Summer Camp Unit Head

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Location and Job Title: Summer Camp Unit Head J Los Angeles 5870 West Olympic Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90036

Principal Responsibilities: Unit Head

Job Description Department: JCamp Reports To: Camp Director / Summer Program Camp Manager Classification: Temporary, Seasonal, Part-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly) Benefits: Not benefit-eligible

Camp Dates Summer 2026 session: June 7, 2026 - August 14, 2026

Summer Schedule Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Additional hours may be scheduled as needed for trainings, meetings, or special events and will be compensated in accordance with applicable wage-and-hour laws.

Compensation $19.00 - $23.00 per hour, based on qualifications and experience. This position is classified as non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay in accordance with federal and California law.

Program Overview JCamp at J Los Angeles provides camper-centered, joyful summer experiences for children ages 4-12. Through specialty tracks, enrichment activities, and community-building programming, JCamp fosters creativity, confidence, connection, and a vibrant, inclusive Jewish community. The Summer 2026 program emphasizes hands-on learning, positive youth development, safety, and high-quality staff leadership.

Position Summary The Summer Camp Unit Head is a key seasonal leadership role responsible for supervising a designated age-unit of campers and counselors. Reporting to the Camp Director and Camp Manager, the Unit Head ensures a safe, engaging, inclusive, and well-organized camp experience each day.

This position blends staff supervision, camper support, program coordination, behavioral guidance, and family communication. Unit Heads help maintain consistency in transitions, expectations, and safety practices, and act as role models for positive youth development and professional camp culture.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program & Daily Operations

• Coordinate daily schedules, transitions, and activity flow for assigned camper unit
• Ensure smooth implementation of programming created by leadership and specialists
• Serve as an on-the-ground point of contact for unit-related operational needs
• Support camp-wide events and special programs as assigned
• Uphold organizational policies, age-group best practices, and safety expectations

Staff Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise, mentor, and support counselors assigned to the unit
• Provide real-time coaching, guidance, and feedback to staff
• Model effective behavior management, child engagement, and teamwork
• Support daily staff scheduling, coverage, and breaks within the unit
• Contribute to building a positive, inclusive, and professional camp culture

Camper Experience & Family Communication

• Promote camper engagement, belonging, and positive peer interactions
• Support counselors in addressing behavioral or social-emotional challenges
• Communicate effectively and professionally with families as directed by leadership
• Assist with resolving camper or parent concerns, escalating to leadership as needed

Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to supervision ratios and safety protocols
• Support implementation of emergency procedures and daily risk management practices
• Help document incidents and report concerns in accordance with policy
• Champion proactive safety and injury-prevention strategies

Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist with daily attendance tracking and unit documentation
• Communicate schedule updates and logistical needs to leadership
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the success of JCamp

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum one (1) year of experience working with children in a camp, school, or youth program
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and support staff in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated skills in behavior management and positive youth development
• Flexible, proactive, and solutions-oriented mindset

Preferred

• Experience as a Unit Head, Program Lead, or similar supervisory role
• Background in education, child development, recreation, or youth programming
• Experience working in a Jewish camp or community setting
• Understanding of camp operations and staff supervision best practices

Mandated Reporter & Background Clearance Requirement This position works directly with minors and is designated as a Mandated Reporter under California law. The selected candidate must complete required Mandated Reporter training and comply with all child abuse reporting obligations.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of Live Scan fingerprinting through the California Department of Justice and any other required background clearances. Continued employment is subject to maintaining clearance status.

Salary: $21

Agency Information The J Los Angeles (formerly the Westside Jewish Community Center) has been serving the Los Angeles community for almost 70 years. We host a variety of programs for the community, including an early childhood center, basketball leagues and classes, swim lessons, summer and winter day camp, fitness classes, family holiday programs, teen leadership and Israel programs, senior wellness and adult programs. The JLAs Weinberg Aquatic Center, featuring two saline pools, is home to the popular SwimRight Academy.

For information on J Los Angeles programs please visit our website at thejla.org or call us at 323.938.2531. We look forward to welcoming you to the J Los Angeles!