Special Education Aid - JCC Rainbow Day Camp

JCC Rainbow Day Camp is hiring energetic, passionate and hard-working individuals as Special Education Aids (1:1 Counselor). 1:1 Counselors are responsible for providing individualized care and support to a camper with special needs to ensure a safe, inclusive, and meaningful camp experience. Working closely with camp leadership, inclusion staff, and fellow counselors, the 1:1 Counselor supports the camper’s participation in all camp activities while promoting independence, peer interactions, and emotional well-being. All 1:1 Counselor serves as a positive role model, assists with behavior regulation, and helps adapt activities to meet the camper’s individual needs. This role requires patience, flexibility, and a strong commitment to inclusion, safety, and respect for each camper’s abilities.

The Albert and Ann Deshur JCC Rainbow Day Camp is an inclusive summer camp, guided by Jewish values, for children and teens that fosters personal development, friendship and community. Led by experienced and nurturing staff on over 100 picturesque acres, campers safely play and learn through a variety of enriching activities and innovative programs.

Camp Dates:

Staff Orientation: June 8-12, 2026

Camp Dates: June 15 – August 14, 2026

*additional nights and weekends may be added as summer approaches

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on guidance and support for children with special needs.
• Assist the Inclusion Director with creating any necessary accommodation to ensure a positive experience for all campers.
• Help set individualized goals for campers.
• Support counselor team with inclusion of all campers in group activities.
• Identify and respond to camper behavior issues.
• Actively participate in all camp activities with campers.
• Ensure that the site is kept clean, organized, and free of litter.
• Communicate with camp director about participant’s experiences (positive and negative).
• Ability to contribute to the Rainbow Day Camp team through spirit, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.
• Develop an appropriate counselor/camper relationship with every camper.
• Be a quality role model for children.
• Be able to encourage, support, and set limits for children.
• Know and understand ALL emergency procedures associated with the camp program.
• Know, enforce, and follow all safety guidelines associated with the camp and all program areas. This includes but is not limited to being responsible for your campers’ safety and their whereabouts at all times.
• Participation in activities such as spirit days, camp programs, and songs.
• Position requires all staff members to actively work outdoors in warm weather conditions, including sun exposure, for most of the camp day.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements (KSAs)

• Must be at least 17-years old by June 1, 2026.
• Upon hire, completion of provided First Aid and CPR certification.
• Ability to lead, plan, organize, and implement program activities.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and the ability to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Willingness to have fun and encourage community at camp.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• One year of education classes or experience in camp, youth programs, recreation, working with children, or in a related field is preferred.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position.

• Environmental conditions include working indoors and outdoors and interacting with hundreds of children and adults on a daily basis.
• Position requires all staff members to actively work outdoors in warm weather conditions, including sun exposure, for most of the camp day.

What do we offer?

Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC offers a challenging, dynamic, multicultural work environment with a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Uniquely JCC Benefits

• JCC Membership: Every active staff member receives full JCC membership at no cost, which includes member access to our state-of-the-art fitness and aquatics facility in Whitefish Bay.
• JCC Program Discounts: Employees receive significant discounts on virtually all programs offered at the JCC and are actively encouraged to participate in our early education, wellness, camping, cultural, and enrichment programs.

The JCC is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

If you need any assistance seeking a job opportunity at Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center or if you need reasonable accommodation with the application process, please call (414) 964-4444 or contact us at hr at jccmilwaukee dot org