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About The Position
At the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester, we believe every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and fully included. YWCA Summer Camps is more than a summer program—it’s a place where children build confidence, form friendships, and experience the joy of simply being a kid. We are seeking compassionate, energetic, and dependable direct support professionals to serve as Inclusion Support Counselors, providing dedicated 1:1 support to individuals with developmental disabilities throughout our 8-week summer camps. In this role, you are more than a counselor—you are a bridge. You help ensure that every camper can participate, belong, and thrive in all aspects of camp life. Whether it’s supporting a camper in the pool, encouraging participation in group activities, or helping navigate transitions throughout the day, your presence makes inclusion real. This is a hands-on, high-impact role for someone who leads with patience, empathy, and a genuine belief in the potential of every child. You’ll work alongside a team committed to equity, access, and creating meaningful experiences for all campers, while supporting individual needs in a way that is respectful, empowering, and rooted in dignity. Grounded in person-centered practices and aligned with OPWDD standards and core competencies, this role blends structure with heart—supporting not just safety and participation, but growth, independence, and joy.
Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older
- High School Diploma or GED required
- Ability to remain patient, attentive, and engaged in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Must pass required background checks (Justice Center, DOH, etc.)
- CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Completion of required OPWDD/DSP & Camp specific trainings upon hire
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with children or individuals with developmental disabilities strongly preferred
- Background in camp, recreation, education, gymnastics or human services a plus
- Bilingual (highly preferred)
- Completion of Direct Support Professional (DSP) Core Competency training aligned with OPWDD standards is preferred.
- Candidates with or working toward certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) are strongly encouraged.
Responsibilities
- Provide 1:1 supervision and support to ensure camper safety, engagement, and inclusion throughout the day
- Support participation in all camp activities including swimming, gymnastics, sports, arts & crafts, and group programming
- Adapt activities to meet the camper’s needs, abilities, and interests
- Assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) as needed (e.g., toileting, feeding, transitions)
- Implement behavioral support strategies using positive reinforcement and redirection
- Promote social interaction, confidence, and independence
- Maintain line-of-sight supervision and respond calmly to any safety or behavioral concerns
- Assist with mobility and transitions throughout the facility and campgrounds
- Complete required daily documentation, including progress notes and incident reports
- Serve as a positive role model and contribute to a supportive, inclusive camp culture
Benefits
- Competitive hourly rate of $19.50-$22.00
