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Location and Job Title:

Kindergarten Unit Head (Tribe Leader)
YM & YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood
54 Nagle Ave
New York, NY 10040

Principal Responsibilities:

CAMP OVERVIEW

At Camp Twelve Trails we are dedicated to universally shared values central to Jewish life. Our proactive integration of these values into everything we do supports children of all backgrounds and helps them grow into better people. Our warm, welcoming culture fosters a vibrant camp community where we all look out for each other and take care of the world around us. Staff are central to carrying out this vision by crafting programs that are in line with our educational outcomes, beliefs, and providing positive, enthusiastic energy every day. We expect staff above all to deliver the wow!

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Tribe Leader (traditionally called Unit Head) for entering Kindergarten campers will have the unique pleasure and responsibility of overseeing the youngest campers of Camp Twelve Trails, most of whom will be attending a camp of these characteristics for the very first time. As such, we are seeking a caring and responsible professional with proven experience working in camp (or camp-style settings) with Pre-k and/or Kindergarten-aged children. Additionally, as the main point of contact for parents/guardians for day-to-day issues, the Kindergarten Tribe Leader will have exceptional communication, follow-up, and empathy skills in order to provide the necessary reassurance to parents/guardians who are sending their young children to our Camp for the very first time.

Tribe Leaders are tasked with the direct supervision of the counselors supporting the children, as well as with direct involvement in their Tribe's educational and enrichment activities when needed. As leaders of their Unit, Tribe Leaders foster a collaborative and nurturing environment for both counselors and campers.

Tribe Leaders are the first contact for parent communication.

PRE-CAMP DUTIES

Participate in, plan, and lead portions of the pre-camp training.
Help prepare camp for opening and closing
Assist in pre-summer parent communication.
Assist with camper grouping and proper camper intake.

DUTIES DURING CAMP

Supervise the Kindergarten unit ("Tribe"), which includes up to 4 groups (50 children & and 12 counselors);
Ensure that day-to-day unit operations, including scheduling, activities, and rainy day programming are running smoothly, and provide support where needed;
Ensure all measures are continuously being taken to secure the health, safety, and welfare of all campers under their care;
Ensure effective, timely, and appropriate family communication.
Lead unit-wide camper programs and occasional activities for smaller groups within the unit;
Be familiar with and enforce all personnel policies and health and safety rules;
Attend all camp meetings, activities and special programs;
Keep records as required, including documentation of incidents and behavioral issues;
Act as the lead contact for parents. This includes weekly emails, unit newsletters and phone calls on an as needed basis;
Model appropriate behavior for staff and campers, and provide behavior management techniques and intervention for campers where necessary;
Provide informal coaching as well as formal performance evaluations for each Counselor in the Tribe;
Perform any other program or agency-related duties or special projects as directed by the supervisor.

Create a culture of trust and feedback within the Tribe;

COMPENSATION:

$5,500 - $6,500

To apply send resume and cover letter to Camp Twelve Trail's Pioneers Division Leader Beth Lobasov

Minimum Qualifications:

REQUIREMENTS

Must be at least entering senior year of college (or equivalent work experience);
Experience working with Early Childhood, preferably experience working with Pre-K and/or Kindergarten age group;
Minimum of three years working in camp, or camp-like setting;
Strong communication and problem solving skills;
Experience communicating and working with families with children of varying abilities;
Ability to remain calm and maintain perspective under pressure;
Commitment to working collaboratively with others;
Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing needs;
Must be energetic, enthusiastic and willing to go the extra mile.

WORK AUTHORIZATION & CLEARANCE:

Documentation of U.S. citizenship or eligibility to work in the U.S.
Must pass the background check and other requirements of the Department of Health (DOH)
Must be vaccinated against COVID-19.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Additional functions and responsibilities may change or may be assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

YM & YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

Salary:

Under $25,000

Agency Information:

Established in 1917 as one of the first Jewish community centers in New York City, the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood (the Y) is a thriving and visionary not-for-profit human services organization in Northern Manhattan. We welcome people of diverse ethnicities and all ages, from pre-school to older adults, into the Y family with a wide range of educational, recreational and social services and programs that focus on improving the quality of their lives. With a long and distinguished history, the Y is a multi-service community center that is well known for its nurturing environment and non-judgmental philosophy.