Rate of pay: $100 per day during camp season.

Under the supervision of the Camp Director, the Wellness Specialist is responsible for managing mental and emotional health needs of campers, and occasionally staff, as they arise. The Wellness Specialist provides resources and training to camp staff, ensuring the camp environment supports a positive state of wellbeing. This position is responsible for advising the camp director and the camp leadership team as to what action, if any, is needed. This position is also responsible for carrying out supervision of campers, as needed, and supports the camp team with general camp operations.

1. Ensure the camp environment supports a positive state of wellbeing for campers, staff, volunteers, and visitors

• Provide resources and training for camp staff to understand how to manage camper behavior, including common triggers and best practice for prevention and intervention
• Provide resources and training to camp staff to manager their own wellness, including recognizing signs and symptoms of burnout, de-escalation tactics, and self-care practices
• Meet with the camp leadership team to learn about potential campers who need help, brief leadership team on campers whom the camper wellness specialist has met with and the plans around them
• Work closely with the camp leads to discuss campers who may need one-on-one discussions, and follow up with those campers and then the camp leads
• Develop and deliver programming that supports and/or educates campers and staff on positive wellness

       2. Respond to campers and/or staff experiencing challenges with mental or emotional health while at camp

• Subject matter expert in mental and emotional health, serving as point of contact for camp staff when dealing with a camper in distress
• Help calm and soothe campers or staff who might be in crisis, calling for additional support from the leadership team if needed
• Meet with camper and/or staff member to assess needs and create camper agreements, with campers, if needed
• Provide camp director recommended action plans for campers and/or staff who need accommodations or special attention as it relates to mental and/or emotional health, including a decision where that camper or staff should not remain at camp
• If needed, speak to caregivers of campers who are struggling to brief them on the situation and discuss recommended actions
• Brief camp leads on plans made with certain campers around accommodations or other items that will help them minimize struggles during camp
• Report any cases to state welfare agencies if a camper alleges any mandated reporting reasons, including abuse at home or in their home community

3.  Assist unit staff in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers as assigned

• Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers
• Know and implement safety guidelines, including camper supervision standards according to Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints and American Camp Association

   Other Job Duties:

• Participates in camp staff training and in-service training sessions
• Participates enthusiastically in all-camp activities, planning and leading those as assigned
• Assists with delivery and pickup of camper luggage
• Assist in cleaning and maintenance of camp after each session and during end-of-season cleaning period
• Drive camp vehicles as needed
• Other administrative duties as assigned

Qualifications: (Minimum Qualifications and Experience)

• Minimum age 21
• Two years of college, desired
• Have a background working with children in social work, psychology, counseling, family therapy, or a similar field
• Have a background working with children in crisis situations
• Able to lead and problem solve
• Able to deal with mental health crisis situations in a calm manner
• Able to advise camp director and other leadership team members in taking action when a camper or staff member might be in need of services beyond what camp can provide
• Able to be at camp from May 31- August 7, 2023
• Current certification in first aid and CPR, desired.
• Valid Drivers License with a clean driving record
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, unless a qualifying medical or religious exemption is needed

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to function independently
• Highly responsible and trustworthy
• Desire and ability to work with children outdoors in varied conditions
• Ability to motivate and maintain effective working relationships with staff from diverse cultures and all organizational levels
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills

Physical Aspects of the Position:

• Ability to communicate in English to provide necessary instruction to campers and staff
• Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers

Some physical requirements of this position could be endurance including standing, some bending, stooping, and stretching. Requires the ability to listen to others, observe others actions, read text and information; comprehend instructions and manuals, and physical ability to move about the camp property in various environmental conditions. Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivering program in the facility available. Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and other environmental conditions.