The Louis August Jonas Foundation

Well-being counselor (social Worker)

The Louis August Jonas Foundation (LAJF) is looking for a Well-Being Counselor  to join their team for Camp Rising Sun (CRS) 2022. CRS is a full scholarship leadership development program for youth ages fifteen to sixteen from around the world in a summer camp setting. We operate in person and virtual programs. We are looking for someone who shares our values of fostering compassionate leadership in young people from around the world and who is committed to equity, inclusion, diversity and justice across gender, race, sexual orientation, and ability. 

The Well-Being Counselor will serve as an advisor to the campers, parents, and staff. This position works to ensure the emotional, social, and physical safety of campers and staff. In this capacity, the Well-being Counselor serves as a central case worker, facilitating communication as needed between the camp directors, Medical Director, Executive Director, and parents. 

This position is seasonal (May-August) with the possibility of beginning earlier to assist in program preparations. A full time role may be available during the school year. This position requires being in Rhinebeck, NY, over the summer (room and board provided).

Specific Responsibilities Include:

• Providing staff training prior to opening day and during summer on adolescent development and mental and behavioral health

• Participating in meetings with camp leadership to ensure that camper and staff wellbeing are central to the operation of camp

• Working with the leadership team to design modifications to programs and activities to be inclusive of all campers

• Providing ongoing evaluation, training and support to staff as they implement interventions and program modifications

• Supervising social work interns 

• Building relationships with campers from the start of the program

• Providing assessment and direct intervention in cases of mental health and/or behavioral crises in collaboration with camp directors and Executive Director

• Maintaining required documentation for camper meetings, team meetings and parent calls.

• With other leadership staff, making calls home to keep families informed

• When called for, implementing restorative justice processes and other conflict resolution practices. 

• Facilitating 1:1s and group sessions on wellbeing 

• Helping to connect campers to additional outside supports as necessary

Qualifications:

Necessary: 

1. Possess an LMSW from an accredited program and accompanying licensure for New York State. 

2. Be SIFI ( Seminar in Field Instruction) certified. 

3. Experience working with youth with a wide range of backgrounds (racial & ethnic, sexual orientations, genders, abilities, socioeconomic statuses)

4. Demonstrated competency in multicultural environments 

5. 2 years experience working with adolescents age 14-16 

6. Interest and experience teaching social justice and wellbeing related topics to youth or peers

7. Experience with Restorative Justice practices 

Preferred: 

1. Possess an LCSW

2. Experience working with youth from outside the United States.

ARTS COUNSELOR

We welcome individuals with a background and experience in any art form to apply for this position. The arts counselors will work as a team to deliver the arts programming. This includes:

• Coordinating arts instructions/workshops on various art forms, techniques, history, theory, etc.

• Providing leadership opportunities to campers who are interested in the arts and assist in managing art-related activities at camp, including the camp t-shirt design.

• Assisting and encouraging campers who might not have been previously been exposed to use art as a form of expression.

• Supporting campers with the weekly variety show.

• Maintaining the arts budget, workspace, and inventory. This includes purchasing supplies.

A background in delivering arts programming to teenagers is strongly preferred.

Multiple positions available.

music counselor

The music counselor works with arts team to deliver music-focused programming at Camp. This includes:

• Coordinating music instructions/workshops on various art forms, techniques, history, theory, etc.

• Assisting and encouraging campers who might not have been previously been exposed to use art as a form of expression.

• Supporting campers with the weekly variety show.

• Working with staff and campers to organize music performances at the weekly council gathering.

• Encouraging and leading the singing of Camp songs after meals as an important community-building exercise.

ATHLETICS COUNSELOR

The athletics counselor organizes, supervises, and supports the athletics program at Camp. This includes:

• Organizing athletic activities where all campers feel included and encouraged to participate.

• Coordinating instructions on sports and body movement.

• Encouraging campers to share sports and games from their communities.

• Overseeing camper safety during sports events.

A background in delivering athletics programming to teenagers is strongly preferred.

JOURNALISM & WORLD AFFAIRS COUNSELOR

This position organizes, supervises, and supports the journalism and world affairs program at Camp. This includes:

• Coordinating instructions, evening programs, and other opportunities for discussion and content creation on topics such as world affairs, creative writing, politics, journalistic and media ethics, social media, critical literacy, current events, etc.

• Working with campers to help them express their perspectives in debates, on panels, or in informal conversations.

• Assisting and mentoring campers in the publication of the weekly blog and other journalism projects (blogs, op-eds, magazines, etc.)

• Supervising campers in their creation of a Camp yearbook.

• Managing the journalism & world affairs equipment and supplies within a budget.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION COUNSELOR

Work closely with the facilities and grounds staff to organize, support, and facilitate the overnight (2-night, 3-day) camping trips for around 30 campers. This includes:

• Organizing a team of 2-3 counselors to facilitate the camping trip.

• Coordinating instructions to prepare campers for hikes and environmentally sustainable practices, such as how to effectively select equipment and pack for trips, set up and manage a campsite, build a fire, conduct wilderness first aid, handle emergency situations, leave no trace principles, and safety procedures.

• Guiding exploration of the camp grounds, such as trails, and encourage learning through the camp's environment.

• Organizing the logistics of camping trips, such as applying for permits, revising off-site emergency protocols, and determining packing rations.

• Purchasing and managing equipment and supplies within the budget.

• Managing other supporting staff while on trips.

Hiking and camping experience is required for this position. A background in youth outdoor education is strongly preferred.

Multiple positions available.

STEM (SCIENCE, TECH, ENGINEERING, MATHEMATICS)

Organize, support, and facilitate, the STEM programming at Camp. This includes:

• Coordinating instructions, projects, and evening programs on topics related to science, technology, engineering, math.

• Coordinating the use of Camp technology and addressing minor technology issues on site.

Experience in delivering STEM programming to teenagers is highly preferred.

Assistant Counselor

Assistant Counselor applications will be considered for every area listed above. Assistant Counselors serve as full counselors, and have the title of counselors but have added support and mentorship:

• Assistant Counselors will have an area based supervisor who will help them grow into the role.

• Assistant Counselors will have a general supervisor who will craft a professional development plan for the cohort of Assistant Counselors following our program’s experiential learning model.

• Assistant Counselors will serve as mentors to the second-year camper team.

Assistant Counselors do not need to be 19 or have completed a year of college.

Previous participation in Camp Rising Sun programs is desired for this role.

Multiple positions available.