About this role
JOB SUMMARY: This position is a seasonal position. Staff are assigned to work either 1:1 or in small groups with individuals with disabilities who need additional support in our member agencys summer camps. Candidates will be working in a team environment and advocating to include individuals in all activities throughout the program. Duties include but are not limited to adapting activities and experiences to meet the needs of each individual, fostering social opportunities with neurotypical peers, and behavior management. Candidates may work any shifts between the hours of 7:00am-6:00pm Monday through Friday, not to exceed 480 hours per season .
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be at least 16 years of age.
- Experience working with individuals with special needs preferred.
- Must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities independently of others.
- Must have transportation to and from program sites.
- Certification in First Aid/CPR preferred or the ability to maintain within 6 months (training will be made available).
- Certification in CPI preferred or the ability to maintain within 6 months (training will be made available).
- Must support the mission, vision, and values of the agency.
COMPETENCIES:
- Safety: Monitor activities, adhere to safety protocols, and be prepared to respond appropriately in emergency situations.
- Integrity: Demonstrate honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all interactions.
- Knowledge: A bility to implement the program plans as directed by the Member Agency Lead Team Member, and willingness to learn and grow in providing inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities within typical recreation programs.
- Communication: Clearly explain instructions, provide feedback, and offer encouragement to all participants. Follow directions, ask questions, and use active listening skills with colleagues and/or supervisors.
- Interpersonal Skills: Appropriately interact with individuals with and without disabilities, and demonstrate empathy, patience, and the ability to motivate and encourage participants to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment.
- Professionalism: Maintain a positive and respectful attitude, adhere to organizational policies, and model appropriate behavior for participants and fellow team members.
- Adaptability: Ability to make accommodations for participants with disabilities, adjusting to their changing needs and unforeseen challenges.
- Reliability: Ability to be dependable, flexible, punctual, and be ready to perform job duties with commitment and follow-through.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Ability to identify issues and implement timely solutions both independently and/or with guidance from Full Time Team Members
- Ability to problem solve independently or in a timely manner
- Strong ability to read and write clearly and accurately, ensuring that all documentation is organized, complete, and easy to follow.
- Ability to organize materials and resources efficiently
- Knowledge of how to respond to challenging situations, including de-escalation techniques, managing behavioral issues, and ensuring safety in high-risk environments.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Uphold and emulate the mission, vision, and values of NWCSRA
- Attend meetings, orientations, and training sessions as scheduled
- Be a mandated reporter for the Abuse and Neglected Child Reporting Act.
- Abide by the Policies and Procedures of the member park districts
- Abide by the Policies and Procedures set forth in all NWCSRA manuals
- Complete necessary paperwork as required
- Communicate effectively and work professionally with participants, parents, NWCSRA staff, member park district staff and community contacts
- Mentor and assist new Inclusion Support Team Members when needed
- Lead/assist/plan recreation activities for individuals with special needs in a variety of community-based programs
- Actively support and follow through with the program instructors safety program
- Enforce rules and regulations with participants
- Supervise participants with disabilities at all times. This will include behavior management, personal care and assisting in daily living skills (feeding, toileting, clothing) and activity accommodations as needed
- Assist individuals in wheelchairs, including lifting, transferring and pushing
- Implement CPI techniques as needed for behavior management
- Report any problems or concerns to the Services Manager
- Act as a substitute staff when needed by the agency
- Assist with emergency procedures.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned
BENEFITS:
- Paid Leave Hours (up to 40 hours per year)
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Talking/Hearing: to communicate with staff and participants
Sitting: to position a participant
Reaching: to retrieve supplies or participant
Pulling: to open doors and drawers
Pushing: to close doors and drawers, push wheelchairs
Stooping: to retrieve supplies from lower levels
Crouching: to retrieve supplies from lower levels
Seeing: to observe participants and obtain information from written materials
Holding: to immobilize participant during behavior outbreaks
Lifting: to move equipment and supplies, to set up and take down activities, to transfer participants; up to 40 pounds, over 40 pounds requires a two person or mechanical assistance
COGNITIVE CONSIDERATIONS:
Must have the ability to read, write and organize materials. Must have the ability to develop and administer a simple budget. Must be able to relate to other people in a professional manner. Must exhibit good safety awareness and judgment.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:
- May be exposed to all types of weather conditions
- Work may be performed in a variety of settings with varying levels of cleanliness, noise, etc. .