Summer Camp Counselor/Direct Support Professional

(8 week position) 06/02/25 - 07/25/25

Special Needs camp - prefer candidates experienced in working with individuals with disabilities

Start Date: June 2nd, 2025

Training provided.

Must be 18 to apply.

Dreams With Wings is looking for creative, compassionate, and responsible advocates looking for a meaningful, fulfilling, and fun summer job as Camp Counselors/Direct Support Professionals to support individuals with Autism and Down syndrome. This is the perfect job for anyone looking for a summer job who is drawn to work with children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities or is interested in a career in special education, physical therapy, occupational therapy, behavior supports, speech therapy, psychology, case management or social work.

Purpose:

This position is responsible for the care, training, safety and supervision of the individuals in the youth summer camp program. Support and assistance will be based on individual need. This position is considered an Essential Worker Role. Staff may need to provide supplementary service to any individual served by Dreams with Wings. This role must function as a member of the Dreams with Wings team through effective communication, compliance with regulations, and providing campers a safe, fun, and exciting summer. This role will report to the Group Leads.

Organizational Responsibilities:

• Fully embrace the mission, philosophy, vision, and core values of Dreams With Wings. The mission, philosophy, and values will be reflected in their everyday work.
• Abide by all camp rules and Dreams With Wings’ Code of Conduct to set an example for the campers that they serve while enforcing these standards among all counselors.
• Complete assigned training prior to working directly with campers as required by the KY State Department of Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities.
• Trained in and responsible for the prevention, identification, and reporting of suspected abuse or neglect of any client of any age
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Operational Responsibilities

• Be responsible for campers ensuring that:
• Campers are safe, and well supervised at all times (including riding in vehicles, crossing streets, exiting buildings, etc.)
• Campers are cared for and assisted in basic needs they might have (including bathrooming, changing clothes, eating, etc.)
• Campers have all items they may need for the day prior to leaving for an activity (lunches, backpacks, medications, bathing suits, etc.)
• Assist them with activities of daily living skills by encouraging them to clean up their designated spaces and belongings at the end of each day
• Learn the individual needs of each assigned camper, including allergies, and health or medical conditions listed on camper applications or other paperwork.
• Act as role models for campers that they serve, always treating each person with dignity and respect.
• Communicate with Head Counselors and Camp Administrators any atypical situations that may occur while at camp, and report any suspected abuse or neglect immediately.
• Trained in and responsible for the prevention, identification, and reporting of suspected abuse or neglect of any client of any age.
• Work as a team with Group Leads, Head Counselors, and Camp Admins to ensure the following:
• The facilities, equipment, and vehicles are safe and clean each day
• At the end of each day, put games and materials away, wipe tables, and clean up garbage in their rooms and building. This should be done with campers.
• Clean out trash in the vehicles daily and check for and report any damage/problems.
• Make sure vans have enough gas for the following day and are parked where they are needed.
• Assure the cleanliness of bathrooms while keeping them stocked of supplies.
• Actively participate in activities alongside counselors and campers, both onsite and offsite, including lunch.
• Follow behavior support plans to provide continuity of care for campers.
• Participate in morning circles to get everyone active and engaged at the beginning of the camp day.
• As an Essential worker, it is mandatory for schedules to be maintained with a sense of continuity for our clients/residents. In the event of a community emergency, it is an expectation of Dreams With Wings employees to continue the scheduled services required by our clients.
• Work as a team with Group Leads to develop activities that may be used if scheduled activities change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Work with Head Counselors and Camp Admins to complete required Medicaid documentation including: Therap notes, Sign in/out Sheets, and Individualized Needs Trainings.
• Enforce any church policies and rules, including housekeeping needs, ensuring doors are locked, and bathrooms are stocked.
• Communicate end of day behavioral or escalation issues to Camp Admins for further distribution.
• Report damage to property or grounds Camp Admins and Camp Program Directors.
• Provide receipts to Camp Admins at the end of each day.

Qualifications

The Direct Support Professional will possess the minimum qualifications:

• Education and Experience: High School Diploma or the equivalent is preferred
• At least 18 years of age.
• Lifting of individuals may be required.
• Training in First Aid/CPR is required. (Provided by DWW)
• Annual TB test is required.

Experience

• Experience working with individuals with ID/DD is strongly prefer.
• Valid Driver’s License and proof of up-to-date auto insurance is required.

Work Schedule

• Temporary Full-time or part-time (June and July)

Employment Status

• Non-exempt, Hourly

Occupational Exposure Classification

• All employees in this job classification are reasonably anticipated to have routine occupational exposure to potentially hazardous blood borne pathogens. Lifting will be required.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Pay: From $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 16 – 40 per week

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Please describe your experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Ability to Commute:

• Louisville, KY 40205 (Required)

Work Location: In person