HISRA Summer Daze Leader

Peoria Park District•Peoria, IL

11d•$17 - $22

About The Position

The Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (HISRA) is a cooperative effort of the Peoria, Morton, Chillicothe, and Washington Park Districts. Its mission is to provide quality recreation programs and services to individuals with disabilities and special needs. HISRA has several openings that center around hands-on experiences working with these individuals. Duties: Under the supervision of the HISRA Program Coordinator, the HISRA Summer Daze Leader is responsible for: Develop and implement diverse and engaging activities suitable for the interests and abilities of teen and young adult camp participants. Effectively manage the camp environment, employing classroom management techniques to ensure a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Establish and maintain excellent relationships with campers, parents, and fellow staff members. Demonstrate adaptability to handle last-minute changes of plans, ensuring a seamless and positive experience for campers and staff. Possess excellent communication and customer service skills to effectively interact with participants, parents, and co-workers. Work collaboratively with other camp staff to coordinate and integrate activities into the overall camp program, contributing to a cohesive and enriching experience. Keep records of participants' progress, achievements, and any special considerations, sharing insights with camp coordinators and relevant team members. Ensure the safety and well-being of campers at all times, implementing appropriate safety protocols and emergency procedures. Follow all Peoria Park District and HISRA rules, policies, and procedures. Follow all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed. Support all aspects of the Peoria Park District and HISRA safety programs. Perform all other duties as assigned. Essential Functions: The following work environment characteristics as described in this job description are representative of those of an indoor/ outdoor work environment the employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the functions of this role, the employee may be exposed to all types of lighting, weather and temperature conditions, such as sun, heat and humidity. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud to very loud. This position also involves work in close quarters to buses during field trips with campers, and at various indoor locations.QualificationsExperience: Previous experience working with children and young adults with disabilities, demonstrating a genuine understanding and appreciation for their unique needs. Must be 21 years or older.

Requirements

Previous experience working with children and young adults with disabilities, demonstrating a genuine understanding and appreciation for their unique needs.
Must be 21 years or older.
Physical ability to safely perform lifts and transfers of children and young adults with disabilities.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with participants, parents, and co-workers.
Enthusiastic, patient, and flexible approach to working in a camp setting.
Requires a valid Illinois State Driver’s License willingness to undergo a driving check and training
Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.
Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Flexibility and adaptability to handle changes of plans effectively.

Nice To Haves

Day camp or classroom management experience, or experience leading similar programs strongly desired.
Proven experience in behavior management, preferably in a similar role.
Strong organizational skills, and multitasking abilities.
Ability to provide the best possible image of HISRA and its member districts so that the public respects and appreciates HISRA, its facility and the quality of its services.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement diverse and engaging activities suitable for the interests and abilities of teen and young adult camp participants.
Effectively manage the camp environment, employing classroom management techniques to ensure a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
Establish and maintain excellent relationships with campers, parents, and fellow staff members.
Demonstrate adaptability to handle last-minute changes of plans, ensuring a seamless and positive experience for campers and staff.
Possess excellent communication and customer service skills to effectively interact with participants, parents, and co-workers.
Work collaboratively with other camp staff to coordinate and integrate activities into the overall camp program, contributing to a cohesive and enriching experience.
Keep records of participants' progress, achievements, and any special considerations, sharing insights with camp coordinators and relevant team members.
Ensure the safety and well-being of campers at all times, implementing appropriate safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Follow all Peoria Park District and HISRA rules, policies, and procedures.
Follow all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed.
Support all aspects of the Peoria Park District and HISRA safety programs.
Perform all other duties as assigned.