Job Description
Summary
This position serves as a Lifeguard and Driver for a summer camp in Grand Rapids, Michigan, 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 Lifeguard and Driver, this position is responsible, under the direction of the Camp Director, for supervision of campers and staff in all waterfront situations at the camp and off-site, including pools, lakes and rivers, ensuring the safety of all camp clientele and staff. The Lifeguard enforces waterfront rules and performs rescues as per established protocol. As Driver, this position is responsible for operating camp vehicles responsibly and assisting with all transportation needs. This position may be part-time or combined with other positions into a full-time seasonal position. This position reports to the Camp Director.
Specific Responsibilities
- OUB has a recreational agreement with a neighboring camp for use of their indoor pool and waterfront. The Lifeguard is responsible for communication with the host camp staff to assure that all protocols are well-defined and followed, including emergency procedures and who to contact for clean-up of bodily fluids, etc.
- OUB also, from time to time, may utilize a public beach or waterfront. The lifeguard is responsible to maintain a professional presence in protecting our campers and staff in a public waterfront setting.
- Follow instructions from the Camp Director and Program Director regarding the camp schedule for swimming and other waterfront activities, and make sure the waterfront area involved is properly prepared for safe water activities.
- Train sighted waterfront observers.
- Follow guidelines in place to assure safe water activities for campers and staff.
- Perform water rescues and follow emergency procedures as per established protocol.
- Enlist the aid of other staff members to properly watch the waterfront for safety concerns and to monitor camper behavior. Use acceptable forms of youth development principles to ensure that all campers and staff adhere to safe practices in the waterfront area.
- Report rescues and emergencies to the Camp Nurse or Health Officer on duty immediately.
- Report rescues and emergencies to the Camp Director immediately.
- Report any problems with equipment to the Camp Director as soon as possible.
- Report any problems with behavior to the Camp Director as soon as possible.
- Ensure that waterfront area is left in a clean and neat condition after use. Survey locker rooms, boats and beachfront areas for lost possessions. Campers are responsible for cleaning their area. Assist other camp staff with properly assuring the area is clean.
- Ask for help when unsure of process to clean an area appropriately.
- As Driver, follow all traffic rules, ensuring the safety of all in the vehicle.
- Must be at least 21 years old with a good driving record to drive vehicles with campers.
- Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through positive communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth.
- Be aware of and implement safety guidelines; follow camp rules. Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff. Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
- Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to Camp Director.
- Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.
- Set a good example to campers and others in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.
- At the end of each camp session, make sure facilities and vehicles 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 and vehicles 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
- NO SMOKING, USE OF ALCOHOL, or ILLEGAL DRUGS is permitted during summer employment with Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind
- Submit all required paperwork on time.
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.
This position requires the following:
- For Lifeguard position, must be at least 18 years of age.
- For Driver position, 21 years of age is required to transport campers, 18 years of age is required to transport staff.
- Must hold current Lifeguard or Life Saving certification or believe that they can obtain certification (OUB provides Lifeguard classes through a third party.)
- Must hold a valid driver’s license and provide proof of a good driving record (available through the Secretary of State)
- Preferred: at least 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
- Ability to carry out established roles in enforcing camp safety regulations
Time Commitment
This position is a 5-6 day per week job, dependent on the camp schedule. This position could be an on-camp 24 hour per day position or an 8 hour per day position. This position may be part-time or full-time when combined with another position.
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.