Intervention Specialist

JOB TITLE: Intervention Specialist

JOB LOCATION: Timber Pointe Outdoor Center, 20 Timber Pointe Lane, Hudson, IL 61748

Position Objective:

The Intervention Specialist, as one of Timber Pointe’s Summer Support Staff members, has a key role in creating a camp community full of meaningful connection and positive development, a community that takes on challenges together, experiences the therapeutic benefits of nature and recreation, and gains new life experiences daily.

This position is devoted to being the support system for campers and counselors. Through intentional observation and interaction, they ensure that the needs of each camper are being met and that they feel safe and supported to challenge themselves, try new things, and develop meaningful life skills. The Intervention Specialist thinks outside the box to generate ideas/strategies to equip counselors to develop and promote positive behaviors and choices within campers, successful transitions, effective sensory solutions, and maximum participation in camp life. We strongly believe that success looks different for everyone, and the Intervention Specialist will work with campers and counselors to define, work towards, and celebrate their own strengths, successes, and growth.

The Intervention Specialist is passionate and committed to upholding Timber Pointe’s leadership standards by providing training, supervision, coaching and support while acting as a beacon of compassion and empathy within our camp community. They are resourceful and proactive, with advanced knowledge of camper care, positive behavioral strategies, effective communication, and conflict resolution.

Position Pay:

The Intervention Specialist will be paid a rate of $440/week (a total of $5,280 over the course of the summer). Staff members are required to live on-site during the season but may leave during off-times. Meals will be provided throughout each camp session (we are inclusive and accommodating of any dietary restrictions), and a refrigerator/microwave will be available for use. Cabins are climate-controlled, and laundry facilities are available on-site. In addition, camp staff may use watercrafts (canoes, kayaks, etc.) and the pool during off-times if there is no programming running and all camp policies regarding the use of these areas are followed.

Employment Dates:

May 18th-August 10th, 2024. The start date is tentative and may change slightly due to aspects of training. The Intervention Specialist is required to attend training (Staff Development) prior to the camp season, which will be held May 18th-24th (Support Staff & Program Staff Development Week), and May 26th-31st (All Staff Development Week). Camp Season runs June 2nd-August 10th, 2024.

The Intervention Specialist must begin on the training start date and be available for the entirety of the dates listed. If there is a prior commitment (wedding, family gathering, etc.), please state it during your interview, and we will try our best to accommodate.

The Intervention Specialist will receive at least one day off per week and additional times off depending on which programs are running that week (Partner Camps, TPOC Overnight/Day Camps).

Job Functions:

• Assist Camp Director in supervising and supporting Counselors in the supervision, management, and support of campers. Provide assistance and tools/tips in areas of camper care, including feeding, transferring, toileting, showering, dressing, and other activities of daily living.
• Nurture campers’ development, self-esteem, and independence in areas including but not limited to behavior, social interaction, and emotional regulation. Act as a resource, utilizing knowledge and experience to introduce/suggest advanced strategies in these areas to counselors and staff, aiding them in the growth of their own skillset and “toolbox.”
• Step in as necessary to provide additional behavioral support for campers with higher support needs, and to provide breaks for staff to process/decompress after challenging behaviors/situations. Know the location of campers at all times if/when under your responsibility.
• As needed, facilitate activities in primary program areas (Rock Wall/Zip Line, Arts & Crafts, Giant Swing, Sports & Games, Cooking, etc.), specialty theme activities, and all-camp activities/evening programming.
• Assist with and lead set-up, decorating, clean-up, and other tasks assigned to best ensure the success of camp.
• Identify and respond to environmental hazards at camp; respond to written emergency plans and verbally issued instructions; assist campers safely and effectively during potential emergencies.
• Communicate orally and in writing with campers, staff, and supervisors; complete paperwork as needed and ensure all Counselor paperwork is completed (Camp-unications, etc.)

Marginal Responsibilities:

• Attend and participate fully in mandatory training (“Staff Development”) at the beginning of summer, learns and retains information presented in a variety of learning environments (including role-play scenarios), and utilizes this knowledge to provide the best possible experience for campers/guests.
• Other duties as assigned.

