ESY Para / Camp Counselor

Position: Summer Paraeducator / Day Camp Counselor

Location: Skokie, IL or Northbrook, IL

Supervisor: Site Manager for Para and Site Director for Camp

Wage Range: Starting pay is $5,000 for Summer

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt / Seasonal

SUMMARY

Keshet is seeking licensed paraprofessionals and day camp counselors to work with students grades K to 12 in our self-contained special education classrooms and summer camp program. This position is for our extended school year and camp program beginning June 19 through August 9, 2023; Monday through Friday. Extended school year hours are 8 a.m. through 12:30 p.m. Camp hours are 12:30pm-4:00pm. Working during the summer, may lead to full-time opportunities during the 2023-24 school year.

The Paraeducator will provide supported instruction and strategies to individual students, small groups of students as well as monitor students per the instruction of the teacher. May be assigned to other students or department duties as needed. Camp counselors work directly with campers 1:1 or 1:2 assisting them in their daily needs, physical and emotional. Your role would be to help the camper/s interact with the group and participate fully in camp life.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supporting the classroom teachers in providing a comprehensive educational program to students with significant disabilities; to include autism, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, and behavioral challenges

• Must be physically able to support students/campers with high levels of energy and potential behavior challenges including assisting with lifting students for the purpose of changing and transfers

• Must be willing to assist students/campers in all aspects of personal care which may include assisting in bathroom/shower and with food needs

• Act as a primary staff member for students/campers, supervising childrens health, safety and personal belongings. This includes modifying activities or days so that the camper can be successful.

• Participate alongside campers while supervising in camp activities. This includes being in the water during swim time.

• Attend any and all staff meetings, supervisory conferences and family events which may occur outside of traditional working hours.

• Participate and be actively present in all Keshet orientations for ESY and Camp.

• Attend ESY and Camp every day it is in session.

• Communicate with supervisory staff.

• Ask for help and problem solve when needed.

• Have fun!

• Represent Keshet in a positive way.

REQUIREMENTS

• Hold or be eligible to apply for an Illinois State Board of Education Paraprofessional license
• The ideal candidate will have a strong desire to serve and assist campers to have a successful and inclusive camp experience
• Previous experience with individuals with disabilities is helpful
• Demonstrate calm leadership in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to stay focused on campers and their experience, play with purpose
• Knowledge of Judaics is helpful
• Hold a valid drivers license
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds
• Must maintain a current certification in CPR and Safety Care, provided through Keshet

About Keshet

From its core programs for children and adults with intellectual challenges in the Chicago area, to its international consulting work, Keshet serves over 1,000 individuals with disabilities and touches the lives of many more family members, peers, supporters, and other stakeholders around the globe. Keshets local leadership, comprised of nearly 100 lay leaders from all walks of life, provide the inspiration, direction, and funding required to fulfill the organizations mission: to do whatever is necessary to allow individuals with disabilities to achieve their potential.

About the Program

Keshet provides highly individualized and integrated education programs at five sites throughout Chicago and the north shore from kindergarten through age 22. We believe in maximizing each students potential while fostering caring communities in which students learn and grow. Therefore, we maintain a dual focus on developing students academic and daily living skills while also integrating them into their home community. With Keshet support, kids, teens and young adults thrive at day and overnight camps. Whether learning a new swim stroke or participating in a talent show, camp provides the ideal setting for campers to continue growing, learning, socializing and, of course, having fun. Keshet sets the stage for creating lifelong memories and friendships.