Job Title: Counselling Coordinator/Parent Representative
Report To: Assistant Directors/Counselling Director
Number of Positions Available: 1
The Counselling Coordinator/Parent Representative (PR) is a dynamic role that ensures camper health and well-being while at HOC. Working as a member of the HOC Senior Staff team, the Counselling Coordinator’s main role is to support and improve the effectiveness of HOC’s counselling program. This role is facilitated by establishing clear and concise goals, as well as supervising and evaluating staff counselling techniques. The Counselling Coordinator will work closely with each of the 6 Section Heads to train and supervise counselling staff in their roles, as well as assist with camper safety and discipline concerns. Coordinators are responsible for teaching staff and campers the safety requirements of each program ensuring that all participants use equipment properly and follow safety standards. This includes providing care to our campers that reflects the standards and guidelines of HOC's Child Care Practices. Additionally, the PR is responsible for the initial contact of all first-time campers and their parents within the first 48 hours of camp through email, and they may also be asked to step in on camper issues and other camper satisfaction-related issues as they arise through the summer.
DAILY / WEEKLY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Role Specific Responsibilities
- Assist with facilitating Section Head meetings as required.
- Assist Section Head with camper related issues.
- Assist Counselling Director with camper discipline and camper dismissal issues.
- Work with Counselling Director and Section Heads to produce three formal written evaluations of all counselling staff; at the end of weeks 2, 4 and 6.
- Work with Counselling Director to assign and supervise Saturday/Sunday counsellor cabin clean-up duties.
- Work closely with Staff Development Director to provide mentorship and support for all first-year HOC Staff.
- Assume the responsibility of Parent Representative
- Support the execution of the First 48 Hour Program, ensuring an email is sent/call made to parents of first-time campers during their first 48 hours at camp.
- Work directly with Section Heads/ Counselling Director to facilitate camper communication.
- Sr Staff Team Responsibilities
- Reinforce the camp philosophy, policies and standards by acting as a role model to the staff and being an active participant in the camp community.
- Provide leadership and guidance to staff and campers.
- Improve the effectiveness of the Counselling program by establishing clear and concise goals.
- Ensure staff provide care to our campers that reflect the standards and guidelines of HOC's Child Care Practices.
- Accept responsibilities to maintain the Master Camp timetable.
- Ensure that proper equipment use and safety rules are followed by staff.
- Work with Section Heads and Counsellors to create and execute camp programming that is age appropriate, productive, and fun.
- Attend, organize and facilitate sessions and programming for Staff Orientation Week in late June.
- Attend the Senior Staff Training Weekend in late June.
- Participate in and take a leadership role in the training for land search and rescue procedures and assume a leadership role during a land emergency.
- Carry an assigned radio and be available in case of an emergency at all times.
- Assist with all Sunday camper check-ins.
- Make any transportation runs (ie. Clinic / Hospital) that are required, provided that you are free at the time.
- Assist with the completion of a Counselling report and update counselling manual at the end of the summer.
- Complete 1- 2 duty weekends that may include Friday/Saturday curfew sign in, Saturday check-out, holdover supervision, and LIT overnight trip assistance. Duty weekends will be assigned in advance and must be adhered to.
- Complete weekly Sr Staff duties as scheduled. (Office shift, Coaches Corner, Night Duty etc.). Approximately 2-4 duties per week depending as required.
- The Counselling Coordinator/Parent Representative can expect between 8-10 hrs of scheduled duties daily not including other duties as assigned based on program needs.
ALL STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES
- All staff are required to deliver every day our Brand Promise “Best Summer Of Your Life” in each camper and staff interaction. Guided by our four core principles, Community, Leadership, Accountability, and Performance.
- All staff are expected to abide by and enforce camp guidelines of respect. These are the rules and expectations of behaviour implemented to maintain a fun and safe camp environment.
- All staff are responsible for the safety and security of each camper in their care. Staff are to follow prescribed program standards and lesson plans in order to ensure the highest level of care and instruction.
- Attendance for all staff to the June orientation week training is mandatory. This training period is where each staff will receive essential employment information and training for a successful summer experience.
- Leadership and participation in camp-wide special events (Evening Programs, All Camp Activities, Campfires, and Friday Finale) and weekly meetings are an expectation of all staff members.
- The dynamic nature of summer camp demands each staff understand that additional duties may be assigned as required.
SUMMER BENEFIT AND TIME OFF
- Room & Board Provided.
- Weekly Staff Hockey & Water Skiing.
- Coordinators will be provided with the equivalent of a weekend off, once throughout the summer. This time off will be scheduled in advance with the Assistant Directors and will not necessarily run over a Saturday/Sunday. Sunday check-ins are a mandatory part of the Counselling Coordinator's job responsibilities, and therefore time off will be scheduled around this.
- Time off weekly - Saturday evening (2 in-house Staff Socials + 3 opportunities to sign-out and leave camp property).
- Time off daily - depending on weekly schedule.
- Access to program and recreation equipment.
- The chance to work in a close knit supportive community that values staff health and wellness, creativity, and employee success.
- The opportunity to develop life skills, applicable to multi-faceted career opportunities.
- An experience that will last a lifetime.
EMPLOYMENT PERIOD
Staff Orientation / Training: TBD
Employment Period: July 2, 2023 – August 26, 2023
Optional Employment: May & June 2023, Week #9 August 27 – September 2, 2023
Wages: Summer wages vary depending on age, qualifications, and experience of applicants. Room and board are included.
RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 19 years of age.
- Currently enrolled in a college or university program with preferred study in recreation management, education, early childhood development, physical education or personnel management.
- Administrative background with experience in supervising peers.
- Experience working with children of varied ages in a supervisory or teaching situation. Specific camp experience an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate, evaluate, and deal effectively with problem-solving situations within the area of responsibility.
- Valid G driver’s license.
- A genuine interest in working with children in the community.
- Minimum of Bronze Cross swimming qualification (NL preferred).
- Current certificate of Emergency First Aid and CPR.
- Respect in Sport certification.
- Must be an enthusiastic, energetic and positive person.
- Must be willing to take part in camp related activities outside the defined job description.