General Expectations:

• Live with campers and staff of all ages and abilities in a cabin, helping them adjust to camp life and grow in understanding of other campers/staff and the dynamics of community living.
• Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers and staff where they feel comfortable trying new things and communicating concerns. Set campers and staff up for success, recognizing that success looks different for each individual.
• Maintain camper and staff confidentiality at all times, and respect the confidentiality of support team discussions/responsibilities.
• Serve as a mentor/coach to camp staff, Counselors-in-Training, and volunteers, helping them navigate challenges that arise and providing check-ins, encouragement, motivation and feedback. Monitor the “pulse” of team dynamics and communicate conflicts, performance issues, or potential improvements/solutions to supervisor.
• Support Timber Pointe programs and summer staff in the delivery of intentional programs, seeking to maximize fun while increasing connection, autonomy, resilience, and positive self-image for each camper participating.
• Utilize adaptive strategies and a strengths-based approach to ensure all activities are universally accessible and in line with the Timber Pointe mission of inclusivity and empowerment. Support facilitation of activities relevant to our population’s needs and abilities, so that all campers are able to participate, recognizing that participation may look/sound different for each camper.
• Participate fully in the camp program, including leading or assisting with activities, managing behavior, following the daily schedule, engaging with campers during “down times,” and putting an enthusiastic effort into camp traditions, dress-up days, songs/cheers, etc. (the goofy parts of camp that make it truly magical!)
• As needed, provide constant supervision of campers with limited breaks; sleep subject to the understanding of being woken up during the night to assist campers/staff if necessary.

Education/Experience Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED, required.
• College experience in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Occupational Therapy, or related field. Preferred, but not required.
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification. Preferred, but not required (We will fund a course if not certified).
• Minimum of one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Minimum of one year of experience working in a camp environment.
• Proven experience in providing behavioral support for youth and/or individuals with disabilities.

Competency Requirements

• Ability to provide direct, effective, and respectful feedback to others.
• Ability to build community and camaraderie defined by love, mutual respect, dedication to growth, and playful interactions.
• Emotional and physical stamina to joyfully and enthusiastically engage with a community of campers and staff for 12 weeks in a summer camp environment.
• Patience, willingness to learn, integrity, adaptability, flexibility, enthusiasm, and self-control
• Ability to understand, role model, and follow policies and procedures and to utilize strategies/tools taught during training for professional development and interactions; ability to seek/accept supervision and guidance.
• Accepting of differences in ability/religion/ethnicity/culture/race/gender/sexual orientation and/or other diversities. Willingness and ability to treat all campers and staff fairly regardless of background/preferences.
• Perform all essential functions listed while demonstrating the emotional resiliency to handle extended, repeated stressful situations appropriately and be capable of “self-management” of his/her/their own conditions with reasonable accommodations, which can be made without altering the requirements of this role.

Physical Requirements

Due to the fast-paced schedule, stimulating sensory experience of large-group living and dining, and emotionally/physically demanding role of a staff member, all team members must have the physical, cognitive, and mental ability, as well as strength and endurance to perform all job functions and expectations listed. Additional physical requirements include:

• Ability to independently navigate, participate in and provide supervision to active/outdoor activities spread out over Timber Pointe’s 170-acre facility, which may include without limitation walking long distances, running, paddling, crouching, reaching, pulling, and lifting 50 pounds or more.
• Emotional and physical stamina to joyfully and enthusiastically engage with a community of campers and staff for 12 weeks in a summer camp environment.

Work Environment

• Outdoor camp environment with exposure to all types of weather and conditions, including extreme heat, cold, snow, rain, and specific environmental realities (humidity, wind, bugs, lake water, etc.)
• Reside in camp cabins in a bunkbed with limited privacy and infrequent, minimal access to technology (internet, cell phone, etc.).

Prior to applying to Timber Pointe Outdoor Center’s 2024 Summer Team, please be ready to commit to providing the safest camp environment possible. 2024 Timber Pointe Summer Team members will be required to practice intentional COVID safety and consciousness for the entirety of their summer agreement. All staff will be required to be tested weekly and practice safe hygiene protocols. Masks may be a requirement (for our current weekend camps, all campers/staff/volunteers mask when going through the meal line and when participating in cooking class). While vaccination is not currently required, it is highly recommended.

Easterseals Central Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Easterseals is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, call 309.686.1177.