Challenge Course Facilitator

Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS) is an international educational movement dedicated to the belief that people are capable of far more than they know. Founded in 1992, POBS’ mission is to change lives through challenge and discovery. Serving PA, NJ, and northern DE, POBS annually engages more than 7,000 youth and adult participants in single and multi-day experiential education programs that inspire character development, leadership, and community service.

About the role

Challenge Course Facilitators will instruct day-long team-building programs at a variety of sites, including POBS’ Wissahickon Valley Challenge Course, The Discovery Center, or offsite at local schools and organizations. Facilitators design progressions and program plans that include ground games, initiatives, and high adventure challenge course elements.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate and supervise day program activities, including ground games, team initiatives, and high ropes course elements for Middle School through Adult participant groups 3-5 days a week.
• Co-conduct daily pre-use challenge course inspections.
• Monitor and support the physical and emotional safety of all participants throughout programming at heights.
• Support challenge course rescues as needed.
• Collaborate with fellow facilitators and Program Coordinators to plan, deliver, and debrief activities in alignment with group goals.
• Use thoughtful progression planning to foster self-confidence, positive group dynamics, and effective problem-solving skills.
• Maintain compliance with all Philadelphia Outward Bound policies and procedures and current ACCT standards.
• Work effectively and professionally as part of a collaborative instructional team.
• Attend half-day mandatory program prep (typically Mondays).

Requirements

• ACCT Level 1 facilitator certification or equivalent (minimum of 40 hours of challenge course experience).
• Experience facilitating programs for youth and adults.
• Familiarity with the concepts of Challenge By Choice.
• Experience leading cooperative games and challenge course elements.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Must procure and pass an FBI Criminal Records Check.
• Must obtain Criminal and Child Abuse clearances for Pennsylvania.
• Must be 21 years or older.
• Ability to carry, lift, and move a 40 lb ladder.
• Able to comfortably work at heights of 30-40 feet.
• Irregular work hours as necessary, including the ability to work Saturday programs.
• First Aid/CPR/AED (or higher) certification required or this can be completed upon hire.

Skills

• Collaboration: Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds to effectively meet shared objectives, while encouraging the open expression of a diversity of ideas and opinions.
• Communication: Ability to clearly convey ideas, facts, and information in a variety of settings using different mediums, while encouraging the open expression of a diversity of ideas and opinions.
• Conflict Management: Ability to manage and resolve conflict productively and with minimal negative impact by integrating a diversity of viewpoints, addressing harm, and fostering understanding and empathy.
• Continual Learning: The ability to assess and recognize one's own strengths and pursue opportunities for continuous improvement through formal and informal channels including feedback, training, or stretch goals.
• Cultural Competence: The ability to recognize and appreciate patterns of cultural differences and commonalities and to shift cultural perspective and change behavior in culturally appropriate and authentic ways.
• Decision Making: The ability to make sound and timely decisions that accomplish goals, even in the face of uncertainty or high-pressure situations.
• Instills Trust: The ability to gain the confidence and trust of people from varying backgrounds and lived experiences through honesty, integrity, authenticity, and consistency between words and actions.
• Risk Management: Ability to lead self and others in anticipating, mitigating, and engaging in healthy risks to meet goals.
• Self-Management: The ability to set well-defined and realistic personal goals, take on and complete tasks in a timely manner, and complete work with an appropriate level of supervision.
• Situational Adaptability: The ability to modify approach and demeanor in real time to align with the shifting demands of different situations. The ability to "read the room" and adjust accordingly.
• Teaching Others: The ability to help others learn through formal and informal methods, identify training needs, provide constructive feedback, and coach others on how to successfully perform tasks.

Pay

• Starting Challenge Course Per-Diem Facilitator Rate: $125 per day.
• Daily training rate: $120 a day.
• POBS’ per diem pay scale is tiered and progressive. Rates are determined by both an individual’s experience level and the role worked. As staff gain experience and are approved to operate additional challenge course elements with increased responsibility, their applicable per diem rate increases accordingly.

Benefits

• Optional staff housing (if there is a vacancy) for 4 instructional seasons: $125/month for a bunk room.
• Access to Pro Deals (the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates).
• Access to POBS Employee Assistance Program.
• In-house and external professional development opportunities, including Outward Bound Network Staff Invitationals.
• A vibrant staff culture—many team members form lifelong friendships here.