AbilityPath and Via West are hiring Day Camp Counselors to join our weekend program!

Day Camp Counselors provide loving leadership, guidance and instruction to children, teens, and adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Counselors support IEP/IPP (Individualized Education/Program Plan) goals and provide opportunities for participants to develop their abilities to perform ADLs (activities of daily living) and other skills that lead to increased self-esteem, confidence, and independence.

$200 sign on bonus payable after successful completion of training and 4 sessions within 2 months of hire.

Day Camp: A 6-hour Day Camp program at camp that includes themed activities for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Staff typically work 7-7.5 hours on Camp Days. Typically on Saturdays and/or Sundays.

Science Camp is offered at Via West in Cupertino as a Day Program. Staff facilitate fun activities such as hiking, nature crafts, science experiments, and more! Shifts are typically during the week approximately 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, but may differ from session to session.

ABOUT US:

We are a non-profit organization that provides a variety of programs and a lifespan of services for individuals with disabilities. Our mission to accept, respect, and include people of all abilities extends to every member of our community. We are committed to the lifelong process of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) learning and application to build a more inclusive culture, where everyone plays a role in advancing DEI. We will always have work to do, and we look forward to doing it TOGETHER!

We are excited to announce that effective July 1, 2022 Via Services officially became affiliated with AbilityPath making the newly combined nonprofit one of the largest providers of services for individuals with developmental disabilities on the Peninsula, offering the most comprehensive portfolio of services throughout a person’s lifetime. Both organizations share a common mission and vision for the future: ensuring those we serve achieve their full potential and are included in all aspects of our community – from the classroom to the workplace.

Learn more at abilitypath.org/affiliationFAQ.

WHAT WE VALUE:

• Passion for the mission
• Interest in working with adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Effective and open communication, thoughtfulness, and ability to adapt
• Shared commitment to DEI in creating a community where all members can represent themselves authentically

We strongly encourage BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, and any multiply marginalized people to apply. AbilityPath is committed to recruiting and retaining diverse diversity among our staff teams.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

• Prepare to deliver services by consulting with Supervisor, gathering materials, reviewing participant files, and arriving on time
• Review and adhere to participant-specific instructions as outlined by family, case manager and/or other caregiver(s)
• Engage participants in activities with positive and cheerful attitude
• Manage challenging behaviors to ensure the safety and enjoyment for participants and staff
• Be aware of, assist with and/or alert your supervisor of potential emergency situations in the home and/or community
• While in the community, assist participants with self-help skills (feeding, toileting, dressing etc.) and overall safety support
• Complete documentation accurately and on time
• Initiate first aid and/or community cardio-pulmonary resuscitation as needed.
• Serve participants by providing the highest level of care, respect, compassion, and customer service
• Other duties as assigned

Spring 2023 Weekend Day Camp Schedule:

(Please confirm your availability during the application process.)

• Saturday, January 21 (New Staff Training 9:00 – 5:00)
• Sunday, January 22 (Day Camp / youth)
• Saturday February 4 (Day Camp / youth)
• Sunday, February 5 (Day Camp / adults)
• Saturday, February 11 (Day Camp / adults)
• Sunday, February 12 (Day Camp / youth)
• Saturday, March 4 (New Hire Training 9:00-5:00)
• Saturday, March 4 (Day Camp / young adults)
• Sunday, March 5 (Day Camp / youth)
• Sat March 18 (Day Camp / youth)
• Sunday, March 19 (Day Camp / adults)
• Saturday, April 15 (Day Camp / youth)
• Sunday, April 16 (Day Camp / adults)

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

In our approach to inclusive hiring, we recognize that job qualifications within hiring policies have been used to exclude candidates from marginalized backgrounds. Below is a list of Education and Work Experience that would be helpful to have in this role, however, we encourage you to apply even if you may not meet all of the listed qualifications, as any combination of lived and learned education and experience can make you a successful candidate.

• There is no minimum level of formal education required. Applicants who are pursuing a career in any of the following areas will be prioritized: Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Recreation or Recreation Therapy, Adapted P.E., Social Services, Human Services, Nursing, Law Enforcement, Special Education, Marriage and Family Therapy.
• Experience reporting to a supervisor, working collaboratively with others and/or writing meaningful reports is preferred.
• Experience working with children, seniors, or persons with special needs in a caretaking capacity preferred.
• Must have a reliable means of transportation.
• Ability to arrive on time, ready to fully engage with your participants.
• Ability to understand participant goals, needs and strengths and support developmentally appropriate activities.
• Demonstrate a commitment to serving all individuals, including those with more challenging attitudes or needs.
• Ability to adapt a personal communication style to accommodate participants, families, and coworkers.
• Ability to represent Via in a responsible and professional manner.

HIRING REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid California Driver’s License/ID
• Clean Driving Record (if applicable)
• Proof of negative TB test results
• Verification of occupational physical clearance
• Pass a criminal fingerprint clearance
• Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination + first booster
• CPR Certification/First Aid Training within thirty (30) days of hire date and prior to expiration thereafter

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:

• 
  Ability to physically respond to adults and children with developmental disabilities
• Ability to lift/support at least 40 lbs as needed
• Ability to sit, stand, stoop, and bend frequently
• Ability to walk for extended periods of time and support adults with developmental disabilities on community outings
• Ability to drive company vehicles to transport participants
• Ability to sit and keyboard as needed