Camper Mental Health Specialist for Summer Camp (Seasonal)

Overview: : YWCA Vermont seeks an experienced professional to provide support for YWCA Vermont Camp Hochelaga’s campers and staff, as a Camper Mental Health Specialist to provide direct care to campers seeking mental health support while at camp. This position is also intended to provide supports to counselors as they navigate mental health and behavioral challenges their campers may be facing.

The ideal candidate for this position is inclusive of all, and understands how to meet complex and nuanced individual needs that may arise in the camp setting.

For all seasonal staff, the camp season is June to August*. YWCA Vermont Camp Hochelaga serves more than 1,000 people each summer through camp programs, facilities use, and volunteer opportunities that engage the community in YWCA’s mission, of Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women, and Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom, and Dignity for all.

*The exact dates are dependent on your specific role, which certifications/trainings you will be a part of, and our seasonal calendar for camp – we will discuss with you the exact dates during the interview/hiring process

Salary: This position is classified as seasonal, exempt. Salary is based upon the applicant's skills and experience. Benefits include camp meals each day of employment, and camper tuition coverage for applicable children.

Responsible to: Camp Director, Assistant Camp Director, and Head Nurse/Health House Staff as needed

Qualifications:

• This is preferably a residential position with room/board included but can be select hours only if needed (ideal schedule for someone who commutes would be 9am-5pm for weekdays, and 10am-5pm on Sundays)
• This position, as with counselor staff, is eligible for one 24 hr period off weekly, as well as hourly breaks during the day (can be determined case by case based on scheduling that works to benefit both applicant and camp)
• Someone who knows how to take proactive initiative
• Someone with a strong sense of personal accountability
• Comfortable communicating with parents/families/caregivers about relevant (at times, challenging) information about their camper (always with the camper’s safety and best interest in mind)
• Willingness to drive to doctor, pharmacy or other emergency treatment locations as needed
• Observe and assess relevant conditions at camp and help provide corrective action/feedback
• Enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate action
• Ability to communicate and work with a variety of age groups and provide necessary information or support to campers
• At least 21 preferred
• Experience in mental health practice, and diverse health care/youth support settings highly preferred
• Common needs may arise around supports through depression, anxiety, panic disorders, suicidal ideation, neurodivergencies (most common is overstimulation in camp environment), anger and other emotional regulation, inner-camper conflict, disordered eating, and more
• Background in Social Work, Education (especially Special Education), or youth Psychology preferred (experience in a current college-degree or similar program in any of these areas can also suffice)
• Understanding of when to respect camper confidentiality, and when information needs to be passed along to relevant supports

Responsibilities:

• Attend morning leadership team meetings Monday-Friday
• Attend once weekly full-team meeting (Sunday mornings)
• Support with camper health screenings each residential camper check-in day (Sundays)
• Provide one-on-one care to campers experiencing mental health challenges, or other emotional challenges
• Though supporting on homesickness may sometimes be asked for, this aspect should mostly fall to cabin Counselors and Head of Line Staff
• Support as needed in facilitating camper-camper conversations around conflicts that arise (including full cabin discussions, and full line discussions)
• Provide suggestions and feedback as applicable to counselor staff as they navigate supporting these same situations
• Have resources organized and available for camper use as needed (ie. fidget toys, coloring pages, noise cancelling headphones, etc.)
• Pass along feedback as necessary to relevant staff members so that we can best support our campers
• Possibility to lead engaging wellness, and other related camper courses over the summer
• Option to lead Introductory level Mental Emotional and Social Health (MESH) training during staff training week, or during the summer as relevant
• Pose suggestions to Camp Directors around different tools and resources that camp may purchase to best support camper safety and wellbeing at camp
• These are not the only duties to be performed. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties may be assigned as required

Essential Functions:

• Maintain a balanced schedule that includes rest and self care along with work and play
• Communicate and work with a variety of age and skill level groups and provide necessary instruction to staff and campers
• Identify and respond appropriately to environmental and other hazards related to the activity or situation
• Plan and conduct activities and supervise camper safety
• Strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers in all assigned areas while on duty (camp days can be long - typically from 8am-10pm)
• Set up, demonstrate, guide, and to teach class specific skills to campers of all ages
• Understanding of when to request, and accept guidance and supervision
• Respect and cooperate with fellow staff and administration
• Participate in a strenuous camp program with campers, while maintaining a high level of energy and enthusiasm
• Ability to self-motivate, and lead as a role model to our campers

YWCA of Vermont, Inc. does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

YWCA Vermont Camp Hochelaga

34 Hochelaga Rd South Hero, VT | 802.372.4510

www.ywcavt.org | contactus@ywcavt.org

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $600.00 - $900.00 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $600 - $900