Aquatics Program Counselor

Overview

We have a strong commitment to equity

The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

Tell me about this job!

Aquatics Program Counselors facilitate and supervise our pool and waterfront activities for all campers and participants at Camp Orkila on beautiful Orcas Island, WA. These activities include boating, dock jumps, pool parties, open recreation, swim lessons, polar bear swims, and more. When not working in their assigned program area, an Aquatics Program Counselor provides supervision and enrichment to a specific group of campers. Aquatics Program Counselors ensure the supervision and safety of campers at all times. During staff training, Aquatics team members complete an intensive training and lifeguard certification course.  Aquatics Program Counselors are supervised by Unit Directors and perform other duties as assigned.

To learn more about working with Camp & Outdoor Leadership at the Y, please visit us online at www.campingandoutdoorleadership.org.

HIRING RANGE: $75/day, Staff returning to the same or equivalent job for the second season: $80/day, Staff returning to the same or equivalent job for third season: $85/day, staff returning to the same or equivalent job for 4 or more seasons: $90/day.

What you'll get from working at The Y

• Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle
• Free access to mental health resources
• Rapidly-accruing paid time off (PTO) available immediately upon hire
• Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare and day camp programs

*Some benefits only available to full-time staff

Responsibilities

What you'll be doing as Aquatics Program Counselor:

1. Supervises and assists in specific camper supervision. Ensures that all campers are accounted for and safe at all times.
2. Facilitates high quality aquatics activities in accordance with trainings and policies.
3. Facilitates program activities that are developmentally appropriate, and which promote camper skill and character development. Leads and assists with facilitation of all-camp special events. 
4.  Provides leadership and supervision to any developing teen leaders placed with the group.  
5. Maintains high standards of housekeeping including bathrooms, cabins and main lodge. 
6. Assists in keeping all program equipment in working condition and available. 
7. Assists in maintaining all program areas in a safe and orderly condition. 
8. Communicates personal or camper needs to supervisor in a timely manner.
9. Assists in camper check-in or check-out off site.
10. Attends meeting and trainings.
11. Assists with emergency waterfront drills.
12. Maintains relevant American Camping Association standards.
13. Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, program and equipment inspection written documentation, and emergencies.
14. Other duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates at a seasonal residential camp, both inside and outdoors. Staff typically live in either shared cabins with campers, or in shared and housing with staff for the duration of employment.  Specific housing depends on position and availability.   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift store or janitorial products and supplies, up to 50 pounds.

This role includes an onsite lifeguard certification course. Listed below are the prerequisites for the course:

• Swim 100 yards front crawl, then tread water for 2 minutes.
• Swim 50 yards each of: front crawl with head up, sidestroke, breaststroke, breaststroke with head up, elementary backstroke with hands on chest.
• Perform a feet-first surface dive, then swim 15 feet underwater.
• Sprint swim for 60 feet, perform an arm-over-arm surface dive, retrieve an object from the pool bottom, and tread water for 1 minute.
• Begin chest compressions on a manikin for 1 minute at a rate of 100 compressions, then locate an object on the pool deck.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a full-time, seasonal camp position. The usual camp workweek is six days on and one day off, including training, staff meetings, and regular duties. This summer camp position is exempt from minimum wage and overtime regulations per State of Washington wage and hour law.

TRAVEL

This position is required to live onsite at camp. All travel required for work will be done by YMCA Authorized Drivers.

Code of Conduct for Applicants

All employees and volunteers are responsible for adhering to abuse prevention policies, maintaining appropriate boundaries, completing required training, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and complying with mandated reporting requirements.

Responsible for ensuring staff are properly screened, trained, supervised and held accountable to the organization’s abuse risk management standards.

Qualifications

What we're looking for in an applicant:

1. 18 years of age or older
2. Current certifications in CPR and First Aid
3. Current lifeguard certification (paid course is provided as a part of training)
4. 1-2 years of experience with children; camps, childcare, tutoring, nannying, coaching 
5. Demonstrated experience planning and implementing group activities 
6. Ability to participate in activities that involve rigorous physical activity in an outdoor setting including, but not limited to hiking, boating, camping, and swimming.
7. Ability to relate to parents/caregivers, campers, and staff in a professional manner.

Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• One or more years of applicable education, training, and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered.
• Knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
• Experience with anti-racism practices and coalition building.

Our Mission

Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.

YMCA of Greater Seattle's Core Values

• Respect
• Responsibility
• Honesty
• Caring
• Passion for Excellence

YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law.

All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.