Camp Social Worker

The Dream Program • Fairfield, VT

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Camp DREAM is seeking a licensed clinical social worker to join our team. This is a newly created leadership role designed to expand the wellness branch of our camp staff. The Camp Social Worker is a seasonal, full time position, salaried, residential position funded by the Character at Camp grant.
This role is responsible for providing clinical oversight and direct support to the Camper Care Specialists and Behavior Interventionist Counselors in caring for the mental, social, and emotional wellbeing of campers and staff throughout the summer. The Camp Social Worker does not run activities, but rather serves as a floating clinical resource - available to respond to behavior escalations, staff questions, and individual camper needs throughout each session. This is a residential position; the Camp Social Worker lives on-site at camp for the duration of the term and is available to respond to emergency situations as needed.

Requirements

• Valid VT LICSW license, or demonstrated ability to obtain Vermont LICSW licensure prior to June 1, 2026
• Experience providing clinical or mental health services to youth and/or families
• Demonstrated skills and experience in a supervisory, leadership, or team-lead capacity
• Strong skills in family engagement and culturally responsive, trauma-informed practice
• Commitment to serving as a positive role model for youth
• Elevated awareness of issues of social equity and social justice, with a commitment to continued learning in service of a diverse community
• A passion for supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in your own practice and in the broader team
• Commitment to the full seasonal term: June 1 – August 14, 2026
• Demonstrated ability to manage time and set priorities while balancing the needs of those you serve, your team, the organization, and yourself
• Mental and physical ability to manage stressful situations, work well under pressure, and maintain a positive attitude during long days with less sleep than usual

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with trauma informed behavior intervention and restorative practices
• Experience in a residential camp, outdoor education, or similar immersive youth program setting
• Creativity, energy, and an entrepreneurial spirit — this is a newly created role with real latitude to shape it
• Current driver's license, proof of insurance, and clean driving record (not required, but strongly preferred to support session transportation)

Responsibilities

• Cultivate a positive, safe, and inclusive environment for campers and staff throughout the summer
• Act as an additional clinical layer of support for behavioral escalations across the camp community
• Attend all scheduled meetings and training events, including pre-camp training sessions
• Lead pre-camp staff trainings on behavior intervention, mandated reporting, and incident documentation
• Conduct staff performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and feedback
• Lead staff meetings and 1:1 check-ins with staff members
• Adhere to and enforce camp rules; communicate expectations positively and effectively to participants
• Plan and facilitate evening activities
• Provide coverage for other Leadership Team members on their days off
• Support counselors in problem-solving and navigating difficult situations and conversations
• Pick up and drop off counselors and campers in a camp vehicle or personal vehicle, if driving qualifications are met (preferred, not required)
• Build positive, healthy relationships with campers; maintain appropriate boundaries and follow all camp policies on disclosure, confidentiality, and social media
• Immediately report all injuries and illnesses to the Camp Director once nursing staff have responded
• Abstain from personal electronic device use during on-duty hours; devices may be used during designated off-time
• Perform additional duties as requested by the Camp Director or Leadership Team
• Conduct weekly individual supervision with Camper Care Specialists and Behavior Interventionist Counselors to provide clinical guidance, debrief challenging situations, and ensure consistency of care across staff
• Develop and review individualized camper behavior plans with Camper Care and Behavior Intervention staff; update plans at the conclusion of each session to ensure continuity of care
• Assist counselors in applying preventative, trauma-informed behavior intervention techniques
• When coaching is not sufficient, take over as lead interventionist during behavior escalations or mental health crises
• Create safety plans with youth who express feeling unsafe at home or school
• Support counselors in completing DCF reports when mandated reporting is required
• Coordinate with DCF, families, schools, counselors, and other members of a youth's support system to connect them with appropriate services
• Connect and follow up with DREAM's year-round mentoring and programming staff to ensure continuity of care for campers
• Provide direct 1:1 coverage for Camper Care Specialists and Behavior Intervention Counselors during breaks, including support with campers during activities, meals, or rest time
• When providing behavior intervention, the Camp Social Worker may be solely responsible for 1–5 youth for a brief period if a counselor is needed elsewhere

Benefits

• On-site housing is provided at no cost for the full term.
• Three meals per day are included while on duty at camp.
• If you use a personal vehicle for work-related travel outside of your daily commute, DREAM will reimburse mileage at the current IRS standard rate.

What This Job Offers

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