Summer Community Support Specialist

The Community Support Specialist is responsible for oversight of the emotional wellbeing of campers and staff and serving as a coach to staff to create a positive camper experience. This position will work with campers and their caregivers, as well as camp staff to create a meaningful camp experience. This position will also respond to in- the-moment behavior challenges and will coordinate care plans as needed with camper caregivers and/or camp management team. Individuals in this position can work with varying age groups and program areas, as well as in various parts of camp every week.

General Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for staff working with campers who need specialized attention
• Join and support campers participating in program activities
• Practice and coach staff through strengths-based individual and group behavior management strategies
• Maintain documentation regarding campers’ mental health needs and support given in an organized and confidential manner.
• Prepare a weekly list of individual camper anticipated needs and support to give to counselors on a need-to-know basis.
• Promote highly positive behavior interventions in which campers thrive
• Design and implement behavioral intervention techniques at camp, including training camp staff as appropriate
• Ability to communicate and work with participating groups and provide necessary instructions to campers, volunteers, and staff members regarding intervention plans
• Ability to communicate with caregivers to develop care plans to meet the needs of the campers
• Observe and assess camper behavior for appropriateness, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques
• Prepare for and participate enthusiastically in all aspects of camp life
• Provide proper care to campers and/or staff who are struggling with an acute mental health challenge.
• Carry out established duties regarding camper health, safety, and program goals
• Responsible for maintaining effective working relationships with fellow staff and creating harmonious relationships with campers, parents/guardians, and staff
• Support campers through the following (not a comprehensive list): homesickness, transitional anxiety, behavioral redirection, accommodations, suicidal ideation, and transition out of camp and back to a safe environment.
• Incorporate camp pastor and/or congregational pastor into the support of campers when appropriate.
• Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior, including but not limited to demonstrating maturity, effective communication techniques, cleanliness, good hygiene, punctuality, sportsmanship, sharing, and following camp policies
• Provide quality guest service that resolves concerns by offering creative solutions promptly

Minimum Qualifications

• 18+
• Desire and ability to supervise and instruct children of various ages
• Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification or willingness to obtain
• Minimum 2 years of college education
• Skilled in building interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence positive
• decision-making, listen, manage conflict, and practice sensitivity and compassion
• Ability to receive instruction and supervision
• Exhibits good judgment and risk management assessment skills
• Must reside on camp property while campers are on site and camp is in session

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous overnight camp experience
• A graduate of a post-secondary Social Work, Social Service Work, special
• education or Child and Youth Work program
• Experienced at working with youth aged 11 – 17 in a professional mental health
• setting