Youth Counselor
REPORTS TO: Captain, Onboard & Land Excursion Coordinator, & True Alaskan Guide
SUMMARY:
Youth counselors are the constant companion of children on every aspect of a voyage–both aboard the vessel and ashore. Youth counselors should always interact with and guide guests according to the core values of True Alaskan Hospitality as defined in our company’s mission statement. As part of the expedition leader team, individuals in this position must know the vessel’s location, where it is heading, and have captivating narration and pre-planned activities. This position is seasonal requires full availability for the following dates: June 27th – July 18th, July 25th – August 1st.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead and manage according to the Core Values of True Alaskan Hospitality as defined in our Mission Statement: “Immerse each guest in personable and unsurpassed level of service we call True Alaskan Hospitality”.
- Show a strong customer service mind-set and warm hospitality in interacting with all guests and crew.
- Organizes and leads youth activities for guests ages 5-15 years of age, in designated areas throughout the vessel.
- Share knowledge in a friendly, non-condescending, and clear manner.
- Determines the activities to initiate based on the ages and the needs of the children assigned to participate in the scheduled activity.
- Intervenes when a conflict arises or when a child needs extra attention or assistance in order to enjoy the activities.
- Maintains a clean and child friendly environment onboard the vessel.
- Communicates with parents in a tactful and courteous manner to generate a high level of comfort.
- Helps serve snacks and refreshments to children and regulates rest periods.
- Acts as a role model for the youth regarding leadership, friendliness, diplomacy, honesty, fair play, sportsmanship and open-mindedness.
- Work closely with onboard supervisor, the True Alaskan Guide.
- Assist in guided hiking and kayaking expeditions as well tours on port stops.
- Accompany children during all meals.
- Assist other ship departments when possible, or as assigned by the Captain or management.
- Follows prescribed hours set forth by the vessel’s daily roster.
- Holds a position on the Vessel’s Emergency Station Bill.
- Maintain awareness of basic safety rules, workplace safety and respect for the environment.
- Commit to understanding terrain and vessel itinerary.
- Participates in embarkation/disembarkation duties as assigned by True Alaskan Guide.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- One to two years of experience working with large groups of youths ages 3-17 years in a recreation, education or hospitality setting.
- Ability to mediate, diffuse and/or resolve problems and negotiate resolutions.
- First Aid/CPR certification.
- Proficiency in MS Office with expertise in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel and use of PA system.
- Ability to interpret and follow rules, policy and procedures.
- Ability to maintain composure with courteous and professional demeanor.
- Must have ability to interface and maintain effective relationships with all departments and employees in a highly diverse environment and able to execute operational imperatives in a swift and demanding environment.
- Must have strong interpersonal skills and able to effectively interact with guests.
- Must pass a security background check and DOT drug test.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Proven team player and have a Can-Do attitude.
- Professional experience working with children. Experience working in school youth groups, YMCA, camps or similar positions is preferred.
- Experience in Alaska and scientific knowledge of the local flora and fauna.
- Ability to design creative activities while containing costs.
- Cruise Industry experience.
- First Aid and CPR Certification.
TRAITS & CHARACTERISTICS:
- Strong commitment to safety.
- A genuine desire to serve the public, children especially.
- Positive, personable and professional demeanor.
- Adaptive to learning new skills and knowledge.
- Adaptive to changes in a progressive work environment.
- Strong record of being organized, dependable and punctual.
- Strong conflict resolution skills and ability to work within a diverse workforce.
COMMUNICATION:
It is strongly recommended that applicants have access to a computer and a mobile phone during the entire hiring process. We expect to hear from candidates within a few days of our communication (request for interview, documentation, follow up, etc.) Recruitment process cannot continue if the candidate is not responsive. Please note that how you communicate with a potential employer is part of the evaluation process. Always be polite, prompt and professional when communicating with the office.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Crew stays in shared quarters onboard with little privacy and relatively constant vibration and engine noise often for long periods of time. This is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment with a diverse workforce. Crew may be moved from one vessel to another at the discretion of Management. Due to remote locations of vessel routes, internet connectivity is limited. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Travel to the vessels in Alaska and extended stay up to 5 months on board is required. Must be physically able to work a typical workday of about 10-14 hours per day, seven days a week. Environmental conditions generally include ambient inside temperature, ambient inside lighting, ambient to loud noise levels, all weather conditions, occasional use of required protective clothing including raingear and life preserver. Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Ability to walk on uneven deck surfaces crossing from vessel to vessel. Physically able to climb a 7-foot vertical ladder and fit through a 28-inch escape hatch.
NOTE:
This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or abilities required of persons so classified or assigned.