International Staff Liaison

Position Title:                      International Staff Liaison         

Reports To:                          Assistant Camp Director - Unit

Department:                        Outdoor Program/Camp - Seasonal Camp

Status:                               Full-Time, Seasonal

Location:                             Camp Seven Hills, Holland, NY or 

                                              Camp Timbercrest, Randolph, NY

Girl Scouts of Western New York seasonal camps are subject to the Federal and New York State exemption laws under Section 13(a)(3) of the Fair Labor Standards Act.  Seasonal staff working at camp may be paid in accordance with this exemption.  

JOB DESCRIPTION

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS:

Are you mission-driven, looking to work in a dynamic team environment, and influence the lives of girls? If so, take the time to check out Girl Scouts of Western New York.

 Since 1912, Girl Scouts has empowered girls to develop the skills and the voice to become successful and productive citizens. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

If you’d like to be part of this exciting, empowering, and valuable experience, we encourage you to apply.  We look forward to hearing from you!

 POSITION SUMMARY:

The role of the international liaison will be to orient Camp Timbercrest/ Seven Hills international staff, help them transition successfully to camp life, introduce them to American culture, and help them to have a successful and fulfilling experience at camp.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Leading up to their arrival, the international liaison will reach out to international hires and begin a process of orientation and expectation management to allow for a smooth transition to camp.
• Begin a Facebook page for this year’s international staff and use it as a place for them to begin to get to know each other and share their excitement, questions, or fears.
• Host a series of video conferences so that international staff can feel as though they are arriving at camp to familiar faces.
• Provide international staff with a packing list and helpful hints for packing and having the essentials for camp.
• In conjunction with the Camp Seven Hills/Camp Timbercrest Administrative team, plan weekend outings for the international staff (Timbercrest and Seven Hills) in order to meet their J1 visa requirements and experience American culture outside of camp. 
• Communicate on a regular basis with the Camp Directors of Seven Hills and Timbercrest, as well as the Sr. Director of Outdoor Program on progress of the international program, concerns and planned outings. 
• Work with international staff on sharing their own culture with campers during international week.
• Work with international staff on sharing the foods and cooking techniques of their home country to share with the camp community.  
• Coordinate schedule of arrival dates/times and final travel plans to the US
• Meet staff upon arrival in Buffalo and arrange escort back to camp.  
• Take international staff to the social security office and help them with their paperwork and requirements for working in the US on the J1 visa.
• Upon arrival, take the international staff to Walmart to make sure that they can get anything they were not able to bring in their luggage.
• Throughout the summer, host meet ups and check ins to make sure that the international staff are adjusting and thriving.  
• Act as a point of contact before and during camp for any issues or questions from international staff.
• Work with international staff if any issues arise with their pay cards or finances during their time in the states.
• Help to arrange final travel and departure schedules once camp is over.
• Provide transportation to bus/train/airport after completion of camp.
• Accepts other responsibilities as deemed necessary by the Assistant Camp Director - Unit/Camp Director
• Other duties may be assigned as needed.  GSWNY maintains the right to add, change or alter the functions of this position at any time.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality;
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities; 
• Ability to project a high level of professionalism at all times;
• Ability to articulate organizational mission and its importance with passion and conviction, and in a manner that resonates with the listener;
• Commitment to diversity and ability to interact with diverse populations;
• Strong time management skills with ability to work independently and effectively prioritize duties and tasks. 
• Capacity to manage stress effectively and work well under pressure;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly;
• Proven capability to work in a collaborative, service-focused environment;
• Capacity to work well with others in a congenial and effective manner;
• Ability to effectively manage and foster relationships with council staff and volunteers within the camp community;
• Subscribe to the principles of the Girl Scout Movement and become a registered member of GSUSA;
• Successfully pass the required background checks at hire and thereafter;
• Maintain reliable transportation to and from home and work;
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, meet minimum state auto insurance requirements, and meet the insurance carrier’s requirements for coverage.
• Assist the campers in emergency situations.
• Lift 35 pounds.
• Possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of campers.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, self-control and ability to adapt well to changing situations.
• Participate in structured and unstructured activities.
• Accept and follow directions both in verbal and written form.

HOURS & TRAVEL:

• MY BE REQUIRED TO STAY ON THE PROPERTY DURING HOURS OF OPERATION (SUNDAY 10:00AM TO FRIDAY 8:00PM)
• Must be willing to work in an outdoor setting and in inclement weather.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Willingness to abide by the policies and practices of the Girl Scouts of Western New York Inc.
• Certified Sex Offender Registry and Criminal Background Checks will be completed for personnel file.
• Minimum age 20 per Insurance Regulations  
• Demonstrate the ability to guide/supervise children and adults.
• Desire and ability to work with and relate to children and peers in an outdoor environment.
• Prior camp experience and/or interest in the Girl Scout Camping program.
• Willingness to place the needs of girls and camp above personal desires.
• Good health and stamina necessary to work in the camp setting.
• The acceptance of irregular work hours.
• The acceptance and understanding that employment is at a resident (overnight) camp.

GIRL SCOUT MEMBERSHIP:

All Employees of Girl Scouts must maintain an active, annual membership in Girl Scouts of Western New York.  This membership must be renewed annually, and all newly hired employees are expected to enroll with GSWNY within the first 30 days of their employment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This positon primarily operates outdoors during the summer months.  The employee in this role will frequently be outside, in a campsite environment, for several hours each day.  This outdoor worksite/environment involves regular, daily and ongoing exposure to weather, insects, wildlife, elements of the natural landscape (including but not limited to trees, bushes, grasses, and other forms of plant life), and various other components present in the campsite setting.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  

• The incumbent will be required to work outdoors on a daily basis during the summer months, with exposure to various weather conditions and the natural elements present throughout the camp grounds/camp setting;
• This is a highly active role, requiring the employee to possess and maintain the physical stamina necessary to meet the day-to-day requirements of the position for six or more consecutive weeks; 
• This position requires the physical capacity to traverse the extensive, several-acre campsite multiple times throughout the work day; 
• The ability to remain in a standing position for prolonged periods throughout the day (approximately 60% or more) is necessary in order to effectively perform the essential functions of the job;
• May occasionally require the employee to move objects and lift up to approximately 30 pounds;
• Must be capable of communicating with children (ages 5 – 17) and camp staff in an effective and continuous manner in order to ensure the safety of both employees and campers onsite; and
• The incumbent will frequently be asked to observe the actions of children/campers, and discern nuanced behavioral responses as well as various forms of non-verbal communications, in order to instruct, monitor, ensure safety and perform the requirements of the role.

The physical demands described herein represent those an employee is expected to meet in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be available in order to enable individuals with special needs to perform the essential function effectively. 

GIRL SCOUT MEMBERSHIP:

All Employees of Girl Scouts must maintain an active, annual membership in Girl Scouts of Western New York.  This membership must be renewed annually, and all newly hired employees are expected to enroll with GSWNY within the first 30 days of their employment

BENEFITS:

Although seasonal employees are not eligible for company-sponsored group benefits, GSWNY is grateful to have several partnerships with local businesses throughout Western New offering various promotions and incentives to GSWNY employees and members.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT:

Girl Scouts of Western New York celebrates diversity in all forms and is committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative and supportive environment for all.  All employment decisions are based qualifications, merit, performance and the needs of the organization.  As an equal opportunity employer, GSWNY does not discriminate on the basis of any qualified applicant’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status or any other groups or persons protected by federal, state or local law.