Camp Paivika - Unit Director at AbilityFirst

Crestline, California, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

14 May, 26

Salary

121.0

Posted On

13 Feb, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Leadership, Supervision, Staff Training, Camper Care, Program Delivery, Performance Evaluation, Judgment, Emergency Response, Documentation, Team Development, First Aid, CPR/AED

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

Description JOB TITLE: Unit Director REPORTS TO: Assistant Camp Director SCHEDULE: June 8 to August 5, 2026 Training and camp sessions LOCATION: Camp Paivika – Crestline, CA (Located in the San Bernardino Mountains) STATUS: Seasonal DRIVER POSITION: Preferred DAILY RATES: $121 per day | Onsite lodging and meals provided during sessions ABOUT US: At AbilityFirst, we are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their personal best. Our mission is to look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities, and expand possibilities. Camp Paivika, one of the first fully accessible camps in the U.S., continues this mission by providing life-changing summer experiences for children, teens, and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. ABOUT THE ROLE: The Unit Director serves as a key leader at Camp Paivika, overseeing a cabin unit and ensuring the highest standards of camper care, staff supervision, and program delivery. This role is responsible for supervising and supporting cabin counselors, coordinating daily camper management with the Assistant Camp Director and nursing staff, and maintaining accurate documentation related to camper health, behavior, and assignments. The Unit Director plays a critical role in staff training, performance evaluation, and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and engaging camp environment for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. This position requires strong leadership, sound judgment, hands-on involvement in camper care, and the ability to respond confidently in emergency situations. This is a dynamic, on-site leadership role ideal for individuals who are passionate about inclusive recreation, team development, and creating meaningful summer experiences for campers of all abilities. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Directly responsible to the Assistant Camp Director but consults daily with other supervisors regarding camper and staff concerns and issues. Attends Supervisor/Program Staff training prior to staff orientation to assist Assistant Camp Director and other staff in the planning of staff training and summer preparation. During orientation, responsible for training staff in all aspects of camper care and supervision in addition to other sessions assigned by the Camp Director. Supervises, directs, and evaluates the work of the cabin counseling staff. Consults daily with the Assistant Camp Director in all issues pertaining to camper management: briefing and camper assignments; special needs; diet, restrictions; behavior management; personal care requirements; etc. Works closely with the camp nursing staff in the management of camper care. Creates and maintains accurate written records including cabin assignments; duty schedules; restriction, allergy and feeder lists; bumps & bruises charts; shower charts; camper reports; incident reports. Assists when needed in program areas, cabins, and with personal care of campers: dressing, bathing, toileting, grooming, feeding, lifting and transferring. Performs” Supervisor on Duty” duties during staff off time, at least once per session including end of the evening lock up of camp. In an emergency, assumes responsibility for any job deemed necessary by the Camp Director to ensure the safety of all campers and staff. Completes counselor performance evaluations and reviews individually with each counselor. At the end of the summer program ensures that all documentation is complete and given to the Camp Director. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS Must be at least 21 years of age. Must have at least one year of previous experience working with special needs populations. Experience at AbilityFirst camps and or other camps is preferred. Must hold or obtain current American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid Adult and Pediatric certificates. Must have demonstrated leadership skills consistent with camp rules and policies. Must agree to abide by AbilityFirst rules and policies. Must be able to reside on camp premises when camp is in session. All offers of employment are contingent on passing a background check and a pre-employment physical exam which includes a drug screen WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to lift 75lbs and perform the physically rigorous daily care tasks for individuals with severe physical disabilities. Must be able to reside on camp premises in shared housing with other staff, when camp is in session. SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment. NOTE: It is the supervisor’s responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and Ability First, as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to become a regular member of the Ability First staff. New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance from supervisor. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment, performance and attitude may be terminated at any time. AbilityFirst is an At-will employer and all staff are an “at-will” employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and Ability First has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time. EEO STATEMENT: All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Ability First does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law. Ability First is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. Please include references in your application

Responsibilities

The Unit Director is responsible for overseeing a cabin unit, ensuring high standards of camper care, supervising and supporting counselors, and coordinating daily camper management with other staff. This role involves critical duties in staff training, performance evaluation, and maintaining a safe, inclusive environment for campers with disabilities.