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Summer Program Counselor Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM

Clinician

Madison, WI · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Competitive salaries and benefits including a 401(k), Summer Hours Off (Half-day Fridays and Work ... Counselor, Therapist, LCSW, MSW, LMSW, Human services Who we are National Youth Advocate Program ...

NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM

Clinician

Madison, WI

$54K - $72K/yr

Competitive salaries and benefits including a 401(k), Summer Hours Off (Half-day Fridays and Work ... Counselor, Therapist, LCSW, MSW, LMSW, Human services Who we are National Youth Advocate Program ...

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All JobsSummer Program Counselor JobsSummer Program Counselor Jobs in Madison, WI

Summer Program Counselor information

See Madison, WI salary details

$7

$16

$22

How much do summer program counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer program counselor in Madison, WI is $16.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $17.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 25 too old to be a camp counselor?

Summer program counselor roles typically do not have strict age limits and often value maturity, leadership, and relevant experience. Many camps welcome applicants in their 20s and beyond, especially if they demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and a passion for working with youth. Age is generally not a barrier as long as the candidate meets the camp's requirements and can fulfill the responsibilities of the role.

What field of counseling makes the most money?

In counseling, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists tend to earn the highest salaries, often due to advanced degrees and licensure requirements. These roles typically involve mental health diagnosis and treatment, and they may work in private practice, hospitals, or clinics, often earning six-figure incomes. Other high-paying counseling fields include school psychologists and neuropsychologists, depending on experience and specialization.

How much do YMCA summer counselors make?

YMCA summer counselors typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the specific YMCA branch. The position often requires certification in CPR and first aid and involves working with children in a camp or recreational setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Summer Program Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Program Counselor, you need experience working with children, a basic understanding of youth development, and often a high school diploma or higher. Familiarity with scheduling software, first aid certification, and recreational equipment is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help counselors effectively engage participants and handle challenges. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating a safe, positive, and enriching environment where children can learn and grow.

What are summer program counselors?

Summer program counselors are individuals who supervise, mentor, and guide children or teenagers during summer camps or educational programs. Their responsibilities include planning and leading activities, ensuring the safety and well-being of participants, and fostering a positive and inclusive environment. They often serve as role models and help campers develop social, teamwork, and life skills throughout the program.

What are some common challenges faced by Summer Program Counselors, and how can they be effectively managed?

Summer Program Counselors often face challenges such as maintaining group engagement, managing diverse personalities, and balancing safety with fun activities. To effectively manage these, counselors should establish clear expectations, use creative problem-solving, and communicate openly with both participants and fellow staff. Relying on structured schedules and collaborating with co-counselors also helps ensure a positive, well-organized environment where everyone feels included and supported.

How to get a job as a summer camp counselor?

To become a summer camp counselor, applicants typically need to be at least 16 years old, complete a background check, and obtain CPR and first aid certifications. Relevant experience working with children, strong communication skills, and a positive attitude are also important for securing a position. Applying early and demonstrating enthusiasm for working with youth can improve chances of hiring.
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Summer Program Counselor jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Summer Program Counselor job openings:
Summer Program Counselor jobs near you
MFLC Assignment Ready Counselor

MFLC Assignment Ready Counselor

Magellan Health Services

Madison, WI

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Magellan Health rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

This position requires you to be licensed at the independent level in any state as an Mental Health Counselor, Therapist, or Social Worker. This position would work in support of On Demand Events, Surges, Summer Camps, and Backfills supporting the MFLC program.

The Assignment Ready Counselor (ARC) will provide coverage in short-term, surge and on demand situations resulting from the Military needs such as a post-deployment event or to cover an existing assignment for counselors who are absent. The Summer ARC counselor position covers assignments during the May 15th through September 15th time period, coinciding with the school summer break. With minimal guidance and oversight, provides the full breadth of Adult or Child and Youth Behavioral (CYB) counseling services to military service members and their families at military installations. These services may include non- medical counseling, training/health and wellness presentations, consultation with parents, personnel at child daycare centers and schools, and consultation to installation command regarding behavioral health issues affecting military personnel and their family members. ARC CYB counselors may be assigned to DoDEA schools and community schools and will need to have experience working in a school setting to qualify for ARC role in backing up a school position. CYB counselors may also be assigned to youth programs, summer camps, and on demand assignments. ARC adult counselors may be assigned to support MFLC services in a variety of military community and readiness centers, as well as on-demand and surge assignments. The counselors work closely with the installation and military branch Points of Contact (POC) to assure that the program is provided within scope and meets the needs of the installation.

