About Job
JOB TITLE: Camp Cabin Counselor (Full-Time)
REPORTS TO: Unit Director
SCHEDULE: Monday -Friday (8:00am-4:30pm)
LOCATION: Camp Paivika - Crestline, CA
STATUS: Full-Time, 40hrs/wk, Non-Exempt
DURATION: Seasonal (June 9th, 2025, through August 24th, 2025)
DRIVER POSITION: Yes [ If yes, see driving policy below]
SALARY RANGE: $18.75 - $23.48/hr
ABOUT US:
At AbilityFirst, we are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their personal best. Our mission is to look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities, and expand possibilities. Camp Paivika, located in the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest, provides a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for children and adults with disabilities. Our Food Service team plays a key role in supporting campers' health and well-being through nutritious, well-prepared meals.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
As a Camp Cabin Counselor, you will play a direct and meaningful role in supporting campers throughout their time at Camp Paivika. You'll live in a cabin with a group of campers and co-counselors, helping with daily routines, encouraging participation in activities, and ensuring each camper has a safe, fun, and inclusive experience. This seasonal position is ideal for compassionate, energetic individuals who are passionate about supporting people with disabilities in a dynamic, outdoor setting..
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
- Provide daily support to campers, including assistance with personal care, mobility, meals, dressing, bathing, toileting, grooming, feeding, lifting, transferring, and participation in recreational activities.
- Attends and participates in staff orientation week and ongoing training sessions throughout the summer
- Prepares written evaluations on each assigned camper and submits to the Unit Director each session.
- Performs cabin duties at night and afternoon rest period according to a rotating schedule.
- Create a positive and inclusive cabin environment that promotes friendship, respect, and safety.
- Supervise campers throughout the day and overnight, ensuring their health and well-being at all times.
- Collaborate with fellow counselors and program staff to deliver high-quality, engaging camp experiences.
- Assist campers in attending and participating in activities such as arts & crafts, swimming, nature walks, talent shows, and more.
- Communicate effectively with the nursing and leadership team regarding camper needs or concerns.
- Document camper progress and behavioral notes as required.
- Respond to emergencies and follow camp safety protocols as directed.
- Be a role model of patience, flexibility, and compassion in all interactions.
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.
Requirements
SKILLS YOU’LL NEED:
- High School Diploma or GED is required.
- Valid Driver’s License and is required.
- 1-2 years of experience working with individuals with developmental or physical disabilities is preferred.
- 1-2 years of experience developing and implementing activities designed for adults and children with disabilities is preferred.
- Must be able to reside on camp premises, in cabins with campers, when camp is in session. This is required.
- Physical capability to stand for prolonged periods and to perform tasks involving lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling is required.
- Must be comfortable working with and interacting with individuals that have special needs is required.
- Proficiency in conflict resolution and problem-solving is required.
- Strong computer skills for effective record-keeping is required.
- Excellent communication skills for training and supervising participants.
- A valid California driver's license with a clean driving record is required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
- Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. If not fully vaccinated, weekly COVID-19 testing is necessary depending on the program. Please submit proof of vaccination to HR@abilityfirst.org.. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address. It's important to note that these accommodations are limited.
Driver Positions:
Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record. Examples of an unsatisfactory driving record include:
- Suspended or revoked license
- Three or more moving violations in the past 36 months
- Any violations, including drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, within the past 24 months
- Reckless driving, including hit and runs, within the past 24 months
- At fault accidents, resulting in fatality or serious injury, within the past 5 years
The motor vehicle record will need to include a review of all states listed on the individual's employment application and resume. See instructions on obtaining your driving record below:
For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated, employment may be discontinued.
NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. AbilityFirst reserves the right to extend an employee’s introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and AbilityFirst, as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to become a regular member of the AbilityFirst staff. New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance during this period. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment, performance and attitude may be terminated at any time during the introductory period. However, completion of the introductory period does not change or alter the “at-will” employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and AbilityFirst has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time.
BENEFITS & PERKS:
AbilityFirst offers a competitive benefit package through Kaiser, Dental and Vision Insurance, Generous Paid Time Off and 10 Paid Holidays, Employee Discount Program, and reimbursement for Mileage and Cellphone (where applicable).
EEO STATEMENT:
All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. AbilityFirst does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.
AbilityFirst is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
Please include references in your application
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary
Pay: $18.75 - $23.48 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 4 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Morning shift
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- Explain your experience working with individuals with developmental or physical disabilities
- Explain your experience developing and implementing activities designed for adults and children with disabilities
- Are you able to reside on camp premises, in cabins with campers, when camp is in session.
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Language:
- English (Required)
- Spanish (Preferred)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
Work Location: In person