Summer Camp Behavior Management Specialist

Position: Summer Camp Behavioral Management Specialist (Seasonal) (June - August) $18.50/hr - $21.75/hr

Location: Camp Fowler, Orefield, PA

The Organization:

Valley Youth House empowers and strengthens the lives of children, youth, and families through inclusive programming that builds resilience and fosters growth and independence. VYH works from a trauma-informed / healing-centered perspective, incorporating positive youth and human development, and cultural awareness into all aspects of its services. The agency is committed to ensuring that clients and staff feel safe, have choice and voice, collaborate in a trusting environment, and are empowered to make a difference in their own lives and the agency.

Why Join Us?

• We offer a competitive compensation package with paid time off (PTO) to promote work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage, including prescription benefits.
• Enroll in our 401(k)-retirement plan and enjoy a company match up to 6% to secure your financial future.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Take advantage of our pre-tax spending accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care FSA).
• Health and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
• Referral program where you can earn rewards for bringing talented individuals to our team.
• Tuition reimbursement program to fuel your professional growth
• An extensive orientation program to ensure a smooth onboarding process.

Essential Functions of the Summer Camp Behavioral Management Specialist:

• Behavioral Support: Provide hands-on support to campers exhibiting challenging behaviors, helping them manage emotions and actions through positive reinforcement and de-escalation strategies.
• Crisis Intervention: Respond promptly to behavioral incidents, intervening when necessary to maintain a safe environment for campers and staff.
• Collaboration with Staff: Work closely with camp counselors, directors, and other staff to develop individualized behavior plans for campers needing additional support.
• Con?ict Resolution: Mediate con?icts between campers or campers and staff, ensuring issues are addressed constructively and in line with camp values.
• Training and Guidance: Offer guidance to camp staff on behavior management techniques, including preventative measures, de-escalation tactics, and positive discipline.
• Documentation: Accurately document behavior incidents, intervention strategies, and outcomes, keeping detailed records to share with the Camp Director and parents/guardians when needed.
• Family Communication: Collaborate with parents/guardians to develop consistent behavior plans and maintain open lines of communication regarding camper progress and any incidents that occur.
• Program Development: Assist in the development of camp-wide initiatives that promote emotional regulation, positive peer interactions, and a supportive camp culture.

Minimal Qualifications for the Summer Camp Behavioral Management Specialist:

• At least 2 years of experience working with children or adolescents, particularly those with behavioral challenges.
• Proven ability to manage and de-escalate crisis situations calmly and effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with a diverse team.
• Ability to work with children from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in education, psychology, social work, child development, or a related ?eld.
• Passion for youth development, experiential learning, and outdoor activities.
• Pro?ciency in Spanish (bilingual candidates strongly preferred).
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care practices.
• Familiarity with social-emotional learning (SEL) frameworks and behavioral intervention strategies.
• Previous experience working in a residential or day camp setting with large groups of children.

Physical Requirements for the Summer Camp Behavioral Management Specialist

• Capacity to work long hours in various weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and rain, while maintaining energy and enthusiasm. X Constant
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing. X Occasionally
• Walking, hiking, and movement across the camp's 43-acre property, which includes uneven terrain, wooded areas, and hills, multiple times a day. X Constant
• Willingness and ability to participate in and demonstrate camp activities, such as hiking, swimming, team-building exercises, and other outdoor activities. X Constant
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25-50 pounds, which may include supplies, equipment, or assisting with setting up activities. X Occasionally
• Capacity to perform basic first aid and CPR, including kneeling, bending, and other physical movements required in emergency situations. X Constantly
• Ability to navigate stairs. X Constantly

**If eligible: Medical, vision, and prescription benefits available after the first month of hire, Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time Off, 401k -6% match, Employer-paid clearances, physical, and training, Opportunities for Tuition reimbursement, Opportunities for licensure supervision hours for LCSW and LPC.

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