What are the responsibilities and job description for the Camper Care Specialist position at Camp Opportunity of Maryland?
Job Title: Camper Care Specialist
Location: Hybrid/Camp Spencer, Harford County
Position Type: Part-time, Hourly
Hourly Rate Range: $24-$27/hour outside of residential camp weeks
Residential Camp Week Pay Range: $750-$1,000/week during residential camp weeks
Remote Hours Start: April - a few hours weekly leading up to camp
On-Site Requirement: Required each residential camp week (two weeks for 2025)
About Us:
Camp Opportunity is a child welfare organization based in Maryland with a mission to provide an overnight summer camp experience for children who have been abused and/or neglected. Since our inception, we’ve positively impacted over 1,000 children ages 8-11. Our one-to-one counselor-to-camper ratio fosters transformative relationships that continue well beyond the camp season. Ultimately, our mission is to break the cycle of abuse and neglect.
Position Overview:
The Camper Care Specialist is a key member of the leadership team, dedicated to building strong relationships with camp families while supporting the mental, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual health of campers and staff. Reporting to the Camp Director, this role oversees camper care initiatives, including the trauma-informed Journey program, virtual cabin time, and camper application processes. The Camper Care Specialist also provides guidance to key staff, such as counselors and recreational team members, ensuring the successful integration and well-being of all campers throughout the program year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Participate in Leadership meetings prior to the beginning of camp and as required.
- Act as a presence during the camp day by being physically present and involved in daily camp activities to support the daily social and emotional well-being of staff and campers.
- Create and implement programs for staff and caregivers focused on wellness and social-emotional learning.
- Serve as a resource to campers, staff, and caregivers leading up to and during Camp week when dealing with mental, emotional, and social health challenges and work to create environments where campers can thrive.
- Manage information about camper needs, and communicate those to staff. Document communication and plans within Camp systems.
- Communicate and manage relationships with caregivers regarding camper needs.
- Oversee and lead virtual cabin time programming throughout the year to maintain consistent connections and support for campers.
- Facilitate and manage Journey classes at camp, creating a supportive and engaging environment that helps campers develop resilience and emotional regulation.
- Play an active role in the camper application and admission process, ensuring accurate and thorough documentation and communication.
- Prepare reports to funding agencies in relationship to the mental, emotional, and social health of Camp Opportunity and its campers.
- Additional responsibilities as required.
Qualifications:
- Graduate-level or higher degree in a mental health field, including, but not limited to: social work, mental health counseling, psychology, youth psychiatry, family therapy, etc.
- 3-5 years of post-graduate work experience in a related field.
- Prior camp experience in working with young children.
- Exceptional skill and capacity for engagement and relationship building with both children and their caregivers.
- Ability to connect and guide staff.
- Proven ability to provide emotional support to a wide range of ages.
- A strong understanding of strategies to ensure campers of varying needs can be part of a mainstream program.
- Be a leader, self-starter, and strong collaborator.
- Ability to accept guidance, constructive feedback, and support.
Technical Aptitude Skills:
The ideal candidate will also verify the following technical aptitude skills:
- Data Management: Proficiency in using data management tools and systems to track camper referrals, admissions, and program effectiveness.
- Digital Communication: Ability to effectively utilize digital communication tools for maintaining relationships with referring organizations and stakeholders.
- Google Suite: Proficiency in Google Suite applications for tasks such as email, budget planning, data analysis, and program evaluation.
- Camp Management Software: Familiarity with or ability to quickly learn camp management software for overseeing camper information, schedules, and program details.
- Adaptive Learning: Capacity to quickly adapt to new technologies and software solutions relevant to the camp's operational needs.
Background Check Requirement:
All candidates must undergo and pass a thorough background check as a condition of employment. This is essential due to the nature of the position, which involves working with children. Camp Opportunity is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all campers, and the background check is a critical component of our commitment to child welfare.
Financial Considerations:
As a nonprofit organization, Camp Opportunity is dedicated to its mission of providing a transformative experience for children who have been abused and neglected. It's important to note that the funding for positions within the organization is subject to the availability of grants and successful fundraising efforts. Further, this position is contingent upon the receipt and continuation of grants and funding. The fluctuating nature of nonprofit finances may impact the stability of employment. Camp Opportunity is committed to maintaining open communication with its staff regarding the organization's financial status and strives to provide as much stability as possible.
Working Conditions:
This role will require flexible hours, primarily during the camp season. The Camper Care Specialist will need to work weekends and evenings as needed.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application on really or send their resume, a cover letter outlining their qualifications and relevant experience, and any references to info@campopportunity.org.
Camp Opportunity is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Application Deadline: March 7, 2025
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $24.00 - $27.00 per hour
Expected hours: 1 – 40 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Street, MD 21154
Salary : $24 - $27