Special Needs Counselor

Position: SPECIAL NEEDS COUNSELOR
Location: Tallahassee

OB

TITLE:

Inclusion Counselor

LOcation:

Mandel JCC, Palm Beach Gardens Classification:
SeasonalPAY:
Hourly Make a Difference Every Afternoon!

Are you passionate about supporting children with diverse abilities and creating an inclusive environment where every child feels welcomed, supported, and successful?

As an Aftercare Inclusion Counselor, you’ll provide individualized support, adapt activities to meet children’s needs, encourage independence and positive peer interactions, and help every child fully participate in the aftercare experience.

The position runs August–May, Monday–Friday, following the annual aftercare schedule. If you’re passionate about inclusion and helping children thrive, we’d love to have you join our team!

JOB SUMMARY:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead and supervise a group of children throughout the day, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Foster positive relationships with children, providing guidance, support, and encouragement.

Establish and maintain positive relationships with families, guests, co-workers, and leadership staff.

Work closely with children with special needs to understand their unique abilities, challenges, and requirements. Provide individualized support as needed to ensure each child can fully participate in activities.

Modify and adapt activities to accommodate different abilities and sensory preferences.

Enforce rules and policies consistently, promoting a respectful and inclusive atmosphere.

Implement strategies to address and manage behavior challenges sensitively and effectively.

Address behavioral issues promptly and implement positive reinforcement and encouragement to foster a supportive and nurturing environment.

Demonstrate positive behavior and attitudes, serving as a role model for children. They look up to their counselors!

Encourage teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship among children.

Assist campers in all ways possible ensuring good hygiene, health, and safety practices, especially in the event of an emergency.

Provide regular updates and feedback to appropriate staff on all related matters.

Resolve conflicts according to policies and communicate with leadership as necessary.

Follow emergency procedures and participate in drills to prepare for potential incidents.

Advocate for the needs of children with different needs, including emotional, social, or physical support.

Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and planning discussions.

Complete necessary paperwork, such as attendance records, incident reports, notable achievements, and evaluations.

Attends orientation, open house, staff meetings, field trips, late nights, and overnights as required.

Performs additional duties as agreed upon by the supervisor and by needs.

POSITION RELATIONSHIPS:

The position requires occasional internal interaction with employees, parents, supervisors, officers, board members, and other agency personnel and community members. You would be responsible for maintaining positive, courteous, and professional relationships with families and children enrolled in the youth and camp programs, all JCC staff, professional staff from other related agencies, and the greater community.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

A LOVE for working with children and having fun!

High school Graduate Previous experience working with children with special needs or in a similar inclusive setting is preferred, but not required.

Previous youth group or camp experience is a plus, but not required.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an empathetic and patient approach.

Ability to speak fluent English, understand it as well as read and write.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate physical effort which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 75 lbs.), bending, stooping, stretching, squatting, and sitting.

Must possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.

Must have visual and auditory ability to keep track of multiple campers and to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to camp activities.

Effec…