Peer Counselor Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

OAKFIELD SUMMER RECREATION COUNSELOR

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are looking for some awesome people to help us create a fun and memorable Summer Rec experience for our kiddos!

Location: Elroy Parkins Memorial Town Park

Dates: July - August 2026

Time: 8:30am - 1:30pm (program runs from 9am-1pm, Monday through Friday)

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal Summer Rec program. Creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience. The Counselor directly supervises campers and motivates them to participate in daily activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Supervises a group of children, responsible for the health, welfare and safety of the campers.
2. Plans and implements program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values.
3. Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards. Provide direct leadership to the assigned group and maintain constant visual contact with all assigned children.
4. Encourage camper participation. Build enthusiasm for programs.
5. Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.
6. Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents, children and other staff. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions.
7. Assist the staff team members with planning and implementation of camp activities.
8. Accurately complete all required paperwork including attendance records, accident/incident reports, etc. Notify parents of attendance as appropriate.
9. Follow all YMCA and regulatory agency policies and procedures.
10. Maintain friendly relationships with campers, parents, counselors and other YMCA staff.
11. Keep the program areas neat, clean, organized and free from clutter.
12. Attend staff meetings and recruitment events as assigned.
13. Be on time, appropriately dressed, ready to begin program as scheduled.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Previous experience working with children preferably in a rec/day camp setting
2. Experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: group work/activities, child development, arts & crafts and physical fitness are preferred, etc...
3. At least 16 years of age
4. CPR, First Aid, New Employee Orientation and Child Abuse Prevention certifications required by July 1 and maintained throughout the summer season.
5. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Vision, hearing, speech an movement abilities in order to provide safe supervision of children at all times. Ability to interact with children in land-based or water-based activities as required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.