Job Description
Want to apply? The 2020 Staff Application will be available in January.
Summary
This position serves as the Program Director of a summer camp for children and youth who are blind or who have low vision. The main goal of the camp is to provide a fun, safe and educational setting which promotes independence and quality of life for children and adults who are blind or have low vision. As Program Director, this position is responsible, under the direction of the Camp Director, for pre- and post-camp evaluations and communication with parents on individual skill needs of campers, development and implementation of programming which will help campers and staff learn lifeskills, social skills, and other skills of independence in a fun encouraging environment. The Program Director is responsible for developing, scheduling and leading activities, record keeping, assisting with staff development, and adhering to the program budget. This position reports to the Camp Director.
Specific Responsibilities
Develop a program with specific activities which addresses campers’ needs, and which fit into the specific theme of each camping session and which incorporate the following from the Expanded Core Curriculum:
Independence and motivation, Orientation and mobility, Social interaction skills, Independent living skills, Recreation and leisure skills, Career education, Assistive Technology (“low tech” or “high tech”), Visual efficiency skills (when appropriate), Strengthen academic skills, especially math
Assist the Camp Director in planning and implementing staff training that will enable the program to succeed
Teach activities to staff at staff training and staff meetings
Teach staff methods of teaching campers specific skills as pertains to program activities
Participate in all of staff training
Prepare and implement pre- and post-camp evaluations for each camper.
Set up equipment for various activities
Keep records on all participants; help them progress from beginner to advanced levels
Provide for awards and awards ceremonies for camper successes in all areas
Evaluate each camp session and make suggestions for improvement
Conduct inventory of supplies, store equipment neatly and efficiently
Order supplies in a timely fashion
Report damaged equipment, buildings or safety hazards promptly to Camp Director
At the end of each camp session, make sure facilities are cleaned and prepared for the next session
At the end of the season, submit an end-of-camp evaluation with recommendations for improvement.
At the end of camp season, make sure the facilities are clean, equipment is inventoried and stored, and other duties as assigned to close camp
Learn and follow through with safety regulations and emergency procedures
Submit all required paperwork on time.
NO SMOKING, USE OF ALCOHOL, or ILLEGAL DRUGS is permitted during summer employment with Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind
Qualifications
This position requires a highly motivated person who is passionate about improving the quality of life for persons who are blind or have low vision. Comfort with culture change and social change is a must for the person in this position. Advocacy skills, excellent inter-personal skills, excellent communication skills, creativity, initiative and the ability to motivate others are important. Experience supervising and mentoring staff is preferred. Experience developing programs is preferred. This position requires the following:
Must be at least 21 years of age
At least 1 year’s progress toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Education or Special Education or other human services area, or Bachelor’s degree in another area and experience working with special needs populations. Special consideration will be given to persons with Certification in Teaching, Orientation and Mobility, or Rehabilitation for the Blind and Visually Impaired or progress toward those degrees
1 season experience in an organized camp setting
In a physical condition that permits active participation in camp activities side-by-side with campers and staff, and able to physically respond in an emergency situation
Mature, capable person who willingly accepts guidance and supervision from supervisor
Work well with others
Willingness to live and work in an outdoor/camp setting
Ability to work independently
Current CPR and first aid training preferred
Life Saving certificate preferred (cost to be reimbursed by OUB)
Ability to carry out established roles in enforcing camp safety regulations
Time Commitment
This is a 24-7 on-call position while camp is in session from June 5 – July 26. See camp schedule. Additional time may be required before camp begins.
This job description may not list all the duties and responsibilities of the position. The employee will answer to the OUB Camp Director, and may be asked to perform other duties. OUB reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The employee will be evaluated, in part, based upon the performance of the tasks listed in this job description.