Ability First Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description

JOB TITLE: Cabin Counselor

REPORTS TO: Unit Director 

SCHEDULE: June 13 to August 5, 2026 Training and camp sessions 

LOCATION: Camp Paivika - Crestline, CA (Located in the San Bernardino Mountains) 

STATUS: Seasonal 

DRIVER POSITION: No 

DAILY RATES: $115 per day | Onsite lodging and meals provided during sessions 

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, one of the first fully accessible camps in the U.S., continues this mission by providing life-changing summer experiences for children, teens, and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. 

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Cabin Counselor provides daily care, supervision, and support for campers with physical and developmental disabilities, helping ensure a safe, inclusive, and positive camp experience. Working closely with the Unit Director and program staff, this role supports campers' personal care needs, participation in activities, and overall well-being.

Cabin Counselors live on-site with campers, assist during programs and evening activities, and play a key role in creating a supportive, engaging environment where campers feel valued, encouraged, and empowered.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly responsible to the Unit Director.   
• Attends and participates in staff training week and ongoing training sessions throughout the summer.  
• Responsible for the care and supervision of assigned campers. This includes providing and/or assisting as needed in the personal care needs of the campers: dressing, bathing, toileting, grooming, feeding, lifting and transferring.  
• Prepares written evaluations on each assigned camper and submits to Unit Director each session.  
• Performs cabin duty at night and afternoon rest period according to a rotating schedule.  
• Assists program staff during assigned activities as well as during evening programs. This includes assisting in the following program areas: swimming, sports, crafts, performing arts, and nature activities. 
• On the last day of each session, assists in the cleaning and preparation of camp for the next incoming group of campers.  
• In an emergency assumes responsibility for any job deemed necessary by the Camp Director or Assistant Camp Director to ensure the safety of all campers and staff. 
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 18 years of age.  
• Provide documentation to confirm the legal right to work in the United States of America 
• Experience working with individual with disabilities is desired.
• Must agree to abide by AbilityFirst rules and policies. 
• All offers of employment are contingent on passing background check and a pre-employment physical exam which includes a drug screening test. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift 75lbs and perform the physically rigorous daily care tasks for individuals with severe physical disabilities.
• Must be able to reside on camp premises, in cabins with campers and staff, when camp is in session.

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. 

NOTE: All staff members hired for temporary positions at Camp Paivika are considered temporary, at-will employees for the duration of their assignment. Temporary employees do not attain regular employee status at any time. 

During this period, it is the supervisor's responsibility to orient the employee, clearly communicate job expectations and Camp Paivika and AbilityFirst standards, and assess whether the employee demonstrates the required skills, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to successfully fulfill the temporary assignment. Employees are encouraged to seek guidance and support throughout this time 

Temporary employees who fail to meet performance, conduct, or attendance expectations may be separated from employment at any time, with or without notice. Completion of the introductory period does not alter the temporary or at-will nature of employment. Employees may terminate their employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, and AbilityFirst retains the same right. 

AbilityFirst reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify job duties, responsibilities, work assignments, or the duration of any temporary position at any time. 

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. Ability First 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