JOB PURPOSE:

To assist the Day Camp Site Manager in the organization, implementation, and supervision of Summer Day Camps throughout the Fox Valley area to make the camp program a rewarding experience for campers with disabilities while ensuring the wellbeing and safety of all participants.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Have a high school diploma with some related experience.
• At least 1 year of prior experience as a part-time FVSRA Summer Day Camp staff preferred.
• Desire to work with individuals with disabilities.
• Have transportation to travel to and from various work sites in the nine communities we serve: South Elgin, St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Aurora, North Aurora, Montgomery, Sugar Grove, and Oswego. Mileage reimbursement may be available when approved.
• Ability to understand the needs of persons with disabilities and have proven experience in assisting with recreation activities for individuals with various disabilities in community recreation or related settings.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, communication skills and ability to work effectively with people with disabilities, FVSRA staff, FVSRA Member Agency staff, parents/guardians, participants, community agency staff, and members of the general public.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to work independently and prioritize tasks.
• Demonstrate creativity, enthusiasm, and take initiative.
• Have the ability to engage in activities requiring physical exertion.
• Certification or acquiring certification within one year of Handle with Care training and First Aid/CPR are required.
• Must pass a criminal background check pursuant to Park Code.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Understand the Summer Day Camp structure and work closely with the Day Camp Site Director to support individuals with disabilities in the camp setting.
• Implement modifications that maximize the ability of individuals with disabilities to participate in all program activities.
  • Model and breakdown instructions for comprehension and understanding.
  • Modify activities and use adaptive equipment to promote accessibility.
  • Facilitate and encourage social interaction between individuals with and without disabilities.
  • Promote positive behaviors through coping skills, behavior plans, safety rules, and clear expectations.
  • Use augmentative and alternative communication devise, systems, strategies, and tools that replace or support natural speech.
• Maintain open communication with the Day Camp Manager ensuring the team is up to date on all necessary information.
• Communicate effectively with emergency service personnel, Summer Day Camp staff, participants, and families, Member Agency staff, and FVSRA staff.
• Attend all meetings, in-services and trainings that are required by FVSRA.
• Must have swim apparel readily available each day and actively participate in water with camper.
• Responsible for maintaining all money, receipts, and records for camp funds according to FVSRA policy and procedures.

JOB SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

SAFETY:

• Adhere and enforce all agency policy, procedure, and safety manuals by exhibiting a working knowledge of FVSRA rules and operations.
• Immediately report all accidents and unsafe conditions to the Facility staff and Day Camp Manager along with filling out the proper documentation.
• Cooperate and assist in the investigation of accidents/incidents.

STAFF SUPPORT:

• Provide onsite disability/supervisory support in the form of observations, training, and behavior management to part-time Day Camp Staff.
• Mentor and Coach part-time Summer Day Camp staff on improving performance and help effectiveness, including addressing employee conduct.
• Enforce FVSRAs Employee Policies and Procedures and report any problems or concerns to the Day Camp Manager.
• Provide direct supervision for all staff assigned to the camp site.

PROGRAM SUPPORT:

• Conduct program visits with the intent of providing disability/supervisory support to Summer Day Camp staff.
• Assist and support as needed. This includes:

• Determine possible solutions with Summer Day Camp staff on how to improve the facilitation of activities in program.
• Sharing suggestions on activity adaptations and programmatic changes.
• Facilitating open communication with the Site Director/ Counselors and address and problem-solve concerns/issues as needed.
• Soliciting feedback from families regarding their satisfaction with services.
• Provide physical and emotional support to both children and young adults with limitations when working and participating in activities requiring assistance.
• Perform other duties related to part-time Summer Day Camp staff when necessary, or duties in the best interest of the Association when requested by the Day Camp Manager or Summer Day Camp Site Director.

SUMMER CAMP TEAM SUPPORT:

• Meet with Day Camp Manager weekly to review the schedule and assignments and communicate updates.
• Be available by cell phone during program hours in case of an emergency.
• Assist the Day Camp Manager with administrative tasks as requested.
• Attend Summer Day Camp Staff training and take an active role in implementation of the training as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The Summer Day Camp Field Supervisor must, with or without reasonable accommodations, be able to perform the following functions:

• Frequently stand, walk; sit, or feel; reach with arms and hands. The employee must be able to talk, hear, and see (both near and far). Occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch.
• Gather, load, transport, and set up equipment and supplies for activities.
• Active participation in programs may require the ability to be in a pool, swim, or tread water.
• Ability to be outside for extended periods of time.
• Physically assist individuals in wheelchairs by pushing, pulling, or providing stabilization on unknown terrain.
• May physically transfer individuals from wheelchair to chair, into and out of vehicles, form pool deck into a pool, in the bathroom, etc.

COGNITIVE DEMANDS:

• Exhibit good problem-solving abilities and good judgment in accordance with the mission of FVSRA.
• Demonstrate dependability and strong leadership skills when supporting staff and participants, promoting cohesiveness throughout the team and program.
• Ability to solve moderately complex problems without supervision.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

Students seeking internships to gain meaningful experiences, to apply classroom knowledge and aid the student in being competitive for their next step after graduation are welcomed.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those of an outdoor/indoor work environment the employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing this job, the employee is exposed to all types of lighting, weather, temperature and environmental conditions, such as sun, heat, humidity, bugs and mosquitos. This position also requires working in close quarters on buses during field trips with campers and in various indoor/outdoor locations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud to very loud.

FINE PRINT

All positions are part-time, and work schedules are based on your availability. Summer ONLY employees are eligible to work up to 40 hours per week. Reliable transportation is required to ensure attendance at all scheduled camp programs.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

FVSRA has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at the agency, which bases employment upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of an individuals actual or perceived race (including but not limited to traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex, gender (including gender identity and expression), age, national origin, citizenship status, work authorization status, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, disability, association with a person with a disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, unfavorable discharge from military service or military status, civil union partnership, order of protection status, pregnancy, childbirth or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process may contact HR at HR@fvsra.org.