04-Apr-2024

Camp Programs Inclusion Counselor (Seasonal)

2625BR

Temporary/Seasonal

Job Function and Responsibilities

Are you looking for a job with a true sense of purpose with a mission-based organization? Do you like working with kids and love animals? The Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo is currently looking to a position for Camp Programs Inclusion Counselor. The Camp Programs Inclusion Counselor contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by providing the highest level of quality customer service and extraordinary guest experiences with quality programming to participants to further the Society's mission of inspiring conservation leadership.

Primary duties and responsibilities:

Responsible for supporting and assisting one or more campers with a disability who are enrolled in Zoo Camp to promote participation in camp activities and independence to the fullest extent possible. Provide direct support to campers who require one-to-one assistance or who require a lower staffing ratio and act as an advocate for the campers receiving support within Zoo Camp.

Work with Camp Programs Counselors to adapt existing camp activities to individual camper needs and abilities. Implement effective behavior management strategies and document challenging behaviors.

Organize and prepare all adaptive materials and inclusion resources for campers in their care. Communicate on a daily basis with parents/guardians of campers receiving inclusion support and address any questions, challenges, or concerns.

Work with the Camp Programs Inclusion Specialist to formulate individualized support plans for campers.

Function as a Camp Programs Counselor when called upon. Other related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements and Specifications

The requirements for this position include: Salary is $19.25 per hr.

• High School diploma or (GED) equivalent required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age as required by the American Camp Association Guidelines.
• Two months paid and/or volunteer/unpaid experience working with groups of children and/or educating the public in a formal or informal educational setting, e.g., camp, park district, Special Recreation Association, day care, student teaching, school, or cultural institution, required.
• Two months working with individuals with disabilities required, e.g. paid and/or volunteer/unpaid experience at a facility/organization/program such as special recreation association, social service, special education, fieldwork in a therapy or education program at college level, etc.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills required.
• Must be an enthusiastic and flexible team player and able to work in a stimulating environment.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency required.
• Excellent customer service skills and experience working with guests effectively.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.

Preferred qualifications:

• One year of college or two years of equivalent experience preferred, including coursework in special education, therapeutic recreation, rehabilitation, applied behavior analysis, or other directly related field or subjects.
• Experience working in inclusive informal, educational, or recreational programs a plus.
• Experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, nature center, or art studio environment a plus.
• Working knowledge of behavior management strategies a plus.
• Training or certification in Crisis Prevention and Intervention, Safety Care, Handle with Care or other related certification a plus.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish and/or American Sign Language fluency a plus.

Salary is $19.00 per hr.

Additional Information: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Must represent the Chicago Zoological Society in an appropriate and professional manner to campers, families of enrolled campers and Zoo guests. Willing and able to learn play facilitation skills. Incumbent must display a positive attitude and be a positive role model to program participants and provide a fun and positive learning environment for program participants including school-aged children. Pre-school camp is for children 4 and 5-years old. School-age camp is for children in grades K-5. Zoo Lab is for middle school children in 6th - 8th grades. Incumbent may be scheduled to work non-standard hours including evenings, holidays, overnights, and weekends typically in the fall and spring. Must have the availability to work the weeks that summer Zoo Camp is in session as well as attend all required trainings in the weeks prior to camp starting. Camp programs run from June through August, training takes place in May. The work schedule for Zoo Camp is generally Monday through Friday, 7 to 8 hours per day, based on camper enrollment. Other specialty program schedules vary but are typically in the spring and fall on weekends, holidays, and other non-standard hours. All schedules are based on the needs of the operation.

Additional Information

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Location

Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo

Zip Code

60513

Department

Education and Community Engagement

Union Status

Non-Union

Work Shift

Rotating Schedule