Summer Camp Counselor - Youth Transition Program (Blind/Visually Impaired)

Residential Summer Camp Counselor – Youth Transition Program

The Arc of Ocean County is seeking enthusiastic, dependable, and caring individuals to serve as Residential Summer Camp Counselors for a two-week transition program designed for youth who are blind or visually impaired. This immersive program focuses on helping students strengthen independence, develop confidence, and gain practical life and career-readiness skills within a supportive residential environment.

The program will be hosted at Fairleigh Dickinson University during the final two weeks of July 2026, with mandatory staff training taking place in mid-July.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing supervision, guidance, and support to students within a residential camp setting.
• Assist in leading activities and programming centered on independent living, career exploration, social development, and college readiness.
• Support participants with daily living routines, organization, personal responsibility, and time management skills.
• Encourage and reinforce workplace readiness skills including communication, teamwork, professionalism, and self-advocacy.
• Assist students with adaptive strategies and assistive technology such as braille materials and screen reader tools.
• Supervise evening activities, overnight routines, and dormitory responsibilities.
• Transport participants to scheduled community outings and off-site activities when necessary.
• Facilitate community integration experiences and promote positive peer interactions and social skill development.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for all students and staff.
• Respond appropriately to behavioral, medical, or emergency situations as they arise.
• Work collaboratively with fellow staff members and assist with documenting student participation and progress.

Qualifications

• Current college students or recent graduates are strongly encouraged to apply, particularly those studying Special Education, Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI), Psychology, Social Work, or related fields.
• Previous experience supporting individuals who are blind or visually impaired preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, communication, and organizational skills required.
• Ability to work effectively in a structured, fast-paced residential program environment.
• Candidates age 21 or older preferred.
• Must successfully complete all required criminal background screenings.
• Valid New Jersey driver’s license required.

Compensation & Experience

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young adults preparing for greater independence and future success.

Counselors who successfully complete the full two-week residential camp program will receive a stipend of $4,000.

This is an excellent summer opportunity for students and emerging professionals interested in education, disability services, counseling, human services, or social work careers.