Head Counselor

Salary: $18 - 19.75/hr

Position Summary: Children's Aid runs a summer day camp in Chappaqua, NY that brings together children from Manhattan, the Bronx, and Westchester. Campers and staff are bused to and from the camp each day. The purpose of this camp is to provide traditional summer camp activities (swimming, arts & crafts, sports, horsemanship, etc.) in the context of relationship building. The children who attend this camp are from different socio-economic, cultural, and racial backgrounds, and range in age from 6-13.

The Head Counselor will work under the Camp Director and Division Leader to set a positive tone, monitor children, ensure the safety of the children, and lead activities during the camp day.

Essential Duties:

• Understand and promote the organization's Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with organizational policies and procedures.
• Create a fun, enjoyable, and respectful environment for all campers.
• Ensure camper medications received from the Nurse in the Neon Bag are always with a counselor.
• Keep an eye on campers throughout the day to ensure they are having fun, resolving conflicts, and getting along well.
• Address and adjust behaviors to ensure the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of all campers.
• Keep the Division Leader updated on the group's status and inform them of any behavioral or programming issues.
• Oversee and guide the Assistant Counselor in their duties.
• Safely escort campers to various activities, the infirmary, office, etc.
• Help campers keep track of their personal items.
• Engage in all camp activities with the campers to boost their enthusiasm and enjoyment.
• Lead activities that help campers build relationships, reinforce names, good manners, and encourage inclusive play.
• Ensure daily attendance is taken.
• Serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks to campers.
• Escort children as needed.
• Observe and model all camp policies and procedures, demonstrating appropriate conduct.
• Attend three days of training and orientation before camp and participate in required meetings.
• Complete all necessary paperwork.
• Fulfill other job-related activities and duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Prior experience working with children in a camp or after-school setting.
• Must be at least 18 years of age by 6/14/2026.

It is the policy of Children's Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children's Aid will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children's Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Children's Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children's Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.