LEAD SUMMER CAMP COUNSELOR

Description

South Hills Interfaith Movement’s (SHIM) mission is to mobilize community resources and implement sustainable programs that compassionately help neighbors meet basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency, and build community. SHIM provides food, clothing, financial aid, education, family support, and a host of other services to 8,000 people in need in Pittsburgh’s southern suburban neighborhoods. In response to the unique challenges faced by the local refugee and immigrant population, SHIM operates programming designed to support children and families in this demographic.

Program Summary:

SHIM’s Summer Camp is designed to foster summer learning and fun for elementary & middle school students living in the South Hills community through unique enrichment activities, field trips, and community partners. SHIM Summer Camp serves approximately 120 children in 1st through 8th grade. The Summer Camp currently operates for 8 weeks in the summer. Summer Camp meets Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. 

Job Summary:

The Lead Summer Camp Counselor is a seasonal part-time position available for the duration of the Summer Camp program. The responsibility of the Lead Summer Camp Counselor is to work in conjunction with the Summer Camp Director to lead Camp Counselors in facilitating the success of SHIM’s Summer Camp at Wallace Park in Prospect Park neighborhood of Whitehall Borough. Lead Summer Camp Counselors should be on site from 8:00 am until 1:30 pm Monday through Friday.

Essential Functions:

• Organize and lead daily activities and games
• Oversee assigned group of campers and ensure appropriate behavior and engagement of campers
• Maintain a fun, safe, and educational environment throughout the camp session
• Maintain a neat and organized camp environment along with camp supplies and equipment 
• Assist with planning camp schedules and activities
• Participate in the arrival and dismissal procedures at the beginning and end of the camp day
• Supervise activities to ensure safety at all times and follow appropriate safety plans 
• Work cooperatively with Camp Director, other Camp Counselors, and campers
• Establish positive and trusted relationships with students and families 
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings
• Communicate student academic and behavioral needs to Directors  
• Maintain student records as required 
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a positive, calm attitude
• Demonstrated ability working with children, youth, or community development
• Ability positively guide and direct students
• Sensitivity to work with a multi-cultural community
• Must possess initiative, creativity and problem solving skills
• Ability to work as a team member with high energy, and flexibility

Education and Experience:

• Relevant experience or education within youth development, summer camp, education, social emotional support, and program management will be considered
• Must be 18 years or older

Requirements

Supervisory Responsibility:

•  Leading off site field trips, making sure all students & staff are accounted for & ensuring a safe environment.  
• Making financial payments for field trips using the SHIM Camp credit card as needed. Making sure all invoices & cards are turned into director for reporting.
• Assisting in the successful running of the day-to day camp
•  Being able to work with all age groups & day- to-day flexibility of placement.  
•  Assist with parent / guardian communication as needed.  
• Ensuring the running of camp & day-to-day activities in the absence of the director. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Must be able to move on uneven terrain and remain stationary for long hours
• Ability to reasonably engage in play with students
• Constantly working in outdoor environment

Requirements (SHIM will aid new employees in obtaining clearances):

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Fingerprint Clearance or Pennsylvania ACT153 Waiver 
• Pennsylvania Criminal Clearance 
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance 
• Mandated Reporter Training 
• NSOR – National Sex Offender Registry  
• CPR Certification