Behavior Interventionist Camp Counselor

The Dream Program • Fairfield, VT

34d • Onsite

About The Position

Behavior Interventionist Counselor at Camp DREAM is an Americorps position, responsible for creating a supportive, safe, and fun environment for campers with shared life experiences to explore and express their identities, experience happiness, and establish healthy relationships with their peers. The Behavior Interventionist (BI) Counselor has the additional responsibility of providing one on one support for campers with support needs during the overnight session. If there are no campers in a session that require one on one support, the BI counselor will function the same as a regular counselor. Camp Counselors live in a cabin with campers and help to run camp activity areas during the day. The Camp Counselor is responsible for knowing the whereabouts of each camper under their supervision at all times while on duty and serves as a mentor for youth, helping to nurture the self-esteem, confidence and core values of every camper. Americorps members are expected to work 10 day sessions, with one 30 hour period off; as well as 3 days off between sessions. Dates: June 2 - August 12 (for counselors going through lifeguard certification) June 7 - August 12 (for non-lifeguards) Commitment to DEIB The DREAM Program is committed to dismantling systems of oppression that affect our youth and families. This organizational commitment means that members should join this space with an intention of learning, unlearning, and diving into ways that your involvement will directly contribute to DREAM’s mission of reducing the Opportunity Gap while also supporting the dismantling of other systemic inequities. We seek members who contribute to The DREAM Program’s diverse community, as having different perspectives, identities, and skills are what allow us to excel in our service. DREAM seeks members who are ready to engage in and foster an inclusive environment, and who strive to deliver culturally appropriate and relevant programming to the youth we serve. Incoming members and staff should understand that we serve marginalized communities, which means that it is imperative that diversity, equity, and inclusivity are infused into every aspect of our work as an organization.

Requirements

• To be an AmeriCorps member you MUST be 17 years or older, and be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien.
• Excitement and passion around working with youth.
• Commitment to the entire service term June 2 or 7th (depending on if lifeguard certification is required) through August 12th
• Commitment to the mission of AmeriCorps and DREAM.
• Desire to enhance existing skills and develop new skills necessary for service.
• Commitment to serve as a role model for youth.
• Elevated awareness of issues of social equity and social justice with a commitment to continued learning as it relates to serving our diverse community in a manner that is respectful and aware.
• A passion for supporting your own and others’ ongoing work around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time and set priorities while giving consideration to those who you are serving, your fellow team members, the organization, and the self.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in behavior intervention or behavior support for youth.
• Previous youth work experiences or motivations/preference for gaining experience in youth services.
• Previous experience as a camp counselor and/or outdoor educator.
• Creativity, energy, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Current driver’s license, proof of insurance, and clean driving record. (NOT REQUIRED but preferred to support session transportation)
• First aid and CPR certification by the time summer sessions begin. (If not currently certified, DREAM will offer opportunities for certification during our summer orientation.)
• Mental and physical ability to manage stressful situations, work well under pressure, and maintain a positive attitude while working long days on less sleep than accustomed to

Responsibilities

• Attend scheduled meetings and training events, including pre-camp training sessions which begin on your first day.
• Share a living/sleeping space with 8-10 campers and 2-3 counselors.
• Adhere to and ensure enforcement of camp rules and communicate them positively and effectively to participants.
• Supervise assigned cabin campers during meals, clean-up time, rest hour, evening activities, and overnight, ensuring their safety and supporting their success, with the support of co-counselor(s) or, oftentimes, solo, during the co-counselor’s off time.
• Escort campers to dining areas, cabins, recreational activities, and camp events; assist with the set-up and clean-up of recreational events, equipment, and program activities.
• Regularly communicate with co-counselor(s) and the leadership team about the status of the campers, including incidents that might require intervention or further monitoring and areas requiring additional personal support. Communicate with leadership staff regarding potential hazards, concerns, or incidents that may need follow-up based on individual circumstances.
• Facilitate camp program activities as a leader or assistant; carry out camp activities as a member of one of the following camp activity departments: Arts & Crafts, Performing Arts, Biking, Archery, Ropes, or Field.
• Get to know campers and develop positive, healthy relationships. Maintain appropriate boundaries with campers and follow camp policies regarding disclosure, confidentiality, and social media involvement.
• Interact with and observe campers. Immediately report all injuries and illnesses, regardless of severity, to leadership staff after the nurses have taken control of the situation.
• Know the scheduled service and rest times. Report to service on time as scheduled.
• Abstain from the use of personal electronic devices, such as tablets or cell phones, during on-duty hours. These devices may be used during time off.
• Perform additional functions or assume additional responsibilities throughout the facility as needed or as requested by the camp leadership.
• Provide 1:1 behavior and emotional support for a camper during the overnight session
• We use a model of inclusion at Camp DREAM, with the goal being camper independence. The BI counselor will work with co-staff and leadership to identify areas where the camper can be more independent, and work with the camper to develop additional independence while they are at Camp.
• Communicate with the Camper Care team and other BI counselors regarding support for the individual camper

Benefits

• Upon completion of dates and total hours, you will receive an education award of $1,956.35 (pre-tax).
• Free housing for your entire term is included.
• AmeriCorps members are also eligible for: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (food stamps) Child care assistance Student loan deferment (forbearance) Other publicly-funded benefits, such as heating and utility assistance.
• If you engage in work-related travel in a personal vehicle outside of your commute, DREAM will provide reimbursement for mileage.
• As an AmeriCorps member at DREAM, you will have the additional support of a DREAM AmeriCorps Director to help you navigate your service term and apply for publicly funded programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees