To proceed with your application for this position, please complete the Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment linked below. Ensure you finish the assessment for your application to be reviewed.
Behavioral Assessment Link
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Summer Camp Director, the Outdoor Education Specialist is responsible for creating a safe environment with an appropriate curriculum and program for their assigned specialty camp and program area.
OUR CULTURE:
At the YMCA of Montclair, we strive to be the Employer of Choice, provide World-Class Service, and be the Charity of Choice. Our goal is to be a place where employees are empowered and excited to come to work. All staff ensure that members experience customer centric, individual attention each and every day. We strive to be the preferred partner to collaborate with others, identifying and meeting our community needs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Assist in assuring the safety and health of all campers in accordance with applicable NJ state and ACA requirements through proper supervision. Actively participate with all children.
- Design and implement outdoor education curriculum tailored to different age groups and abilities, incorporating environmental education and life skills development.
- Must lead outdoor activities such as, but not limited to, hiking, canoeing, ropes/challenge courses, team building, while providing clear instructions and ensuring participant safety.
- Facilitate group dynamics, team building cohesion, and fostering communication among participants.
- Educate participants about the natural environment, conservation practices, and Leave No Trace principles.
- Assess potential hazards, implement safety protocols, and respond to emergencies by following the camp EAP.
- Maintain all equipment and property, minimizing damage. Inform the director if new equipment is needed or equipment needs repair.
- Assist in packing up equipment, materials, supplies, etc. and camp close at the end of camp season. Submit inventory of supplies packed to the Camp Director.
- Communicate positively and enthusiastically with campers, parents, staff and volunteers.
- Treat each child and parent with dignity and respect. Show attentiveness to all parent and camper issues.
- Maintain a safe work environment, free of clutter, debris, and hazardous conditions.
- Report all accidents and incidents involving self, participants, guests or other employees.
- Familiar with and able to implement emergency procedures.
- Ensure cleanliness of facility or property.
- Assist in planning and implementation of special camp-wide theme programs, including Family Days and Open Houses.
- Recognize and respond to potential problems in group or individual discipline problems in accordance with camp policies and procedures.
- Evaluate current season, program, and self. Make recommendations for next season.
- Attend and actively participate in staff training and meetings.
- Assist during waterfront activities by serving as a lookout, swim instructor, boater, buddy, or clipboard counselor.
- Assist at the assigned bus stop with campers and parents.
- All other duties as assigned.
- Demonstrate and model the YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
- Exhibit personal and professional behavior in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Association, so as not to bring discredit to the Association.
- Perform such other job-related duties as may be periodically assigned by the Supervisor.
- Cooperate; work effectively and congenially with all YMCA staff members, volunteers, and members of the Association.
- Attend required Abuse Risk Management training and adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising members and participants.
- Follow employee and volunteer screening requirements and use screening instruments to screen for abuse risk. Provide employees and volunteers with on-going supervision and training related to abuse risk.
- Provide employees and volunteers with regular feedback regarding their boundaries with consumers and require them to adhere to policies and procedures related to abuse risk.
- Respond quickly to policy and procedure violations using the Y’s disciplinary procedures and respond seriously and confidentially to reports of suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and follow mandated reporting requirements.
- Communicates to all employees and volunteers the Y’s commitment to protect our members from abuse.
- Ensure unused rooms and closets remain locked; will routinely monitor high-risk locations (locker rooms and restrooms) etc.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:
- Emotional Maturity
- Communication
- Critical Thinking and Decision Making
- Relationships
- Collaboration
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be at least 20 years of age and be a high school graduate.
- Previous experience in camping, recreation, teaching, childcare or physical education preferred.
- Must have knowledge of outdoor education and/or environmental science.
- Excellent human relation skills, good organizational and communication skills.
- Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of the YMCA and its capacity to build strong kids, families and communities. The ability to articulate and model YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibilities are essential.
- The satisfactory performance of the incumbent will result in a consistently high-quality summer camp program which ensures the health and safety of all campers.
- Must have a CPR/AED and First Aid Certification OR get certified within 90 days of employment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This work requires the following physical activities: climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing for extended periods of time, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, feeling, hearing, and visual acuity (with the aid of glasses if necessary). The work is performed primarily outdoors and may require occasional travel. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
COMPANY BENEFITS: Free membership and 25% discount for various programs and camp fees for the duration of the season.
HOURLY PAY RATE: $17.00 to $18.25
WORK SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
LOCATION: 131 Germantown Rd, West Milford, NJ 07480
