Behavior Specialist

The Town of New Milford is hiring! The Town of New Milford Parks and Recreation Department is currently accepting applications for the position listed below. Qualified and interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, three professional references, and a completed Town of New Milford employment application to Personnel@newmilfordct.gov

POSITION TITLE: Behavior Specialist

REPORTS TO: Camp Director, Director of Programs and Events, Director of Parks and Recreation

LOCATION: John Pettibone Community Center, Northville Elementary School, or Schaghticoke Middle School

SEASONAL: 40 Hours/Week

RATE: $20-$25/hour

MISSION:

The mission of the New Milford Parks and Recreation Department is to provide quality leisure opportunities in a safe and healthy atmosphere and to enhance the quality of life of the community through the responsible management of parks, recreation activities and natural resources. To meet these ends, the Parks and Recreation Department attempts to provide safe and wholesome recreational services of both a passive and active nature. Our goal is to create a balance of activities, special events and programs for any and all segments of the population.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Empathy, flexibility, and compassion to provide social-emotional and behavioral support for our campers and camp staff throughout the summer camp season. The Behavior Specialist provides on-site and on-call behavioral support and conflict resolution strategies for our camp leadership teams and campers. The Behavior Specialist will offer daily support of site visits and camper observations, 1-on-1 sessions with camp staff and campers. They must have a strong background in youth development and counseling.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Able to maturely and competently supervise children and be a positive role model.

• Plan and implement program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with Parks and Recreation core values.

• Assist in training and supervising staff as they work with and manage their groups of children.

• Assist in development of daily schedules and ensure timeliness of activities and day flow.

• Support counselors as needed with camper behavioral issues.

• Follow Parks and Recreation policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.

• Be able to exercise proper judgment when dealing with children, staff, or parents.

• Adhere to program standards including safety, cleanliness, timeliness, and proper dress.

• Attends staff meetings and training.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to:

• Actively run, jump, swim, and lift a minimum of 1/3 their own body weight.

• Frequently bend, twist, crouch, squat, kneel, climb stairs and flex and rotate head and neck.

• Occasionally crawl, push, pull, reach and lift above shoulders.

• Occasionally work on uneven ground and slippery surfaces.

• Use hands in repetitive motion, grasping and fine manipulation of both right and left hands.

• Withstanding constant and repeated exposure to nature’s elements: rain, sun, wind, cold and heat.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to provide leadership and act as a positive role model to youth.

• Must possess good written and oral communication skills.

• Organizational and record keeping skills are also necessary.

• Must be willing to work flexible hours. Certified in First Aid and CPR.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

BA with a minimum of two years’ experience in School Counseling

PRE-CAMP

• Attend pre-camp planning meetings to develop program goals, activities, schedules, etc

• Attend all staff training days

• Help in promoting summer camp at various pre-camp events if possible.

IN-CAMP

• Arrive at camp by 8:30 a.m. and stay until 3:30 p.m. or until buses have cleared.

• Assist with and or lead staff meetings as needed.

• Supervise children who need assistance with planned activities.

• Assist with daily schedules and day flow.

• Assist in camp wide activities, rainy day activities, field trip activities, opening/closing activities.

• Support staff with camper behavioral issues.

• Assist with first aid and medical issues as needed.

• Maintain highest safety standards at all times, with a focus on risk management.

• Maintain rules as required by Parks and Recreation and assume role in camp emergency procedures.

• Be responsible for communicating to the Camp Director/Supervisors/Counselors with any conflict situations with children.

• To act in a manner that promotes the core values and Parks and Rec Mission.

• All other duties assigned.

The Town of New Milford is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $25