UNIT COUNSELOR

Position Title: Unit Counselor- Overnight Camp

Reports To: Unit Head

Department: Camp/Property/Outdoor

Status: Exempt

Location: Summer Resident Camp – Seven Hills/Timbercrest

JOB DESCRIPTION

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS:

Are you mission-driven, looking to work in a dynamic team environment, and influence the lives of girls? If so, take the time to check out Girl Scouts of Western New York.

Since 1912, Girl Scouts has empowered girls to develop the skills and the voice to become successful and productive citizens. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

If you’d like to be part of this exciting, empowering, and valuable experience, we encourage you to apply. We look forward to hearing from you

POSITION SUMMARY:

Unit Counselors will assist in facilitating activities designed to help campers to understand and live up to the Girl Scout Promise and Law and to develop an appreciation for and enjoy the outdoors. Actual salary will be based on applicant’s experience

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develops professional goals for the summer that will help support and meet GSWNY’s mission and camp goals.
• Helps the girls in the unit learn to respect the rights of others and to understand the differences and similarities of other campers.
• Assist in teaching activities through the use of the Girl Scout Camping program and the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
• Lives in a unit (female staff only) and assists with planning activities and programs that co-inside with the weekly theme/camp brochure and meet the needs and interests of the campers.
• Responsible for the health and safety of campers.
• Help to coordinate, with input from campers and unit staff, unit activities that will be done throughout the week this includes, but not limited to overnights, cookouts, hikes, etc.
• Work with the other staff in the unit to develop a staff team so all share in the total unit program.
• Assist in operating activities as needed under the direction of the Unit Head or Unit Director.
• Assist in maintaining unit housekeeping, sanitation and care of supplies.
• Assist in maintains unit first aid kit.
• Apply behavior management techniques to conflict with children when necessary.
• Report incidents/accidents to supervisor or health supervisor immediately.
• Report suspected child abuse to supervisor immediately.
• Assist in keeping records and prepare reports as required.
• Attend staff meetings as scheduled/necessary.
• Participates in the total camp program including pre-camp, open house and post camp.
• Required to stay on the property during hours of operation (Sunday 10:00am to Friday 8:00pm).
• Accepts other responsibilities as deemed necessary by the Unit Head/Assistant Camp Director/Camp Director.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality;
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities;
• Ability to project a high level of professionalism at all times;
• Ability to articulate organizational mission and its importance with passion and conviction, and in a manner that resonates with the listener;
• Commitment to diversity and ability to interact with diverse populations;
• Strong time management skills with ability to work independently and effectively prioritize duties and tasks.
• Capacity to manage stress effectively and work well under pressure;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly;
• Proven capability to work in a collaborative, service-focused environment;
• Capacity to work well with others in a congenial and effective manner;
• Ability to effectively manage and foster relationships with council staff, volunteers within the camp community;
• Subscribe to the principles of the Girl Scout Movement and become a registered member of GSUSA;
• Successfully pass the required background checks at hire and thereafter;
• Maintain reliable transportation to and from home and work;
• If travel is required, must possess a valid driver’s license, meet minimum state auto insurance requirements, and meet the insurance carrier’s requirements for coverage.
• Assist the campers in emergency situations.
• Lift 35 pounds.
• Possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of campers.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, self-control and ability to adapt well to changing situations.
• Participate in structured and unstructured activities.
• Accept and follow directions both in verbal and written form.

Hours & Travel:

• Required to stay on the property during hours of operation (Sunday 10:00am to Friday 8:00pm)
• Must be willing to work in an outdoor setting and in inclement weather.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Willingness to abide by the policies and practices of the Girl Scouts of Western New York Inc.
• Minimum age: 18 (per New York State Health Department)
• Experience working with children preferred
• Desire and ability to work with and relate to children and peers in an outdoor environment.
• Prior camp experience and/or interest in the Girl Scout Camping program helpful.
• High School diploma or the equivalent.
• Current certification in Responding to Emergencies & CPR or individual is willing to complete certification course during designated training day.
• Certified Sex Offender Registry and Criminal Background Checks will be completed for personnel file.
• Willingness to place the needs of girls and camp above personal desires.
• Good health and stamina necessary to work in the camp setting.
• The acceptance of irregular work hours.
• The acceptance and understanding that employment is at a resident (overnight) camp.

GIRL SCOUT MEMBERSHIP:

All Employees of Girl Scouts must maintain an active, annual membership in Girl Scouts of Western New York. This membership must be renewed annually, and all newly hired employees are expected to enroll with GSWNY within the first 30 days of their employment.

BENEFITS:

[SEASONAL EMPLOYEES]

Girl Scouts of Western New York seasonal camps are subject to the Federal and New York State exemption laws under Section 13(a)(3) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Seasonal staff working at camp may be paid in accordance with this exemption. Seasonal employees are not eligible for company-sponsored group benefits.

GSWNY is also very grateful to have many partnerships offering special deals and incentives at local businesses to GSWNY employees throughout Western New York.

HOW TO APPLY:
Interested parties should submit their resume and application by visiting the Girl Scouts of Western New York application system website at: [ATS LINK].

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL:

Girl Scouts of Western New York celebrates diversity in all forms and is committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative and supportive environment for all. All employment decisions are based qualifications, merit, performance and the needs of the organization. As an equal opportunity employer, GSWNY does not discriminate on the basis of any qualified applicant’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status or any other groups or persons protected by federal, state or local law