulfill them to the best of their ability. For example, when a camper needs to be taken to the Health Center for a healthcare need, the Personal assistant/Learning Aide will accompany the counselor to ensure the counselor is providing the best care possible to the camper and ensuring the camper and counselor are safe.
Safety and Supervision:
- Prioritize the safety of the counselor and their campers by closely supervising and intervening when necessary.
- Attend mandatory training sessions related to safety procedures and emergency protocols.
Relationship Building:
- Develop strong rapport with assigned counselor, establishing trust and a positive connection.
- Encourage social interaction and peer relationships between the counselor and their peer counselors and between the counselor and their campers.
Qualifications:
- Previous experience working with children and/or adults with developmental disabilities, either in a camp setting or similar environment is helpful.
- Understanding of various developmental disabilities and strategies for effective support.
- Patience, empathy, and a positive attitude.
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to adapt and think creatively to meet the diverse needs of the counselor.
Requirements:
- Completed background check and reference checks.
- Participation in pre-camp training and orientation sessions.
- At least 18 years of age.
Schedule:
- 8:30am until 4:30pm Monday through Friday
- Lunch will be provided.
- Take a school/camp bus to and from Thousand Oaks to the Day Camp with the counselor.
- Participate in the Day Camp day as a Learning Aide to the counselor.
- Dates ranging from June 17, 2024 through August 7, 2024.