  • Provides non-medical, short term, solution focused, counseling directly to adults, children, and youth of service members.  Services include assessment, brief counseling and consultation, action planning, referral to resources (assuring linkage as appropriate), and follow-up as indicated. 

  • CYB counselors will also have a focus on supporting the staff and personnel of CDCs, DoDEA and community schools, youth programs and summer camps as well as providing parent training and guidance. 

  • Provides training and health and wellness presentations, participate in health fairs and other base/installation activities. 

  • Enters counselor activity data daily through smart phone or web application assure that reporting is accurate from assigned installation while maintaining confidentiality and anonymity of service / family member.

Other Job Requirements

Responsibilities

Master's Degree from an accredited graduate program in a mental health related field, or social work.
With short notice, willing to accept assignments of undefined periods to include weekends.
Can cover, on a full-time basis, assignments of varying length from a weekend to two weeks.
Quickly builds rapport with service personnel clients, family members, students, parents and co-workers.
Adaptable to new working conditions, varying location rules, etc.; adjusts working style to align with each work environment.
Able to work effectively with minimal instruction and guidance.
Listens carefully to instructions provided.
With minimal notice, participates in regular in-services/training, Quality Improvement committees or other contract activities as assigned.
Requires ability to quickly engage and communicate with military members, spouses or children as assigned, in order to accomplish job functions, and to respond quickly to emergent situations in any physical location on a military installation and/or within a school setting, which includes the need to traverse short and/or long distances within the base to both indoor and outdoor locations, to maneuver through rugged, outdoor or uneven locations (e.g., steep inclines, stairs, grass), and work in outdoor weather and other military base conditions. Due to the nature of working on military installations or related worksites, counselors may need to comply with various site-specific requirements to work at designated locations. For example, for some assignments, counselors will need to have certain current immunizations or vaccinations and provide record of receipt.
Ability to prove US Citizenship and must be fluent in English.
Advanced knowledge of brief therapy and solution-focused counseling methods.
Prior military service/military family member and/or strong familiarity with military culture desired.
For CYB positions must meet the Magellan MFLC CYB criteria for experience with children and youth and specialty in child and adolescent development/psychology.
Creates a presence on the installation in which the service and family members feel comfortable approaching the counselor and recognize the program to be confidential; for CYB counselors -- creates a presence in child and youth settings, is available to children, youth, and staff. When working with children, counselor must abide by line of site protocol.
Establishes and maintains working relationships with community resources and provides appropriate linkages.
Partners with POC to provide Adult and CYB services in a manner that addresses the needs of the installation/facility. Develops an excellent working relationship with the installation/facility POC.
Manages duty to warn and restricted reporting situations according to DoD protocol and staffs the cases with Regional Supervisor/Regional Director.
Communicates with Regional Supervisors and participate in regular individual and group supervision, sharing information regarding trends and issues on the installations and in facilities to which they are assigned for substitute or on call services.
Responds to critical incidents and special requests as directed by the POC and approved by the OSD program manager.

General Job Information

Title

MFLC Assignment Ready Counselor

Grade

MFLC ARC

Work Experience - Required

Clinical

Work Experience - Preferred

Education - Required

Master's - Behavioral Health, Master's - Social Work

Education - Preferred

License and Certifications - Required

Current licensure required for this position that meets State, Commonwealth or customer-specific requirements - Care Mgmt, DL - Driver License, Valid In State - Other, LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor - Care Mgmt, Must be an independently licensed behavioral health clinician - Care Mgmt

License and Certifications - Preferred

This is a Service Contract Act (SCA) covered position. The pay rate and health and welfare allowance are specified in the applicable wage determination agreement.

Magellan Health, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Tobacco-free workplace. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled.
Every employee must understand, comply with and attest to the security responsibilities and security controls unique to their position; and comply with all applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements and internal policies and procedures.

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