Day Camp Assistant (Seasonal) - SC/ Oceanside Corps-13-060

About the role

The Summer Day Camp Assistant supports the Day Camp Activities Coordinator, Corps officers and staff in daily operations of summer programs; assists with and monitors both classroom and outside activities for children; provides safe, clean environment; prepares and executes lesson plans for morning and afternoon activities; participates with children in field trips and activities and assists with meals for children as needed.

Essential Functions

• Aid in leading all Day Camp activities with enthusiasm according to training protocol established during training, and in accordance with the staff manual.
• Adhere to and assist in implementing positive behavior management procedures created for campers.
• Complete “Report to Parents” forms to inform parents, Corps Officer of issues, such as camper injuries, disputes, and behavioral challenges.
• Keep child issues confidential; do NOT share issues with other campers, parents, news organizations, or staff members who are NOT involved, report issues to Day Camp Activities Coordinator.
• Adhere to dress code at all times; may be required to wear activity appropriate attire.
• Maintain a clean, orderly learning environment including necessary housekeeping duties.
• Aid in check-in/check-out procedures according to protocol; check ID of each person signing out a camper and ensure the person picking up is on the authorized list.
• Communicate respectfully with peers, supervisors, and customers of various socio-economic backgrounds, handle disputes with participants, parents, and staff in a professional manner.
• Enforce facility- and activity-specific regulations to ensure safety; ensure that only registered campers/students participate.
• Maintain safe working environment; report any and all facility defects/problems and any suspicious activities or persons to the Corps Officer and Day Camp Activities Coordinator.
• Aid in emergencies and treatment of injured participants, volunteers, and/or staff; follow up by completing appropriate paperwork as directed.
• Perform regular head counts and keep an accurate attendance list of assigned children.
• Aid in planning activities, executing lesson plans, and supervising activity stations with help from other staff as needed.
• Participate with children in group activities; assist in playground supervision, assist with meal/snack preparation and service.
• Follow and ensure adherence to The Salvation Army Policy and Procedures and the Day Camp Code of Conduct.
• Act as a mandated reporter of child & elder abuse and report any suspicions or inappropriate behavior to a supervisor immediately.
• Recognize spiritual need of individuals.
• Perform all other duties as directed.

Working Conditions

• Ability to walk, stand, bend squat climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis.
• Ability to be able to lift up to 50lbs.
• Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as file cabinet drawers and reach overhead.
• Ability to operate computer and telephone.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 21 years of age, preferred.
• Class C License and able to drive, preferred.
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English; bilingual English/ Spanish preferred.
• Must work well and relate well with people.
• Ability to think creatively and outside of the box.
• Musical ability preferred.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and ability to use new software programs with basic training.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain poise under pressure.
• Must have philosophy of education and child development consistent with that of The Salvation Army.
• Ability to relate joyfully and sensitively to children of all ages.
• Ability to use appropriate discipline consistently.
• Ability to handle security and crisis situations calmly.
• Ability to provide constant and continual supervision.
• Ability to engage and maintain a child’s interest in activities.