Camp Inclusion Facilitator

Saint Louis Zoo • Saint Louis, MO

6h • Onsite

About The Position

Supporting campers ages 5 – 15 with inclusion needs, so that they can participate in our Zoo camp programs as fully as possible.

Requirements

• Passion for working with all children, regardless of their background or ability, and desire to provide the opportunity for them to play, learn and have positive social interactions.
• Experience working with neurodiverse populations and children of all abilities and ages a must.
• Demonstrated experience in assisting children with self-regulation challenges, and ability to work with challenging behaviors required.
• Ability to work both independently, and as a collaborative team member.
• Compassion, flexibility, a positive attitude and a desire to create a safe and fun learning environment for all children, that allows them to connect to the natural world.
• Must possess excellent customer service, organization and communication skills, and exemplify the Zoo’s values.
• All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and a drug test.
• As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. The drug test screens for five substances, including marijuana.
• Must be willing and able to work outside daily in the summer heat, walk around the Zoo up to 4-5 miles per day, and lift up to 40 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s degree in OT, PT, Special Ed Recreational Therapy or related field preferred.
• Experience with trauma informed care preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work with all campers in need of support, regardless of identified or diagnosed needs.
• Provide inclusion support for campers ages 5 to 15, to the maximum degree of involvement possible.
• Help adapt activities to ensure camper participation and success.
• Provide support to campers as they integrate into daily camp life.
• Facilitate camper relationships and encourage social interaction.
• Provide positive reinforcement and other behavioral interventions to facilitate camper involvement in the group and activities.
• Promote camper connection to animals and the Zoo, and enjoyment of the program.
• Work with all campers, counselors, or volunteers to help foster an inclusive environment for all campers.
• Communicate effectively with parents, Zoo educators, camp directors, and inclusion team regarding the needs of the participants.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Complete all necessary camper documentation.
• Function effectively as a collaborative team member and a source of expertise and support, for counselors, camp community and education team members, while modeling a passion for inclusion.
• Provide families with the practical guidance they need to make a camper’s week the best week of their summer.
• Model a positive attitude, camp energy, compassion and empathy while on the job.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time