JCAmp Unit Head

Summary

The ideal Unit Head for JCAmp enjoys working with kids and has a passion for staff development and training. This individual should enjoy collaborating and serving as a positive role model for campers and counselors and a partner to the administrative staff. The Unit Head should embody the core values and mission of the JCAmp programs, fostering teamwork, instilling self-confidence in our campers and staff, inspiring themselves and others to make a difference in the world, and both displaying and cultivating empathy.

This position requires an on-site 8-week commitment (39 days). JCAmp is in session Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 3:30 pm, and Unit Heads are assigned based on the specific program they oversee.  For JJC programs, the Unit Heads are expected from 8:00am - 4:00pm daily. For Camp Aman, the Unit Head may be scheduled 7:30 am - 3:30 pm or 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.  Unit Heads attend and assist with staff orientations and set up and break down of the program as needed.  Some preseason, postseason recap, and orientation requirements will be included in the compensation.

Essential Functions

Pre-Season Responsibilities:

• Attend JCAmp leadership meetings as necessary.
• Work with the Program Director regarding aspects of staff orientation and programmatic day.
• Assist with staff interviews as needed.
• Pre-camp communication with specific camp staff and the Program Director.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• In partnership with the Director, ensure schedules for counselors and groups are complete and include diverse unit and bunk activities, as applicable, both day to day and week to week.
• Complete all required paperwork in a timely fashion.
• Attend daily meetings with the Director and relay information when appropriate to staff members.
• Ensure attendance for both campers and staff is submitted daily and on time.
• Ensure smooth communication between family, staff, and administration.  Messages may include, but are not limited to, camper transportation changes, enrollment updates, etc.
• Provide ongoing supervision and observation of the program by physically walking the facility ensuring programs and staff are optimal at all times.
• Meet all applicable requirements by the Florida Department of Children and Families and best practices of other agencies and authorities. 
• Help enforce the JCAmp policies such as sick policies, transportation procedures (if applicable), kosher policy, etc.
• Abide by, demonstrate, and implement all expectations of JCAmp staff as set forth in the JCAmp Staff Manual.
• Keep the areas in which they work safe, orderly, clean, and aesthetically pleasing.
• Maintain a professional appearance, dress appropriately for summer camp activities.

Staff Management:

• Provide direct supervision of specific JCAmp counselors.
• Meet routinely with counselors to inform them of important camp updates,
• Provide constructive feedback aimed to help all staff members grow in their role at camp.
• Complete fair and equitable mid-season and end-of-season evaluations of staff.
• Facilitate pieces of staff training during orientation which will include sessions on staff expectations, regulations, camper behavior management, etc.
• Assist staff in planning and implementing age-appropriate bunk and unit time.
• Step in to fill the role of counselor when absences of staff require.
• Model an environment in which Jewish awareness and appreciation of Jewish culture is fostered.
• Work with the Director on staff recognition and appreciation.

Camper Management:

• Assist cabin counselors in managing daily interactions between campers and between campers and staff.
• When necessary, utilize support from the Director to help manage camper behaviors and situations.

Parent Communication:

• When appropriate, communicate directly with camper families to keep them informed of their camper’s experience.  Consistently document all interactions and incidents, both challenging and positive.

Teamwork:

• Unit Heads must be able to work cooperatively with all JCAmp team members including, but not limited to, office staff, facility staff, specialists, aquatics staff, etc.

Education and/or Experience

HS graduate with 3+ years of experience in planning multifaceted programs, education and experience may be combined to count for experience. Minimum two years’ college education; education or a related field strongly preferred. Prior experience, three years minimum in children’s programming including summer camp, staff supervision, and activity implementation. 

Language Skills

Ability to speak grammatically correct English and must totally comprehend English when spoken to at a normal speed. Must be able to write using proper English, sentence structure.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to read, write and comprehend the concept of time.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to use good judgement, i.e., when to call about a sick child; when to set limits, when to discuss situations with the Director, etc.

Other Skills and Abilities 

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable law. Responsibilities may include interviewing, recommending hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance/rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Must be able to successfully complete CPR, first aid and other in-service requirements as needed. Meet all applicable requirements by Florida Department of Children and Families and other agencies and authorities.

Ability to work with computer software programs: Word, Excel, and Outlook. Experience with Canva or other design software a plus.

Must have the ability to swim and pass a basic swim test.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be physically fit enough to move, stand, lift, bend, push, or pull children up to 50 pounds if necessary. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee may occasionally be required to run.  These physical demands are for a period of up to 8 hours per day.

Work Environment

The working conditions are located on one or two levels with steps, and air-conditioned bus for offsite field trips where applicable. The employee must be able to tolerate heat for outdoor portions of the day while on the playground and at the pool or water play areas. The noise level is usually noisy.

The JCA strengthens Jewish life, serves as a common meeting ground, and enhances the quality of life of the entire community. Our vision is to provide the place in the tradition of our heritage where all people come together throughout their lives, to enhance body, mind, and spirit, in an environment of fun, harmony and friendship.

This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee in this position. Activities, duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

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