08-Apr-2024

2664BR

Temporary/Seasonal

Job Function and Responsibilities

The Camp Programs Inclusion Specialist contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society ("CZS") by providing the highest level of quality customer service and top-quality programming to camp and specialty program participants with a focus on creating and supporting inclusion practices in CZS programs. This role serves to further the Society's mission of inspiring conservation leadership and providing extraordinary guest experiences.

Primary duties and responsibilities:

Ensure inclusion of all individuals that participate in Zoo Camp programs, emphasizing all individual abilities and similarities. Supervise support of camp programs participants throughout the zoo during program activities; maintain staff to camper ratios as required by American Camp Association accreditation standards. Sign campers in and out at drop-off and pick-up as needed.

Communicate with parents prior to, and during camp to gather information about the camper's needs. Adapt activities, rules, equipment and/or supplies as needed to ensure quality participation by all program participants. Provide coaching and feedback to Camp staff as needed.

Provide support plans to Camp staff that will assure individuals with disabilities are integrated and able to fully participate with other Camp programs participants. Facilitate Camp and specialty programing as needed.

Deliver and document effective behavior management strategies as necessary. Meet with Camp staff on a weekly basis or more frequently, as needed, as a support and information resource for inclusion program procedures and best practices.

Create a summary report at the end of the summer zoo camp season that reviews specific inclusion situations which occurred throughout the season, the response/steps/actions taken or not by zoo camp staff relative to the situation, and strategies/best practices for how to improve in the future.

Support and mentor the Camp Inclusion Aide Intern (CELO). Work with the Camp Supervisor to ensure Inclusion Aide Intern has appropriate assignments and works towards a semester project. Provide an evaluation for the intern at the end of the summer term. Other related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements and Specifications

The requirements for this position include:
High School diploma or (GED) equivalent required. The pay is $21.15/hr
Must be at least 18 years of age as required by the American Camp Association Guidelines.
Two years' direct paid and/or volunteer/unpaid experience working with individuals having a variety of physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities.
Two months verifiable paid or unpaid experience working with groups of children and/or educating the public in a formal or informal educational setting, e.g., camp, park district, Special Recreation Association, day care, student teaching, school, or cultural institution, required.
Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills. English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
Must be a flexible and creative team player in order to accommodate changing camp and camper needs.
Able to work in a stimulating environment.
Experience with sending and receiving email and basic word processing skills required.
Must have excellent customer service skills and ability to work with guests effectively.
Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
Valid driver's license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver's license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state driver's license is required for out-of-state residents.

Preferred qualifications:
One year of college or two years of equivalent experience preferred, including coursework in special education, therapeutic recreation, rehabilitation, applied behavior analysis, or other directly related field or subjects.
Experience with Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel a plus.
Experience working in inclusive informal, educational, or recreational programs a plus
Experience and/or education in biological sciences, education, communication, or other directly related field or subjects, such as public speaking, interpretation, theater, or art and interpretation are preferred.
Experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, nature center, or art studio environment a plus.
Working knowledge of behavior management strategies a plus.
Training or certification in Crisis Prevention and Intervention, Safety Care, Handle with Care or other related certification a plus.
Multilingual ability, Spanish and/or American Sign Language fluency a plus.

Additional Information: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. In order to successfully create a safe, fun and positive learning environment for program participants, daily interactions with campers, and their parents and/or guardians is an expectation. Incumbent must demonstrate a positive attitude and be a positive role model in assisting participants with all activities, games and projects that relate to the designated program themes. Summer Camp programs run from June through August. Pre-school camp is for children 4 and 5-years old, school-age camp is for children in grades K-5. The work schedule for this position is generally Monday through Friday, 7 to 8 hours per day in the summer months. This position also requires the availability to work the weeks that summer Zoo Camp is in session as well as attend all required trainings in the weeks prior to camp starting. All schedules are based on the needs of the operation. This is a temporary position.

Additional Information

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Location

Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Zip Code

60513

Department

CET Learning Experiences

Group

Conservation, Education & Training

Union Status

Non-Union

Work Shift

Monday thru Friday