Inclusion Counselor; Spring​/Summer Recreation

Overview

Inclusion support at Greenbelt Camps aims to ensure that all campers feel valued and included regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or differences. This is achieved by providing reasonable accommodation and extra support tailored to the individual needs of campers, which ultimately enhance their overall camp experience. Through inclusion support, campers can participate in shared social and physical activities, fostering a sense of belonging and community among all participants.

This approach promotes diversity, equity, and empathy, creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute positively to the camp community. Inclusion counselors provide the necessary adaptations, accommodations, and support to individuals with disabilities. Disabilities may include, but not limited to, autism spectrum, physical disabilities, learning or cognitive disabilities, and emotional challenges.

We seek cheerful, energetic, responsible camp staff who enjoy working with children and have demonstrated a strong interest in the arts. Unlimited positive energy is the Greenbelt summer camps’ motto. If you embody that motto, you are a candidate for our staff.

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Encourage camp participant(s) to build independence, social skills, and confidence while respecting their unique abilities.
• Support inclusion of camp participant(s) with varying needs in a variety of recreation activities (e.g., sports, arts, enrichment programs, special events).
• Provide individualized assistance, adaptations, and reasonable accommodations tailored to camp participant(s’) needs in collaboration with colleagues for them to participate in activities.
• Actively engage with other camp participants during activities to promote fun, inclusivity, safety, and positive peer interactions.
• Monitor camp participant(s) safety at all times and ensure proper documentation of all first aid, incident, and accident occurrences.
• Communicate effectively with staff, parents/guardians, and the Recreation Coordinator about camp participant(s) needs and progress.
• Keep assigned areas clean and safe.
• Ensure proper usage of supplies, facilities, and equipment.
• Explain and enforce policies, rules, and regulations.

Computer General Office Equipment

Education and Experience:

• Must be at least 18 years old or a high school graduate.
• Experienced in supporting individuals with disabilities and diverse behavioral needs or in related fields.
• Education classes or experience in camp, youth programs, and recreation preferred.

Desired Licenses and

Certifications:

• CPR/AED First Aid Certification or willingness to become certified.

• Knowledge of: Behavior management strategies for children ages 3.5-17
• Skill in: Time management
• Written and verbal communication
• Program planning and organization

• Ability to work without close supervision.
• Ability to communicate promptly by email, text, and/or phone.
• Ability to maintain positive, effective working relationships with colleagues, managers, and coordinators.
• Good listening skills and a creative, solution-oriented mindset to provide effective one-on-one assistance to camp participants.
• Ability to adjust one’s work schedule to accommodate occasional program needs.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible if there are last-minute changes.

Inclusion counselors maintain an active schedule, accompanying and helping to mentor a group of camp participants throughout the busy camp day. Assignments will vary between the Youth Center, Community Center and Springhill Lake Recreation Center with occasional off-site support during field trips.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.