This position is seasonal (May 2024-August 2024). If you want to continue employment with the Y after summer camp, you will need to apply with the desired department.

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Inclusion Counselor provides support so an individual with a disability may succeed in YMCA programs. The Inclusion Counselor assists YMCA staff with implementation of the program. Duties include adapting activities, following inclusion or behavior plans, maintaining a safe environment, and promoting success in a program. The Inclusion Counselor is a part-time seasonal employee. This position requires a background check.

KNOW- HOW

Incumbent must have confidence and proven experience with individuals with a variety of disabilities and ages. Ability to effectively communicate, problem solve, and demonstrate sound judgment. Must be able to adapt or modify activities, follow written behavior plans and ability to work independently. Must have current CPR/AED certification and/or receive within the first 60 days of employment. Must possess good safety awareness, judgment, and problem-solving skills and be able to work in all weather conditions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Aid an individual with a disability so he/she may succeed in a program.
• Aid with activities of daily living necessary to participate in the program, including assisting with toileting or changing when needed.
• Implement inclusion and/or behavior plans. This may include helping a child who may be exhibiting challenging behavior or in crisis.
• Facilitate and encourage social interactions between individuals with disabilities and their peers.
• Provide input on planning and leading of programs, especially as it relates to the individual with a disability.
• Adapt activities as needed and appropriate.
• Complete necessary forms and documentation.
• Attend staff orientation, training and meetings as directed.
• Maintain good public relations with participants, parents, other staff members, and general public.
• Communicate effectively with staff, participants, and parents.
• Communicate on a regular basis with Larkin’s Place Program Director about concerns, conflicts, etc.
• Follow all Safety policies as stated in training.
• Follow all YMCA policies and procedures as appropriate to assignment.
• Complete other work-related duties as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding participant information.
• Must be able to have basic water skills to assist with swimming when needed.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Inclusion Companions may feel stress when working to include participants in all aspects of the program.
• Must be able to understand the needs of the person with a disability and adapt activities to enable participation.
• Must be able to positively relate with people who are significantly impacted by their disability or who display challenging behavior.
• Ability to respond to problem situations in a mature manner and within the policies and procedures of the YMCA.

PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Gather, load, transport and set-up equipment and supplies for activities.
• Attend to the participants personal care needs (toileting, changing, feeding) if approved by the Larkin’s Place Program Director.
• Respond quickly and accurately.
• Must be able to be physically active in activities and fieldtrips.
• Physically assist individuals in wheelchairs by pushing, pulling or providing stabilization on unknown terrain.
• Physically transfer individuals from wheelchair to chair, in and out of vehicles, from pool deck to pool, in washroom facilities etc.
• Supervise individuals in times of crisis or challenging behavior.

EFFECT ON END RESULTS

When the Inclusion Counselor duties are fulfilled successfully, the YMCA will be viewed and respected as a community leader in recreational programs and activities for those individuals with developmental disabilities. Participants will have the opportunity to reach their full potential and become more deeply connected to the organizations. Therefore, successful fulfillment of this position should be measured by:

1. Increased participation in programs.
2. Participants and/or parents become volunteers and donors, and more involved.
3. YMCA is known as the organization that teaches the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
4. Achievement of department operating objectives.