At JCC Chicago, we are focused on growing good kids, building communities, and educating ourselves on the past to make a difference for the future. The largest JCC in North America, JCC Chicago offers a life-affirming journey that builds on the richness and power of Jewish values and continues to reimagine them for a more connected, inspired community.
The Inclusion Manager, Camp Chi works under the direct supervision of the Community Care Manager of Camp Chi and JCC Manager of Inclusion to lead the agency’s efforts in creating a culture of welcoming and inclusion for people of all abilities at our JCC Chicago Camp Chi Overnight Camp. The Inclusion Manager will work closely with Camp Chi leadership and families to ensure campers needing additional services are provided with appropriate support for an amazing summer camp experience. The Inclusion Manager will evaluate, plan, implement, and oversee new and continuing inclusion initiatives and programs.
Summer Months (June into August):
Reside in Lake Delton, WI at Camp Chi. Work directly with and supervise Camp Chi inclusion staff. Provide training, along with the rest of the Chi team, for the inclusion team, foster relationships between campers and their staff members, and work with the village staff to ensure proper inclusion. Communicate with and update parents of inclusion campers on their campers’ progress and about any challenges that may arise.
Off-Season Months (September to May):
Work with the Manager of Inclusion and Community Care Manager on the intake process of any campers participating in our inclusion program. Create relationships with families and stay up to date on campers’ development throughout the school year. Connect with teachers, social workers, and other important members of campers’ care team during the school year. Create individual camper plans that will be shared with staff to support each camper most successfully.
JCC Chicago is an equal opportunity agency that offers programs for all ages and abilities. Our goal is to foster relationships, build our community, and create connections that will enable our mission to reach a larger impact. We welcome you to join us in building your career, as we build a stronger community.
Key areas of responsibility:
Vision & Leadership
- Oversee Camp Chi inclusion and find areas for improvement and growth.
- Work with Inclusion manager and JCC day camp directors on transition for JCC day camp inclusion to overnight campers.
- Represent JCC Chicago and Camp Chi as an inclusion expert in the community.
Inclusion Programming
- Manage the implementation of inclusion programs at Camp Chi.
- Create and implement Individualized Camper Plans.
- Hire, train, and supervise inclusion staff at Camp Chi.
- Partner with the Camp Chi Community Care Manager to support campers and families.
- In conjunction with the Community Care Manager, complete intakes and assess campers who may require individualized services.
- Implement the process for communicating with inclusion families.
- Work with Camp Chi wellness team to provide mental wellness support for all campers.
- Identify supports needed to meet the camper’s communication, physical, sensory, and social emotional needs.
Key Essential Job Duties/Physical Requirements:
- Lift/move children up to 40 lbs.
- Demonstrate physical stamina and agility required to be mobile for long periods throughout the day.
- Ability to operate equipment such as a phone, computer keyboard, and standard office equipment.
- Repetitive movement of arms and hands to operate computer, keyboard and mouse.
- Move from sitting (chair and floor) to standing position easily and quickly.
- Stand for long periods of time and be able to run and actively engage physically with children.
- React with physical and mental alertness in emergency situations.
Days/Hours/%Travel:
- Offseason – Approximately 8 hours per week required, with the ability to attend occasional conferences, weekend programs, evening intake meetings, team meetings, etc. Mostly remote, with some hours expected at Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook, IL.
- Summer – Full time hours required; reside at Camp Chi (Lake Delton, WI)
Direct Reports (titles and FTE%):
Inclusion Counselors- Seasonal
Inclusion Floaters- Seasonal
Job Category:
Professional exempt, salaried
Education Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in special education, Social Work, or related field preferred, or
- Bachelor’s degree in special education, Social Work, or related field required with courses in Special Education highly preferred. Commensurate experience in the disability services field.
Previous Experience:
- 2+ years of Special Education or Disability Service Field experience required.
- Previous experience providing inclusive (could be recreational guidance) guidance to children and their families strongly preferred.
- Experience developing and leading group trainings preferred.
- Experience working in an overnight camp setting strongly preferred.
Other Requirements:
- General knowledge of ADA requirements, and other current policy, legislation, and best practices in inclusion and disability services.
- Strong leadership skills.
- Ability to work both collaboratively and independently and multitask under deadlines.
- Fluent in Microsoft Office, Excel.
- Able to learn new database systems.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Ability to demonstrate and lead with JCC Camp Chi’s values: Kindness, Community, and Respect.
- A love for children and a passion for helping them reach their full potential.
- Ability to build relationships with families and coworkers and create a dynamic environment where children’s curiosity and differences are encouraged and celebrated.
- Valid driver’s license with daily access to dependable transportation. Must be compliant with the agency’s policy of automobile insurance limits, and a driving record that meets the requirements for coverage of the agency’s business auto insurance carrier.