Camp Inclusion Specialist

Naples Zoo Inc•Naples, FL

10d•$18 - $19

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to play an important role in the facilitation and leadership of Naples Zoo at the Caribbean Gardens’ summer camp, ensuring inclusion of all individuals that participate in camp programs. The Inclusion Specialist will support the educational, behavioral, social-emotional, and physical needs of summer Camp WILD campers. With the Supervisor, the Inclusion Specialist will help train and support Camp Counselors on inclusion practices and resources and modify existing camp programs to ensure quality participation by all. Naples Zoo prides itself on its mission to inspire people of all ages to respect, value, and conserve wildlife and the natural world. Camp WILD engages children in thematic conservation education programming: art, activities, games, tours, exclusive experiences and animal encounters that support the mission of Naples Zoo. Candidates eligible for hire must be available for all weeks of the summer Camp WILD program.

Requirements

Candidates are required to be at least 18 years of age.
Willingness to support organization’s Vision, Mission and Values while working with children in our camps.
Must obtain a TB test, pass a background check, and pass a drug screen upon hire.
Must be present and able to attend all required training, program weeks, and clean-up.
Excellent organizational skills, ability to multitask, flexible, and the ability to provide exceptional guest service.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to practice open communication with supervisors and coworkers.
Willingness to work around animals, including reptiles, mammals, birds, amphibians, and invertebrates.
Must be flexible, fun, creative, responsible, dependable, adaptable, and have enthusiasm for children and wildlife.
Highly motivated, energetic, is a team player, and has a positive attitude.
Ability to speak appropriately, comfortably, and confidently in front of groups of various sizes and ages.
Ability to physically and mentally remain calm and maintain control during emergencies that arise.
Have the ability to establish positive and productive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
Proven ability to interact with other staff, guests, and/or volunteers, and to maintain an energetic and positive attitude.
Ability to respond to common inquiries, requests or complaints from guests and/or staff in a kind and courteous manner.
Must be able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Needs to be able to think logically and solve problems with little or no guidance.
Ability to work independently and follow direction from the Camp Program Supervisor, Education Programs Supervisor, and/or the Director of Education.
Candidates must have a High School diploma or GED equivalent.
Candidates must have a minimum of one year of college coursework or professional experience in a related field; education, special education, or psychology.
Minimum three months’ experience working with children in an educational setting, e.g., camp, day care, student teaching, school, park district, Special Recreation Association, or cultural institution.
Valid Driver’s License

Nice To Haves

An active CPR certification & first aid training is preferred. If CPR certification is not obtained prior to hire date, CPR certification will be offered within 14 days at the Zoo’s expense.
Experience working in/with recreation programs, schools, zoos, aquariums, environmental education centers, and/or combination thereof is preferred.
Experience in a leadership role or supervising interns or volunteers is a plus.
Multi-lingual is a plus.
One year of direct experience working with individuals who have a variety of physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist Camp Program Supervisor with the coordination of inclusion practices in Camp WILD:
Assist in reviewing camper registrations for allergies, medications, and support needs.
Support communications with camp families to establish camper support plans
Create and conduct training for camp staff on inclusion practices
Create, communicate, and implement individualized support plans
Provide support for camper behaviors that arise
Provide one-on-one support for campers as needed
Help support a positive camp environment through effective conflict resolution, collaboration, positive reinforcement, and modeling
Assist in maintaining documents and inclusive supports/supplies
Understand what inclusion resources are available at the Zoo, including but not limited to: guest experiences, habitats, and staff, and how to utilize these in the Camp WILD program.
Ability to work with and direct camp staff on implementation of positive behavior management and support plans for campers
Research and maintain best inclusion practices pertaining to education in a zoo setting
Monitor campers' behavior and ensure campers follow camp rules and regulations; address any issues promptly in accordance with the Camp WILD behavior policy, reporting any larger issues to the Camp Program Supervisor
Create a debrief report at the end of the summer camp season, including data on the number and nature of support requests, summaries of changes made to camp’s inclusion practices, materials, and training, as well as recommendations for further improvement
Conduct all activities in accordance with Association of Zoos and Aquariums and organizational standards, regulations, safety, policy, and procedure.
Provide excellent guest service to all campers, caregivers, guests, teams, and co-workers.
Adhere to all policies, including but not limited to safety, programs, cleaning etc.
Work with a team to create, build, and maintain a good working rapport ensuring a fun, safe, and engaging learning environment for the campers.
Promptly document and report all camper related issues, safety, repairs, and hazards. This includes, but is not limited to, camper behavior, incidents, and emergencies.
Serve as a substitute counselor if needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.